Singing Scientifically: A Content Analysis of Choral Journal and Science-Based Discussion of the Voice

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the number of voice-related articles published in Choral Journal that included scientifically researched, evidence-based knowledge. Understanding the voice directly impacts the overall vocal health of singers. A content analysis of Choral Journal, the flagship publication of the American Choral Director’s Association, yielded 159 scientifically informed, voice-related articles published between 1959 and January 2022. The analysis demonstrated that authors employed three primary fields of science: physiology and anatomy, acoustics, and phonology. They used these areas to inform four broad categories of vocal pedagogy: resonance, diction, blend, and an uncoded category that included discussions of breath and body alignment. Many such articles appeared early in Choral Journal history, followed by fewer scientifically informed, voice-related pedagogical articles decade over decade until a notable rebound in the 2000s. The author concluded that more research in the areas of gender diversity, non-traditional vocal styles, and the explicit linkage between breath and body is needed. The author curated 52 previously published works for further reading as well as a QR link to all 159 articles analyzed. Revisiting this research may ameliorate potentially harmful misconceptions regarding the voice and singing as well as encourage further scientifically informed, evidence-based publications.