Voice Studio Technology

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the following research question: What is the new technology and equipment that can be utilized in the voice studio, and what are the advantages of such technologies in this setting? The present study is a qualitative and historical analysis designed to provide an answer to the research question. It therefore, is exploratory and analytic in nature. This analysis was drawn from an extended review of literature from a variety of published sources and computerized databases, regarding issues such as the traditional methods of voice teaching, the new computerized voice teaching technologies and equipment, singing versus speech techniques, and the use of the spectrogram in the voice studio. Findings of the study demonstrated that "best practices" should include a combination of the traditional approaches to voice instruction and the use of new electronic technologies that can provide feedback and information that might otherwise not be readily available. Spectrogram technology, has been identified as the primary technology that is now being deployed effectively by voice instructors in a variety of educational settings. Advantages of the spectrogram include that it can: help deepen the practitioner's knowledge of verbal acoustics; enhance the pedagogy of voice instruction; act as a primary feedback tool in the voice studio and the practice room; identify the difference between what singers hear and reality; assist in learning

ecognition of the necessity of singing technically and not merely producing sound from the throat. Placement and position are emphasized in tandem with generating support from the lower body. Recognizing the importance of natural anatomy is seen by this master teacher as the fundamental set of concepts that must be mastered before ornamentation, emotion, and the other more "exciting" elements of vocalization can be added in (Van Sant, 1996). One traditional method of singing was developed by George Joseph Vogler, a late-eighteenth century organist and composer. Paul Corneilson (1998) analyzed Vogler's method of instruction as focused on the importance of portamento, annunciation, proper vocal production, the proper joining of head and chest voice, and the control of volume and pitch. Vogler created many pages of exercises (vocal melodies with instrumental bass) that involved various accompaniments of ascending and descending scales. However, the use of these exercises in the modern vocal instruction program are seen as properly occurring after basic breathing and respiratory techniques have been mastered. Corneilson (1998) also maintained that it is ultimately more important for the aspiring singer to master what McIver

Category: Science - V