Adolescent voice change is a developmentally uncertain time for singers when the vocal anatomy undergoes significant growth. Female singers experience a distinctive set of symptoms. Vocal tone that was previously clear and pure becomes breathy and, at times, thick, husky, and hoarse (Ingram & Rice, 1962; Sipley, 1993; Vennard, 1967). Voice ranges that initially widen […]
IJRCS
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 […]
Teaching What We Were Taught: A Survey of Choral Music Educators on Vocal Health, Anatomy, and Pedagogy
The purpose of this investigation was to assess if prior education influenced current teaching practices of choral music educators in terms of vocal health, anatomy, and pedagogy. We utilized a four-part online questionnaire to inquire about music educator’s a) personal experience in voice education and teaching/conducting practice in b) general vocal health, c) vocal anatomy […]
Advancing Vocal Health Research and Practice in Choral Singing Contexts
Studies appearing in this special collection focus broadly on vocal health in choral singing contexts. They do so from a variety of vantage points—singers in various stages of lifespan voice development, teacher-conductors, parents, and professional journal content. Such investigations interest us because choir conductor-teachers serve as the primary voice teachers and main sources of voice […]
Women Conductors of College Men’s Choirs – Redefining the “Brotherhood”
Collegiate men’s choirs have unique and storied traditions dating back to the Civil War and the founding of many prominent colleges in the United States (Albinder & Jones, 2008). Historically, these ensembles created a place for fraternity, brotherhood, and social outlets for young men (Jones, 2010). Consequently, there are few documented instances of women conducting […]