The Effects of
Singer Laryngeal Height on
Acoustic Measurements of Adolescent Choral Ensemble Singing

The aim of the study was to identify trends in acoustic measurements of choral singing specific to laryngeal placement. The singers were trained to sing vocal exercises and repertoire excerpts using high, low, and neutral larynx positions. The singing was recorded, and acoustic analysis was completed on the recordings to examine the impacts of laryngeal height on spectral slope, singing power ratio, average intensity, average pitch frequency, and formant frequency.

The results of the acoustic analysis will be presented in this recital, and the implications of the findings in the field of choral music will be discussed. The Troubadours will demonstrate the technique protocol used in the study. They will also demonstrate how the study techniques can be applied to an artistic choral music performance, culminating in a mini-concert at the end of the recital.

This lecture recital is presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from the University of Utah that I am studying towards.

Lecture Recital featuring the Waterford School Troubadours

Patrick Tatman, conductor

Patrick TatmanChorus

Patrick Tatman serves as the Director of Choral Studies at the Waterford School, where he oversees choral music instruction at the Middle and Upper School levels. Patrick holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Utah, a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from Brigham Young University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Penn State University. His career has included teaching experience in choral music at the elementary, secondary, and university levels in Utah, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. In addition to his work at the Waterford School, Patrick serves as a conductor, professional singer, and guest clinician with several organizations across the state of Utah, including the Mapleton Chorale, Cathedral of the Madeleine, Salt Lake Choral Artists, Brevitas professional choir, and the American Choral Directors Association. He is a published choral composer and operates a private voice studio specializing in classical voice. In the past, he has served as the conductor of the BYU University Chorale and the Cantorum early music chamber choir.

read more