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Singing
In
the study, there are a number of examples of the technology being used to
support singing. These include:
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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/scorch_shop.htm
The 'Print Online' section of the site includes resources exemplifying all but the
last of the uses described above. Most resources can be previewed and played
online. You only pay to print scores. 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
http://www.healingmusic.net/MidiVoxInfoFrame1Source1.htm
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. |