Mutations
Teenagers undergo a massive transition during puberty, and their voices alter significantly. This can be a challenging time for young singers since the changes to their vocal physiology may impair their ability to sing and perform. Even worse, traditional vocal techniques may disrupt the growing voice, resulting in injury or long-term harm. This annotated bibliography aims to give readers a thorough understanding of the safe singing techniques that teenagers can use through pubertal vocal changes. To discover efficient and secure singing techniques that can aid young singers in navigating this challenging stage of their life, the bibliography consults various sources, including academic publications, books, and online resources. This annotated bibliography seeks to guide and support music educators and vocal coaches who work with young singers experiencing pubertal voice mutations by thoroughly reviewing safe singing techniques.
Beynon-Martinec, J., & Martinec, J. (2020). Pedagogical strategies for influencing the pubertal male singer. In The Routledge Companion to Interdisciplinary Studies in Singing (pp. 326-338). Routledge. Retrieved from https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781315162607-26/pedagogical-strategies-influencing-pubertal-male-singer-jennifer-beynon-martinec-jakub-martinec.
In their chapter titled “Pedagogical strategies for influencing the pubertal male singer,” Beynon-Martinec and Martinec (2020) examine pedagogical techniques to affect pubertal male singers. They draw attention to the difficulties pubescent male vocalists encounter, such as issues matching pitch, vocal range restrictions, and voice tone changes. The authors offer helpful advice for vocal instructors on overcoming these difficulties, including emphasizing vocal hygiene, promoting healthy singing practices, and adopting exercises tailored to the needs of male singers throughout their pubertal years. Given the societal difficulties pubescent male vocalists may encounter due to their developing voices, the chapter also highlights the significance of psychological assistance. The chapter is a thorough and valuable manual for music instructors and vocal coaches working with pubescent male vocalists. It provides valuable tactics and simple strategies in group or one-on-one instruction. Because it acknowledges the emotional impact of the pubertal voice changes on male vocalists, the writers’ emphasis on psychological support is significant. With distinct headings and subheadings, the chapter is nicely organized and straightforward to navigate. Overall, this chapter is a valuable tool for researchers, vocal trainers, and music educators who wish to comprehend and overcome the difficulties confronted by pubertal male vocalists.
Caldretti, M. (2017). Vocal pedagogy and the adolescent female singing voice. California State University, Long Beach.
The purpose of Caldretti’s (2017) thesis, “Vocal Pedagogy and the Adolescent Female Singing Voice,” is to examine the difficulties faced by young women who sing and the methods vocal coaches employ to overcome those difficulties. The author analyzes the effects of puberty’s physiological and psychological changes on a woman’s singing voice. The thesis emphasizes the significance of safe and efficient vocal methods, such as breath support, resonance, and vowel modification, that cater to the demands of young female singers. In addition, Caldretti looks at the function of psychological support in vocal pedagogy, highlighting the necessity for instructors to foster a helpful and motivating learning environment for their pupils. This thesis is invaluable for voice coaches and music instructors dealing with young female singers. It thoroughly examines the effects of puberty’s physiological and psychological changes on the female singing voice. The author provides doable suggestions for vocal exercises that can be used to overcome the difficulties presented by young female vocalists. The thesis emphasizes how critical providing these pupils with a safe and supportive learning environment is. With a comprehensive examination of the literature and an in-depth analysis of the findings, the research is organized and presented simply. This thesis offers a thorough and instructive resource for vocal instructors and music educators looking to understand and support the requirements of adolescent female singers going through pubertal voice mutations.
Freer, P. K. (2022). SINGING AND ADOLESCENT MALES: AN UPDATED LOOK AT” WHAT DO WE KNOW NOW?”. The Choral Journal, 63(4), 38-49.
The article “Singing and Adolescent Males: An Updated Look at ‘What Do We Know Now?'” by Freer from 2022 summarizes the most recent studies on adolescent male singers and their difficulties during puberty. The changes to the larynx, voice folds, and lung capacity that take place during puberty are covered by the author. A lack of confidence, peer pressure, and self-consciousness are just a few of the psychological and social difficulties that Freer also looks at for young male vocalists. The essay offers insightful information on the challenges young male singers face and helpful coping mechanisms. It highlights how crucial safe and efficient vocal methods are in assisting young male vocalists as they navigate their voice mutations. The article emphasizes the choir director’s function in fostering a welcoming and encouraging environment for all pupils. Overall, the information in Freer’s article is helpful for choir directors, music educators, and vocal coaches who work with young male singers who are going through pubertal voice changes. An extensive overview of the most recent studies on the subject is included in the essay, which is well-written and presented. It provides helpful advice and simple practices to encourage adolescent male singers in the classroom or choral situation.
Gebhardt, R. (2016). The adolescent singing voice in the 21st Century: Vocal health and pedagogy promoting vocal health (Doctoral dissertation, The Ohio State University). Retrieved from https://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1461188945.
The doctoral dissertation Gebhardt wrote in 2016 titled “The adolescent singing voice in the 21st Century: Vocal health and pedagogy promoting vocal health” focuses on the difficulties that young singers face and the methods employed to maintain vocal health throughout the pubertal voice mutation process. The author thoroughly analyzes the literature on the subject, focusing on the physiological changes brought on by puberty and how these affect adolescent singing voices. According to Gebhardt’s research, adolescent singers’ vocal health is promoted by using safe and effective vocal methods such as good breathing, posture, and resonance. The dissertation emphasizes the importance of vocal pedagogy in fostering vocal health and stresses the need for vocal teachers to be educated about the changes throughout puberty and the techniques that may be employed to support their pupils. For anyone interested in comprehending and promoting vocal health for young singers undergoing pubertal voice mutations, vocal teachers, music educators, and researchers should consult Gebhardt’s dissertation. This clearly written and well-organized dissertation includes a comprehensive literature review and an in-depth analysis of the findings. The study offers valuable suggestions and tactics that can be used to accommodate the demands of adolescent vocalists during this trying time and promote vocal health.
Phillips, K. H., Williams, J., & Edwin, R. (2018). The young singer. Vocal, Instrumental, and Ensemble Learning and Teaching: An Oxford Handbook of Music Education, Volume 3, 3, 44.
For music educators and vocal pedagogues who want to learn more about the growth and instruction of young singers, Phillips, Williams, and Edwin’s (2018) chapter “The young singer” is a helpful resource. With an emphasis on adolescents going through pubertal voice mutations, the chapter offers an overview of the physiological and psychological aspects that affect young students’ singing voices. The authors thoroughly examine the difficulties that young singers confront, such as those with breath control, tone creation, and vocal range. To promote vocal health and prevent damage, they also review the significance of vocal hygiene, including regular hydration and minimizing vocal strain. A helpful and secure learning environment is crucial; thus, the chapter also looks at pedagogical tools and approaches that can be utilized to help young singers. The authors advise educators to be aware of the physiological changes associated with puberty and to modify their lesson plans to suit the needs of each student. This chapter is an essential source of information for teachers, students, and researchers interested in the growth and instruction of young singers, particularly throughout the complex process of pubertal voice mutation. To encourage safe and successful vocal training for young singers and to create a lifetime love of singing and music, the authors offer doable suggestions and tactics that can be implemented.
Sweet, B. (2016). ” Choral Journal” and the Adolescent Female Changing Voice. Choral Journal, 56(9), 53-64.
Sweet (2016) investigates the difficulties experienced by female adolescent singers throughout pubertal voice mutation and the significance of secure and efficient vocal instruction in “Choral Journal” and the Adolescent Female Shifting Voice. The author looks at how choral music education supports the growth and instruction of adolescent female singers, emphasizing fostering vocal health and preventing vocal injury. The significance of comprehending the physiological alterations that take place throughout puberty and how they affect the voice’s development is emphasized in the essay. Sweet strongly emphasizes the need for educators to have a working knowledge of vocal hygiene in addition to providing a safe and encouraging learning environment for their charges. The author also covers aspects of pubertal voice mutation that are emotionally and psychologically difficult to deal with, such as self-consciousness and anxiety. The utilization of cooperative learning strategies and positive reinforcement are just a couple of the suggestions made by Sweet for educators on supporting children in developing resilience and self-assurance during this trying time. Sweet’s article is an excellent resource for those interested in supporting and securing efficient voice training for young female singers. The author’s thoughts and valuable suggestions can assist teachers in developing a nurturing and robust learning environment that encourages a lifetime love of singing and music.
Weinrich, B., Brehm, S. B., LeBorgne, W., Eanes, C., Zacharias, S., Beckmeyer, J., … & de Alarcon, A. (2022). Perceptual Measures of Boychoir Voices During the Phases of Pubertal Voice Mutation. Journal of Voice, 36(1), 142-e1.
The aim of the Weinrich et al. study on the perceptual measures of Boychoir voices during pubertal voice mutation was to determine the alterations that occur during the process’ various stages. The vocal quality of adolescent male choir singers was evaluated by the authors using a variety of perceptual methods, including subjective evaluations by seasoned listeners and objective acoustic measurements. Perceptual assessments of vocal quality, according to the study, tended to diminish when pubertal voice mutation began but subsequently rose as it progressed. The authors hypothesize that the increased control and altered vocal anatomy may be to blame for this improvement. According to the authors, the study has significant consequences for adolescent male singers’ education and training since it emphasizes the necessity for specialized educational strategies that consider the particular difficulties associated with pubertal voice mutation. The authors advise choir directors and voice coaches to offer attentive and supportive coaching while utilizing various strategies that encourage vocal health and lower the chance of harm. Overall, Weinrich et al. (2022) study sheds light on the perception changes that male adolescent singers experience throughout pubertal voice mutation and emphasizes the significance of safe and efficient vocal training in fostering their musical growth.
Closing Statement
The annotated bibliography thoroughly analyzes recent studies on safe singing techniques for teenagers going through pubertal voice changes. The sources analyzed stress the significance of vocal health and pedagogy in encouraging secure singing habits in young singers. Vocal hygiene routines, suitable repertoire choices, and effective pedagogical tactics are crucial in protecting the health of the teenage voice at this crucial growth stage. The researched literature offers insightful analysis and valuable suggestions for vocal trainers and music educators who work with young singers. More study in this field is required to improve our knowledge of secure and productive singing techniques for adolescents experiencing pubertal voice mutations.
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