  Concepts and formalism from acoustics are often used to exemplify quantum
mechanics. Conversely, quantum mechanics could be used to achieve a new
perspective on acoustics, as shown by Gabor studies. Here, we focus in
particular on the study of human voice, considered as a probe to investigate
the world of sounds. We present a theoretical framework that is based on
observables of vocal production, and on some measurement apparati that can be
used both for analysis and synthesis. In analogy to the description of spin
states of a particle, the quantum-mechanical formalism is used to describe the
relations between the fundamental states associated with phonetic labels such
as phonation, turbulence, and supraglottal myoelastic vibrations. The
intermingling of these states, and their temporal evolution, can still be
interpreted in the Fourier/Gabor plane, and effective extractors can be
implemented. The bases for a Quantum Vocal Theory of Sound, with implications
in sound analysis and design, are presented.
