A study of the causes and remedial treatment of inaccurate singing through experimentation and research was chosen by the writer as a practical problem urgently in need of solution.

The purpose of this report is to present a plan of study for a course in vocal pedagogy.

Orientador: Luiz Ricardo Basso Ballestero / Banca: Wladimir Farto Contesini de Mattos / Banca: Josani Keunecke Pimenta / Banca: Alberto José Vieira Pacheco / Banca: Lílian Neto Aguiar Ricz / Resumo: A nasalidade do português brasileiro cantado e falado se caracteriza por uma grande variação articulatória. Com o objetivo de organizar e esclarecer essas múltiplas possibilidades de tratamento articulatório no canto, o presente trabalho investiga o comportamento e a articulação dos processos nasais na fala em português brasileiro, apresenta uma proposta de transcrição fonética para esses sons no canto e evidencia distintas possibilidades de variação articulatória pertinentes à pratica musical. Dessa maneira, estabelece um trajeto que fundamenta o processo de escolha dos símbolos a serem utilizados na representação fonética dos nasais no canto, baseado em estudos fonético-fonológicos da fala e na abordagem articulatória, até a sua aplicação prática, por meio do uso da sílaba melódica em uma proposta alternativa de representação. / The nasality of the Brazilian Portuguese language sung and spoken is characterized by a great articulatory variation. In order to organize and clarify these multiple possibilities of articulatory treatment in singing, the present work investigates the behavior and articulation of nasal processes in Brazilian Portuguese, presents a proposal of phonetic transcription for these sounds in the singing and shows different possibilities of articulatory variation pertinent to musical practice. In this way, it establishes a path that bases the process of choosing the symbols to be used in the phonetic representation of the nasals in the song, based on phonetic-phonological studies of speech and in the articulatory approach until its practical application, through the use of the melodic syllable in an alternative proposal for representation. / Doutor

This qualitative, multi-case study examined trans and non-binary singers in the applied voice studio. The purpose of this study was to explore (1) the impact of music participation on the identities of trans and non-binary singers, (2) the experiences of trans and non-binary singers taking private singing lessons, and (3) the strategies and practices of their voice teachers. Purposeful sampling of four singers included two trans men and two non-binary individuals. Four teachers with prior experience in teaching trans or non-binary singers included two teachers identifying as trans men, and two cisgender (one female, one male) teachers. Data were collected through interviews and lesson observations, presented through portraiture analysis to provide an insider’s view of the experiences, perspectives, and practices of the participants. Findings and implications emerged through cross-case analyses. The results indicate that gender impacts musical spaces. While participation in musical activities created an outlet for some singers to explore their trans or non-binary identity, the reification of the gender binary in musical spaces was oppressive for others. Students modeled high self-efficacy by showing perceived competence to change discriminatory policies and practices in music and the performing arts. Teachers demonstrated emotional support in the applied studio by being cognizant of student needs. While the training of each student looked distinct, teachers affirmed students through student-centered pedagogical approaches, allowing students to guide their vocal training and development. Teachers discussed the need for adept understanding of vocal technique in training trans and non-binary singers. All four trans men (two students and two teachers) discussed their voice modification through testosterone replacement therapy. The two non-binary singers, not engaged in medical voice modulation, discussed changes in their voices through singing lessons. The research posits that curricular development in vocal pedagogy courses is needed to educate singing teachers on cultural competency and trans and non-binary vocality. This study revealed the need to examine applied teacher readiness in educating trans and non-binary singing. Research on the longitudinal effects of testosterone on the voice is warranted. Additional scholarship is needed in working with trans or non-binary voices not engaging in hormone replacement therapy.

The problem with which this investigation is concerned is that of developing a theory in vocal pedagogy, voiception, which could provide teaching techniques with tangibility for gaining control of both voluntary and involuntary functions of the singing act. This study appears to show that feeling tone and cognition are innately involved with singing, since the vocal instrument is actually a part of the singer. Analysis of the sung vowel through the singing sensation is the connecting link for gaining control of involuntary vocal functions.

Dr. Eph Ehly is one of the most sought after choral conductors in the United States today. Ehly has conducted over seventy All-State choirs. However, no previous source outlines the fundamental principles of his philosophy and rehearsal techniques.This study was designed to capsulize Ehly's contributions. The writer produced a videotape entitled, "Eph Ehly: A Source of True Inspiration." This video captures Dr. Ehly's philosophy regarding the All-State choir experience and demonstrates his rehearsal techniques. The author attended three All-State festivals where Ehly was the guest conductor (Indiana, New York, and Oklahoma). The video contains rehearsals and performances and videotaped interviews with Dr. Ehly.The cornerstone of Ehly's approach is this: using music to express. There are three components to Ehly's philosophy: 1) the physical component, 2) the emotional component, and 3) the spiritual component. The writer identified four forms of the physical component: 1) handshake, 2) hug, 3) clapping, and 4) other spontaneous physical gestures. The writer identified eight aspects of the emotional component: 1) expressivity, 2) sensitivity to the world, themselves, and their own emotions, 3) sympathy, 4) reality of emotions, 5) creating mood, 6) building ensemble, 7) music as a reflection of life, and 8) awareness of a "sixth sense." In describing the spiritual component, two divisions were identified: 1) the development of character, and 2) reaching a level of spirit-awareness.The study also summarizes Ehly's rehearsal techniques by outlining his idiosyncratic approach to the treatment of traditional musical elements. The video presentation highlights nine technical concerns and demonstrates Ehly's approach to these common problems. The areas addressed are: 1) tone quality, 2) diction, 3) rhythm, 4) dynamics, 5) phrasing, 6) articulation, 7) breathing, 8) vowel modification, and 9) vibrato. The videotape is supported by a written document containing background information, a script of the video, a summary by the author, a representative list of programs from AllState choirs conducted by Dr. Ehly, and transcripts of the interviews with Dr. Ehly. Church musicians, professional conductors, educators, and students of conducting can all benefit from the opportunity to view and evaluate Ehly's approach. / School of Music

The purpose of this study was to identify the perceptions of voice teachers regarding the degree to which they believe they teach and monitor healthy vocal behaviors among their students as they sing and speak. Participants for the study were college/university voice professors who were members of the College Music Society and listed in its Directory of Music Faculties in Colleges and Universities, U.S. and Canada, 2012-2013 Edition. Online, survey research procedures and a researcher-generated questionnaire were utilized for data collection purposes. Results indicated that an overwhelming majority of participants believed there to be a relationship between the health of one’s singing voice and the health of one’s speaking voice. Participants’ perception scores were the most positive for variable MBSi, or the degree to which they believe they monitor the vocal behaviors of students when singing. Participants’ perception scores for variable TVB, the degree to which they believe they teach healthy vocal behaviors to students, and variable MBSp, the degree to which they believe they monitor the vocal behaviors of students when speaking, ranked second and third respectively. Perception scores for variable TVB were primarily associated with participants’ familiarity with vocal rehabilitation techniques, gender, and participants’ familiarity with the McClosky Technique. Perception scores for variable MBSi were primarily associated with participants’ familiarity with vocal rehabilitation techniques, gender, type of student taught, and whether participants had instructed a student with a vocal disorder. Perception scores for variable MBSp were correlated with the greatest number of characteristics, including participants’ familiarity with vocal rehabilitation techniques, participants’ familiarity with the McClosky Technique, type of student taught, years of teaching experience, and whether participants had instructed a student with a vocal disorder. The researcher concluded that, while many voice teachers understand the relationship between the health of the speaking voice and the health of the singing voice and use various methods within their private studios to work with injured voices, voice teachers and students may not understand, nor be adequately prepared to prevent and intervene when it comes to issues of the speaking voice. In fact, the researcher concluded that there seems to be a disconnect among teachers and students alike when it comes to teaching and understanding healthy vocal behaviors and applying them to the speaking voice. Multiple resources exist, however, in the form of various certifications, symposiums, and workshops, through which voice teachers may avail themselves of the knowledge necessary to care for the overall health of their students’ speaking and singing voices. Indeed, the voice teacher is obligated to teach well-rounded, healthy vocal behaviors, applying them to both the singing voice and the speaking voice. As medical professionals more frequently reach out to voice teachers, voice teachers will have increased opportunity to assume a more active role on a voice care team. Because so many teachers already implement methods found within the McClosky Technique, if used with understanding and commitment, the Technique could be a means for habilitation, prevention, and intervention on behalf of students suffering from speaking voice disorders within the voice studio. / Access to thesis permanently restricted to Ball State community only. / School of Music

Orientador: Sonia Marta Rodrigues Raymundo / Banca: Luiz Eduardo Frin / Banca: Luiz Ricardo Ballestero / Banca: Márcia Aparecida Baldin Guimarães / Banca: Wladimir Farto Contesini de Mattos / Resumo: O termo cantor-ator refere-se a cantores líricos que levem em conta qualquer grau de responsabilidade cênica existente em qualquer tipo de performance de seu repertório, considerando que o ato de cantar em público já é em si um ato cênico. Dessa forma, existe a necessidade do cantor agregar outras habilidades artísticas que vão além da produção técnico-musical, pois sua atitude cênica não é apenas complemento, mas parte fundamental de seu fazer artístico. Junto a isso, identifica-se uma lacuna na formação profissional dos cantores líricos referente a seu desenvolvimento cênico. O objetivo dessa pesquisa é propor atividades direcionadas ao desenvolvimento de habilidades relacionadas às necessidades cênicas do cantor-ator. A pesquisa fundamenta-se na revisão da literatura específica sobre a atuação cênica do cantor lírico como referencial teórico, tendo os princípios da metodologia do diretor norte-americano Wesley Balk (1981, 1989 e 1991) como fundamentação principal. A proposta de atividades é composta por exercícios e jogos cujo foco de desenvolvimento cênico contemple pelo menos um dos objetivos a seguir: 1) A construção de uma inteligência relativa ao uso cooperativo e assertivo dos recursos expressivos do cantor lírico - corpo, voz e rosto, proporcionando-lhe a integração dos processos de cantar e atuar; 2) o estímulo da sua sensibilidade e criatividade como forma de lhe desenvolver autonomia criativa que lhe permita o senso de verdade cênica e adaptabilidade na performan... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The singer - actor term refers to classical singers that consider any degree of scenic responsibility existed in any kind of his/her repertory's performance, keeping in mind that the act of singing in public is a scenic act by itself . In this way, there is a demand for the singer to aggregate other abilities beyond the technical - musical production, because his/her scenic attitude is not just a complement, but a fundamental part of his/her artistic practice. In addition, there is a gap in singers professional qualification regarding his/her acting development. The objective of this research is to propose activities aimed at the development of abilities related to the scenic needs of the singer - actor. The research is based on the review of the specific literature on the classi cal singer's scenic performance as a theoretical reference, with the principles of Wesley Balk's methodology (1981, 1989 and 1991) as the main foundation. The proposal of activities is composed of exercises and games whose focus of scenic development contemplates at least one of the following objectives: 1) The construction of an intelligence related to the cooperative and assertive use of the expressive resources of the classical singer - body, voice and face, provid ing to him/her the integration of the singing and acting processes; 2) the stimulation of his/her sensibility and creativity as a way to develop creative autonomy that allows him/her the sense of scenic truth and adaptability in perform... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Numerous studies exist examining the link in solo singers between timbre and overtone spectra. The purpose of this study is to examine if similar results can be obtained by applying the same techniques to choral singing. The study is aimed at non-scientific readers and therefore introduces the subject with background to the relevant physics. In this study a number of recorded samples of choirs were taken from www.youtube.com and analyzed. The analysis included computation of long-term average spectra (LTAS) and singing power ratio‟s (SPR), which provided an indication of the relative energy in the higher overtone region of every choir. This was compared to a binary value judgment of the choirs. The results indicate that the SPR as applied to soloists cannot be directly applied to choirs. A link between SPR and a perceived “good” choral tone could exist but would have to be interpreted differently than in the case of soloists. It was also found that a possible link could exist between frequency peaks in LTAS and a choir‟s intonation.

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