Applying Acoustic Principles and Evidence-Based Practices to Group Singing

Accomplished choral conductors often have intense pedagogical beliefs. These firmly-held beliefs, however, are often at odds with one another. Fortunately, there is a growing research base in choral and vocal acoustics that can inform teacher-conductors in the classroom and the concert hall. Join us as we discuss the research findings of choral and vocal acoustics and then explore a series of practical, evidence-based techniques that will help teacher-conductors evoke efficient singing and improved choral sound.

About Jeremy Manternach

Jeremy N. Manternach, Ph.D., is Associate Professor and area head of music education at the University of Iowa, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate choral pedagogy, music education, and research courses. He also coordinates and conducts the UI Youth Chorale, a high school outreach choir. He previously held the same position at the University of Arizona. Dr. Manternach’s research interests include choral conducting gesture and singer efficiency, choral and vocal acoustics, adolescent vocal development, and teacher voice use. He currently serves on the editorial board on the Journal of Research in Music Education and is a member of NAfME, ACDA, PAVA, and the VoiceCare Network.