Commentary: Vocal and Choral Music

The field of voice instruction has experienced a dramatic shift in emphasis over the last 50 years. More than ever before, vocal music education is grounded on accurate physiological, acoustical, biomechanical, neuromuscular, and psychological evidence rather than on successful methods of a star teacher. While aspects of traditional approaches remain in use, the rapid growth of vocal pedagogy programs and the dissemination of information on motor learning, technology-enhanced instruction, arts medicine, and voice science have internationalized best practices. Simultaneously, the overall quality of education and performance has been raised, not only in major cultural centers but also in regions and countries as a whole. This article aims to guide educators through the full gamut of vocal possibilities: Individual adult voices and choirs, developing young singers, and aging adults.