The purpose of this study was to contribute to increased understanding of specific causes of vocal fatigue and strain which sometimes occur during choral singing. Many music educators, voice teachers, and choral directors encounter the problem of vocal fatigue in voice students and choral singers. Professional journals and workshops reflect a growing recognition of these vocal problems. This survey of prominent choral directors compared their opinions regarding factors which contribute to vocal fatigue, and examined suggestions from their experiences which are effective in preventing vocal distress during choral singing. / Following a pilot survey of nationally recognized choral directors, identical questions were posed to a larger field of choral experts. Conductors who participated in the study were selected on the basis of their reputed knowledge of the voice, accessibility for a personal interview, and willingness to answer questions included in this project. Answers were tape recorded and a tapescript of each interview was submitted for approval and/or correction by the interviewee. / The responses included opinions about general causes of vocal fatigue and strain in choral singing, the importance of vocal warm-ups, implications for resonance strain in choral singing, the importance of vocal warm-ups, implications for resonance and blend, differences and similarities between choral and solo singing, management of breath and volume, tessitura consideration, rehearsal planning, and tours and festivals which may place unusual demands upon voices. Interviewees were also asked to suggest college requirements for vocal pedagogy and voice study for choral music preparation. / Results of the survey showed that responses reflected remarkable agreement, and that the format allowed colorful verbal illustrations which could be of interest and benefit to other choral directors and choral singers. Quotations from published writings of voice scientists, vocal pedagogues, and other well-known choral directors substantiated the opinions of the interviewees and explained the basis for their successful experiences. / Recommendations for further study include: (a) Empirical studies concerning resonance and breathing as related to vocal distress, (b) a survey of college curricula designed for preparation of choral conductors, and (c) surveys of high school choral directors and voice teachers for the purpose of ranking causes of vocal fatigue. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 56-03, Section: A, page: 0752. / Major Professor: Colleen J. Kirk. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1995.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_77380 |
| Contributors | Cook-Koenig, Carol Ann., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 425 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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