The purpose of this research was to examine and describe aspects of female vocal mutation and related effects of mutation on vocal characteristics associated with singing. The specific objective was to identify relationships between vocal tone (fundamental speaking frequency, singing range, breathiness, and vocal register change), physical characteristics (age, height, weight, occurrence of menarche, and race), and musical performance experience of subjects and their families.; Subjects for this study were 289 female public school students ages 6 to 16 years. Information regarding subjects' physical characteristics and musical performance participation was gathered using a questionnaire. Digital recordings of subjects' voices were quantified using spectrum analysis for examination of voice frequencies. Using recorded models of “not breathy,” “extremely breathy,” and “neither extreme” selected by experienced choral and voice teachers and a written definition of register change as standards, a five-member panel of judges with expertise in choral music education evaluated subjects' singing voices for levels of vocal breathiness and existence of register change, producing scores for analyses of these aspects of vocal tone.; Descriptive analysis revealed that (a) Subjects' fundamental speaking frequency decreased with age. (b) Mean fundamental speaking frequency and mean singing range locations of subjects in the current study were generally lower than indicated in related research. (c) Subjects' mean singing range expanded from approximately 13 semitones to approximately 23 semitones within the age range from 6 to 16 years. (d) Register change became increasingly pronounced at age 11 through 16 years. Tests of significance revealed that (a) Perceived levels of vocal breathiness did not differ significantly due to physical characteristics. (b) No significant difference existed in singing range size associated with race. (c) Participation in choral and instrumental musical ensembles was associated with increased singing range size. (d) Substantial variance existed in voice characteristics at all age levels; although trends were observable, female vocal mutation appeared gradual and highly individual. Principal conclusions drawn from the results center on differences in vocal ability associated with physical maturity and musical performance experience, and on the importance of awareness within the music education profession of challenges and characteristics unique to the young female singing voice.
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