Singing
In the study, there are a number of examples of the technology being used to support singing. These include:
- transposing music to more comfortable keys:
Often, people are unable
to sing in tune simply because the music is inappropriately pitched for
their voice. Digital scores can be displayed, printed, or played back
in any key.
- distinct instrumental timbres supporting
inexperienced singers in holding an independent musical line
'A Bell Round, Age 8-12' (from 'The Full Pitcher' will:
a) build confidence in small group singing
b) develop ability to sing (at least) short phrases in two parts
c) provide opportunities to create more complex ad-hoc arrangements
Each part is played back
on a different instrument. By way of a challenge. a 7-part version of
the round is provided. Can the children hold a part against so many
others?
- multi-sensory learning experiences to develop skills in sight-singing
Without concentrated eye
involvement with the score as music is heard, studied and sung, music
reading ability will not develop.' (Karl.D.Ernst, Threshold To Music,
1974)
Several software applications link auditory, visual and kinaesthetic experiences of the score.
- accompaniments for vocal performance
"The Music Composer
software, used to prepare their arrangements, allowed for a range of
expression. Accelerandi, ritardandi, pauses of various length,
crescendi, diminuendi and various degrees of detachment were all
available. This meant that Lisa could demonstrate a number of
performance skills..... ....The computer was also used to provide
accompaniments in a wide range of performance situations, including
public concerts at music festivals."
- backing tracks for vocal improvisation
"Occasionally, someone would vocalise, alternating phrases with me over a repeated vamped accompaniment"
"James rarely sings the
tune of anything but likes to improvise vocal effects so, after Sarah's
solo, everyone explores ways of using the strummed E minor chord as the
accompaniment to a song about railways. James, shortly joined by
Robert, supplies the vocal effects and Thomas, who now has the mouse
removed from his hand and a chunky pen placed in it, presses the mouse
button with his pen, causing the computer to sound a loud blast on a
train whistle. James, spurred on by this competition, rises to new
heights of virtuosity."
- displaying scores in a choice of staff or sol-fa notation
"It is interesting to
note that two of these children (with complex learning difficulties)
were not literate, in the general sense. To my astonishment, they had
learnt to sight-sing from crotchet and quaver note stems with sol-fa
syllables. The option to use sol-fa symbols, afforded by Simplay and,
its sister program, Replay, was ideal for these pupils."
Examples of scores displaying sol-fa notation will be found on the Inclusion page
-providing bio-feedback to promote vocal exploration and control
This is not covered in
the study because the logistical demands imposed by my equipment, at
that time, were better suited to individual tuition than to
class-teaching. I did, however, use both a fairly basic voice-to-MIDI
converter and a normal microphone linked to an effects processor. These
convinced me that they were of great value in eliciting vocal responses
from people with little or no speech and improving control. They were
also used, very enthusiastically, by young children.
MidiVox', for which the
URL is given below, seems to be a much more advanced Voice-to-MIDI
device, with very exciting possibilites. However, I could not try it
myself, as I could not find anyone in the UK who had one. Anyone out
there who's got one and would like to give me a demo?
Explore ICT to support singing at these sites:
The Full Pitcher Music Resources
www.fullpitcher.co.uk/
The 'Online music' section of the site includes pdf resources exemplifying all but the last of the uses described above.
Voiceworks
http://www.oup.co.uk/music/educ/voiceworks/
'Voiceworks' is a series
of publications to support choral singing, from publisher, Oxford
University Press. At this URL, they provide free samples, in the form
of PDF and mp3 files. These form a very useful resource for teachers
and would-be choral singers.
MidiVox
MidiVox - World's 1st Voice to Midi. Hum, Sing, Scat, Talk, Rap, Croon, Scream - any Midi Synth.
Bio-Sensor Neckband Reads Vocal Cord Vibration, Shape, and Movement directly in Real Time.
Rack Mount Brain Outputs your Voice as Midi, Analogue, Binary, and Gate data.