Applications of Visual Feedback Technology in the Singing Studio

This paper reports aspects of a continuing investigation into the use of computer-assisted visual feedback in the teaching of singing. The project is concerned with refining existing computer technology designed to provide visual feedback on acoustic parameters of the speaking voice and investigating how such feedback can be most effectively utilised in the singing studio. Before embarking on a full-scale study, it was important to gain some understanding of the user's perspective. In a preliminary study conducted in 1999 teachers used commercially available speech technology in a singing lesson, incorporating the computer-assisted visual feedback in whatever way they found useful. Interview data from teachers and students indicated that it is certainly both feasible and productive to utilise computer technology in singing training (Callaghan, Thorpe and van Doom, 1999). That study also clarified areas in which further investigation is needed and aspects of the speech technology that need modification for application to singing. In 2000, the research was extended to further examine how computer technology can assist in the teaching of singing. A specialised computer system that displays acoustic characteristics of a student's voice during singing was tested over a series of lessons in singing teachers' studios. Two types of results were obtained: those relating to the quality of the acoustic feedback and the computer display, and those relating to pedagogical uses. The results indicated that such technology can provide useful assistance to the teacher and student, but the teacher needs to be able to interpret what the computer is showing and incorporate that understanding into the learning environment. We are now proceeding with a more extended study to develop new visual feedback technology for use in singing teaching, through investigation of. 1. acoustic analysis techniques for extracting perceptually relevant characteristics from the singing voice; 2. methods of presenting acoustic information in meaningful visual displays; and 3. pedagogical approaches that integrate this technology into the practice of singing teaching.