The Effect of Instructor Postural Changes on the Posture of an Individual Singer

Jeremy Manternach

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the potential effect of instructor body positioning on individual singer (N=40) posture and vocal production. The instructor/researcher assumed different standing positions while standing participants sang exercises. The instructor assumed the following body conditions: (a) not in view, baseline; (b) exaggerated erect posture; (c) slumping forward; (d) leaning weight to one side; and (e) balanced, upright posture. Digital audio and video recordings of each condition were analyzed with attention to (a) singer posture changes and (b) pitch and amplitude changes as measured by spectral analysis software. Other acoustical data were analyzed qualitatively. Results were discussed in terms of vocal and choral pedagogy and implications for future research.