Female Voice Classification and the Choral Director

Authors

  • Audrey Helena Dillon Central Michigan University

Abstract

Voice classification presents a paradox to the choral director. In choral singing, conductors need to be able to create a well-balanced ensemble into equal sounding sections. However, students (and teachers) tend to be in a hurry to classify the voice. It should be remembered that the young voice is constantly changing and growing. According to the vocal pedagogue Clifton Ware, most singers do not reach full vocal maturity until their mid-twenties, larger voices until their mid-thirties. Therefore, singers and choral conductors should not be rushed when making a decision about permanent vocal classification. The focus of this paper deals with the young female voice. This paper serves several purposes: to define vocal misclassification and its dangers; to lead the singer and choral director to healthy voice use through the choral ensemble; to present solutions and outcomes to eliminate the problem of vocal misclassification. Topics to be discussed include common occurrences of inappropriate voice use in choral ensembles (that is, females asked to sing outside of their voice category to fill out the other choral sections and female voices that are incorrectly classified); the changing female voice (ages 9 to 15) (that is, how choral conductors safely traverse these students through their voice change); the college singer in regards to the young voice; and possible solutions and outcomes to eliminate the problem of vocal misclassification (that is, frequent voice testing, making vocal decisions on tessitura not range, and listening to student’s concerns about their own voices). Through presentation of this paper, choral conductors will be educated about vocal misclassification and preventing damage to young female voices.

Author Biography

Audrey Helena Dillon, Central Michigan University

AUDREY HELENA DILLON, mezzo-soprano, is currently completing her Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting at Central Michigan University under the direction of Nina Nash-Robertson where she holds a graduate assistantship. Audrey’s GA duties include assisting Nash-Robertson in directing the choirs and the choral conducting class, and assisting the voice faculty in classes such as vocal techniques, vocal pedagogy, and voice diction. In spring of 2008 she received her Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance, also from Central Michigan University. At CMU, Audrey is an active member in the Chamber Singers, Concert Choir and Opera Theatre. In addition to these vocal ensembles, she is also a member of the Michigan School of Vocal Music Association and the American Choral Directors Association. After graduation, Audrey plans on continuing her studies in voice by pursuing a Doctorate in Vocal Pedagogy. Her future goals include performing regionally and teaching private voice and vocal pedagogy classes at the college or university level. This is Audrey’s first time participating in The Phenomenon of Singing International Symposium.

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Published

2013-10-29