The Routledge Companion to Interdisciplinary Studies in Singing, Volume I: Development

The Routledge Companion to Interdisciplinary Studies in Singing, Volume I: Development explores the many voices necessary to better understand the act of singing, which is a complex human behavior that emerges without deliberate training. It explores the relationship between hearing sensitivity and vocal production, how singing is integrated with sensory and cognitive systems, and how we test and measure singing ability and development.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 520 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Routledge Companion to Interdisciplinary Studies in Singing, Volume I: Development, delves into the intricate realm of singing, a complex human behavior that emerges without deliberate training. By presenting research from a diverse range of disciplines, including social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and medicine, this companion explores the profound relationship between hearing sensitivity and vocal production. It further identifies how singing is intricately intertwined with sensory and cognitive systems, while also investigating the various methods used to test and measure singing ability and development. Contributors examine the development of singing throughout the lifespan, emphasizing its cognitive, social, and emotional significance in four distinct parts:

Musical, Historical, and Scientific Foundations: This section explores the historical and cultural contexts that shape singing, as well as the scientific foundations of vocal production and perception. It sheds light on the evolution of singing techniques, the role of genetics in singing ability, and the impact of environmental factors on vocal development.

Perception and Production: This section examines the mechanisms by which humans perceive and produce sound, including the auditory system, the vocal apparatus, and the cognitive processes involved in singing. It explores the factors that influence vocal expression, such as pitch, tone, rhythm, and articulation, and investigates the techniques used by singers to manipulate these elements.

Multimodality: This section explores the role of multimodal communication in singing, including the use of facial expressions, body movements, and gestures. It examines how these nonverbal cues enhance vocal expression and how they contribute to the overall meaning and interpretation of a song.

Assessment: This section discusses the various methods and tools used to assess singing ability and development, including voice analysis, performance evaluations, and self-report measures. It explores the challenges and limitations of these assessments, as well as the implications for teaching and training singers.

In 2009, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada funded a seven-year major collaborative research initiative known as Advancing Interdisciplinary Research in Singing (AIRS). This initiative brought together global researchers from a wide array of disciplines to address three challenging questions: How does singing develop in every human being? How should singing be taught and used to teach? How does singing impact wellbeing?

Across three volumes, The Routledge Companion to Interdisciplinary Studies in Singing consolidates the findings of these three questions, providing a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the current state of theory and research in the field. Volume I: Development, the first installment in this series, focuses on the development of singing from infancy through childhood to adult years.

Through a comprehensive exploration of the various voices necessary to understand singing, this companion offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between hearing sensitivity, vocal production, and the human experience. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, educators, and practitioners interested in singing, as well as those seeking to deepen their understanding of this multifaceted phenomenon.

Weight: 946g
Dimension: 251 x 179 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032171395