The effect of three vocal models on uncertain singers' ability to match and discriminate pitches /

• Main Author: Gratton, Martine
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: McGill University 1989
• Subjects: Musical ability > Testing; Musical pitch
• Online Access: http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=59242

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of three different vocal timbres on uncertain singers' ability to match and discriminate pitches. Fifty-six children between six and eight year old were randomly assigned to one of four groups. === In the Own Voices group, subjects were training in pitch matching using subjects' own voices. They trained in pitch discrimination using a model child voice as stimuli. In the Model Child group, subjects were training in pitch matching and pitch discrimination using a model child voice of the same sex and age as that of the subject. Subjects in the Female Adult group were training in pitch matching and pitch discrimination using a female adult voice as stimuli. Subjects in the control group had no training. === It was found that timbre affected uncertain singers' ability to match and discriminate pitches. Pitch matching to one's own voice was more accurate than pitch matching to a child's voice. === The discrimination of high and low pitches was more accurate when a model child's voice was used than when an adult voice was used.