Thinking Outside the Voice Box

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bridget Sweet
Keyword(s):  
Music Education ◽  
Choral Music ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
Female Voice ◽  
Male Adolescent ◽  
Choral Music Education ◽  
Voice Change ◽  
Adolescent Voice ◽  
The Voice ◽  
Changing Voice

Thinking Outside the Voice Box: Adolescent Voice Change in Music Education is different from other books on voice change in that it encourages new and holistic ways of thinking about the female and male adolescent changing voice. It gives choral music educators (or anyone interested in the changing voice) the opportunity to step away from typical considerations of voice change and explore the experience within the bigger picture of adolescence. Female and male adolescent voice change are addressed at length, but special efforts have been made to bring new attention to female voice change to boost considerations of females in choral music education. Holistic considerations encompass the importance of understanding physical development during adolescence, including the body, brain, and auditory system; vocal anatomy and physiology in general, as well as during male and female voice change; the impact of hormones on the adolescent voice, especially for female singers; ideas of resolve and perseverance that are essential to adolescent navigation of voice change; and exploration of portrayals of voice change that have contributed to a situated reality not based in fact, but accepted in pop culture. Choral educators are also given a larger scope of voice classification systems and other foundational ideas in choral music education through examination of some of the most eminent works in the profession. Emerging considerations of adolescent voice change beyond classification systems provide new food for thought about working with the adolescent changing voice.

Exploring Eminent Perspectives

2019 ◽  
pp. 133-160
Author(s):  
Bridget Sweet
Keyword(s):  
Music Education ◽  
Choral Music ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
Choral Music Education ◽  
Voice Change ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Voice Classification

To better understand the larger scope of voice classification systems and other foundational ideas in choral music education, the chapter explores some of the most eminent works in the profession by Emil Behnke and Lennox Browne, Duncan McKenzie, Irvin Cooper and Karl O. Kuersteiner, Richard Luchsinger and Godfrey E. Arnold, Frederick J. Swanson, John Cooksey, and Lynne Gackle. Such examination shows how cornerstone ideas have been fostered and how varying perspectives influenced the creation of new frameworks for working with changing voices. Also revealed is the deep dedication to certain beliefs about adolescent voices over the years. The chapter challenges choral educators to consider voice classification systems more as guidelines for helping teachers assist singers through voice change than as steadfast stages through which all voices pass. The systems are best utilized as supporting tools to help guide the process of voice change rather than label adolescent singers’ changing voices.

Anatomy and Physiology

2019 ◽  
pp. 39-60
Author(s):  
Bridget Sweet
Keyword(s):  
Change Process ◽  
Special Section ◽  
Music Educators ◽  
Male Adolescent ◽  
Male Voice ◽  
Voice Change ◽  
Anatomy And Physiology ◽  
Adolescent Voice ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Voice

The chapter describes how an understanding of the way the voice operates can empower both female and male adolescent singers as well as the teachers assisting them through the voice change process. It unpacks basic vocal anatomy and physiology, and then overlays physiological transformations that occur in the larynx during female and male voice change. A special section addresses the impact of hormones on the adolescent voice (especially for females) and promotes awareness of premenstrual vocal syndrome. The chapter encourages music educators to frequently discuss and reference vocal anatomy and physiology with adolescent singers in order to demystify vocal challenges and dispel myths and misunderstandings about how the voice and body function.

Emerging Considerations

2019 ◽  
pp. 161-192
Author(s):  
Bridget Sweet
Keyword(s):  
Classification Systems ◽  
Professional Musicians ◽  
Voice Change ◽  
Choral Repertoire ◽  
Personal Needs ◽  
Female Singers ◽  
Adolescent Voice ◽  
Choral Programs ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Changing Voice

The chapter discusses emerging considerations of adolescent voice change beyond classification systems and provides new food for thought about working with the adolescent changing voice. A section of the chapter specifically addresses female singers, for while it is common to have more females than males in choral programs, enrollment numbers do not ensure that choral programs are meeting females’ musical, developmental, and personal needs. In addition, discussion of the documentary Riot Acts provides insight into voice change from the perspective of professional musicians who identify as transgender. The chapter ends with ideas for working with changing voices, especially with regard to approaching choral repertoire.

Choral Music Education

1984 ◽  
Vol 70 (8) ◽  
pp. 27-28
Author(s):  
Fred Willman
Keyword(s):  
Music Education ◽  
Choral Music ◽  
Choral Music Education

Investigating Choral Pedagogies

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Ramroth
Keyword(s):  
Music Education ◽  
Choral Music ◽  
Private School ◽  
Cultural Landscape ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Organizational Context ◽  
Choral Music Education ◽  
Community Choir ◽  
Music Education Programs

While Western Europe heralds a celebrated tradition of classical choral music, conductors and choral pedagogues from other continents are often astounded to learn of the disparities among choral music education programs throughout the region. This chapter sets out to contextualize the role of music education in the curricula of the typical public or private school, and how private enterprise has evolved to provide music opportunities for those pursuing musical artistry and classical training. Does choral art thrive in a more diverse cultural landscape and a less regulated environment? How does the organizational context of school choir, church choir, community choir, choir club, or private initiative, predispose and shape the choral experience and the success of its endeavors? Is there a European methodology to teach choral music? Finally, how are artistic concepts such as the quest for a “German” choral music passed on?

“I Dream a World”: Inclusivity in Choral Music Education

2017 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 38-44
Author(s):  
Rhonda Fuelberth ◽  
Christy Todd
Keyword(s):  
Music Education ◽  
Choral Music ◽  
Universal Design For Learning ◽  
Music Educators ◽  
Choral Music Education ◽  
Inclusive Practice ◽  
Barriers To Access ◽  
Music Standards ◽  
Design For Learning ◽  
Choral Programs

This article explores how choral music educators can facilitate access to meaningful music experiences for all students in their schools. In a changing landscape that honors equity and diversity, music education environments must also change to align with these values. To provide the optimal environment for successful inclusive practice, choral music educators should evaluate barriers to access in terms of scheduling, reconsider current curricular offerings, and imagine new solutions that support music learning for all students. Instead of structuring choral programs around traditional choral concerts and adjudications, directors can use the 2014 Music Standards and the framework of Universal Design for Learning to drive classroom content and acquire the flexibility needed to build inclusive classrooms.

Introduction

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Bridget Sweet
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Music Teachers ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Adolescent Females ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Voice Change ◽  
Body Experience ◽  
Adolescent Voice ◽  
The Voice

The book describes voice change as a whole-body experience for adolescents, both female and male, which, while not always easy, should not scare music teachers away from working with adolescent singers. Many aspects of adolescent voice change are addressed throughout this book, but there may be exceptions to what is discussed. Everyone has an endocrine system that contains glands to produce hormones, but this system is sometimes influenced or disrupted by biological makeup, environmental conditions, or malnourishment; in addition, some people are diagnosed with atypical chromosomal structures. As a result, it is acknowledged that not every person on the planet does, in fact, experience a voice change. The focus of Thinking Outside the Voice Box remains on adolescent females and males who are engaged in the singing process and experiencing symptoms and expectations of a “typical” adolescent voice change.

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