Effect of Interval Direction on Pitch Acuity in Solo Vocal Performance

Although difficulties in achieving satisfactory intonation have been a source of much concern to music educators, few means of improvement presently seem available. There is a great need to investigate all aspects of intonation. As more experiments are conducted in applied music, it should become possible to understand learning intonation as a process of modifying behaviors, and to define instruction as the process of shaping appropriate behaviors. Although interval direction is one of the most obvious characteristics of melody, little reference is found in the literature regarding its effects on performance. Studies by Greene, Madsen, and Ordway' have considered the direction variable, and provide conflicting evidence. Since the Ordway experiment relates directly to the present investigation, and was quite useful in identifying variables requiring control, it will be considered in detail. Ordway's study concerned vocal interval performance of ten ascending and ten descending intervals by 180 subjects. Readings of cent deviation were recorded from a Stroboscope while the subjects performed. Results of interest to the present investigation were that descending