A Comprehensive Study of the Male Voice Mutation

Author

Alexander A. Looney, The University Of AkronFollow

Date of Last Revision

2023-05-02 14:20:00

Major

Music Education - Vocal & Keyboard

Degree Name

Bachelor of Music

Date of Expected Graduation

Winter 2015

Abstract

This research project is a comprehensive study of the male voice mutation. The beginning of the document will provide a brief history of the approach to the male voice mutation dating back to the ancient Greek and Roman times. Information and pedagogical middle school classroom application of the contemporary voice mutation theories by Duncan McKenzie, Irvin Cooper, Frederick Swanson, and John Cooksey will also be discussed. The second section will include an analysis of individual voice testing results from boys in 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade at Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts in Akron, Ohio. Age, previous piano and other music experience, range, pitch matching, tonal memory, sense of rhythm, and vocal strength were evaluated and documented on a standard individual vocal assessment form. The test group of the research were the boys from the 7^th grade choir. The project culminated in selecting appropriate choral warm-ups and literature to select for the boys in the 7^th grade choir.

Research Sponsor

Dr. Ann Usher

First Reader

Dr. Bryan Nichols

Second Reader

Dr. Marie Bucoy-Calavan

Recommended Citation

Looney, Alexander A., "A Comprehensive Study of the Male Voice Mutation" (2015). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 190.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/190