Using a Vertical-Keyboard Instrument with the Uncertain Singer

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of a vertically-arranged keyboard instrument by the uncertain singer as a means of improving his or her vocal performance, and to compare this improvement with that of (1) students who received the same remedial instruction, but modified to include the use of a horizontal-keyboard instrument, and (2) students who were taught in the conventional manner recommended by music educators for improvement of singing skills. A test instrument developed for the study included aural and vocal tasks to be performed by the subject. The test was used in a pretest-posttest design. Results indicated that the vertical-keyboard procedure produced more effective performance results than did the horizontal-keyboard or the conventional procedure. Vocal problems related to concept of pitch direction, lack of attention, and low speaking voice were most efficiently handled in the vertical-keyboard group.

Keywords

aural discrimination instrument (musical)memory vocal music vocal technique

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