Thesis (MMus)-- Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: It is widely accepted that the singer’s formant cluster (Fs) – perceptual correlates being twang
and ring, and pedagogically referred to as head resonance – is the defining trait of a
classically trained voice. Research has shown that the spectral energy a singer harnesses in
the Fs region can be measured quantitatively using spectral indicators Short-Term Energy
Ratio (STER) and Singing Power Ratio (SPR). STER is a modified version of the standard
measurement tool Energy Ratio (ER) that repudiates dependency on the Long-Term Average
Spectrum (LTAS). Previous studies have shown that professional singers produce more Fs
spectral energy when singing in ensemble mode than in solo mode; however for amateur
singers, the opposite trend was noticed. Little empirical evidence in this regard is available
concerning undergraduate vocal performance majors. This study was aimed at investigating
the resonance tendencies of individuals from the latter target group, as evidenced when
singing in two performance modes: ensemble and solo. Eight voice students (two per SATB
voice part) were selected to participate. Subjects were recorded singing their parts
individually, as well as in full ensemble. By mixing the solo recordings together, comparisons
of the spectral content could be drawn between the solo and ensemble performance modes.
Samples (n=4) were extracted from each piece for spectral analyses. STER and SPR means
were highly proportional for both pieces. Results indicate that the singers produce
significantly higher levels of spectral energy in the Fs region in ensemble mode than in solo
mode for one piece (p<0.05), whereas findings for the other piece were insignificant. The
findings of this study could inform the pedagogical approach to voice-training, and provides
empirical bases for discussions about voice students’ participation in ensemble ventures. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Dit word algemeen aanvaar dat die singer’s formant cluster (Fs) – die perseptuele korrelate is
die Engelse “twang” en “ring”, en waarna daar in die pedagogie verwys word as
kopresonansie – die bepalende eienskap is van ’n Klassiek-opgeleide stem. Navorsing dui
daarop dat die spektrale energie wat ’n sanger in die Fs omgewing inspan kwantitatief gemeet
kan word deur die gebruik van Short-Term Energy Ratio (STER) en Singing Power Ratio
(SPR) as spektrale aanwysers. STER is ’n gewysigde weergawe van die standaard maatstaf
vir energie in die Fs, naamlik Energy Ratio (ER), wat afhanklikheid van die Long-Term
Average Spectrum (LTAS) verwerp. Vorige studies het getoon dat professionele sangers meer
Fs energie produseer in ensemble konteks as in solo konteks, in teenstelling met amateur
sangers waar die teenoorgestelde die norm is. Min empiriese data in hierdie verband is
beskikbaar, m.b.t. voorgraadse uitvoerende sangstudente. Hierdie studie is daarop gemik om
die tendense in resonansie by individue uit die laasgenoemde groep te ondersoek, soos dit
blyk in die twee uitvoerende kontekste: ensemble en solo. Agt sangstudente (twee per SATB
stemgroep) is geselekteer om aan die studie deel te neem. Die deelnemers het hul stempartye
individueel en in volle ensemble gesing, en is by beide geleenthede opgeneem. Deur die soloopnames
te meng, kon vergelykings van die spektrale inhoud gemaak word tussen die solo en
ensemble konteks. ’n Steekproef (n=4) is uit elke stuk onttrek vir spektrale analise. Die STER
en SPR gemiddeldes was eweredig vir beide stukke. Resultate toon dat die sangers beduidend
hoër vlakke van spektrale energie in die Fs omgewing produseer in ensemble konteks as in
solo konteks vir een stuk (p<0.05), terwyl die bevindinge vir die tweede stuk nie beduidend
was nie. Die bevindinge van hierdie studie kan belangrik wees vir die pedagogiese
benadering tot stemopleiding, en lewer empiriese basis vir gesprekke oor die betrokkenheid
van sangstudente in die ensemble bedryf.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:sun/oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/85563 |
| Date | 12 1900 |
| Creators | Van Der Linde, Byron-Mahieu |
| Contributors | Vermeulen, H.J., Herbst, Theo, Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Music. |
| Publisher | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | Unknown |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 90 leaves |
| Rights | Stellenbosch University |
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