Date

5-20-2026

Department

School of Music

Degree

Doctor of Music Education (DME)

Chair

Nathan Street

Keywords

Male, music educator, vocal health, elementary, general music, choral educator.

Disciplines

Arts and Humanities | Education

Abstract

There is a notable lack of research and expertise on the vocal well-being of music educators. Vocal health issues, even among accomplished vocalists with extensive vocal training, have highlighted a notable lack of literature on the subject. Nowhere is this issue more apparent than among male elementary music educators. Significantly, vocal-range similarities between female elementary music educators and their students place male educators at a performance disadvantage, which may encourage male music educators to adopt unhealthy vocal practices, such as prolonged use of falsetto. This study aims to investigate the impact of vocal health pedagogy on male elementary general music and choral teachers. This qualitative case study research will explore the vocal health of male elementary general music and choral educators, as well as the supports used to promote a healthy adult voice. Perspectives on the vocal health implications for male elementary general music and choral educators have emerged from the existing literature. This study will examine the effects of vocal health on male elementary general music and choral educators, employing a qualitative case study model that incorporates surveys of these educators. The results may indicate that male elementary general music and choral educators encounter greater challenges when teaching adolescents to sing, as well as the perceived vocal health issues associated with the overuse of singing in the primo passaggio.

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