The Scream Notation System: A Notational System for Screamed Vocals

Authors

Matthew Delcambre, Stephen F Austin State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-2025

Abstract

In Western music notation, there is no specified system of notation for screamed vocals, a style of singing that has become increasingly popular since the late 1970s with the advent of metal music and seen increased interest in screams in other genres since. Screams are a unique and diverse vehicle of delivery that can be differentiated according to timbre, technique, pitch and physiology. This research aims to first identify the anatomical and timbral differences between named screams and create a database of screams to be studied. The next task is to design a notational system appropriate for screams and then apply the system to existing repertoire and an original composition. In doing so, analysts may access this tool to more accurately study music which uses screaming, especially metal and rock music.

Repository Citation

Delcambre, Matthew, "The Scream Notation System: A Notational System for Screamed Vocals" (2025). Student Publications. 1.
https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/music_studentpubs/1