The Effect of a Ten-week Individual and Class Voice Program on the Range, Breath and Overall Vocal Performance of Singers Over the Age of Sixty

Five research questions examined the amount of weekly practice time invested by the subjects, benefits and rewards experienced by participants, the level of satisfaction, and length of treatment time. Subjects reported an overall mean practice time of 1150 minutes, or an average of about 1 1/2 to 2 hours of practice per week. When discussing study rewards, the highest number of responses included an awareness of vocal improvement, an increased amount of self-confidence when singing, and an appreciation for small group instruction. Challenges included a frustration with being unable to apply newly learned technique to the process of singing as well as difficulty in adjusting schedules to allow for practice time. All subjects selected "very satisfied" to describe their level of satisfaction with the study; 23 subjects indicated that the study length was appropriate and seven participants reported that the treatment period was too short.