Giving voice to musicianship: A case study

Abstract

It is widely recognised that the voice is an important vehicle for developing inner hearing and the fundamental musicianship skill of linking sound and symbol. A new class has been introduced at the Elder School of Music for first year degree students where the aim is to develop general aural skills, sight-singing and inner hearing through ensemble singing and to emphasise the close links between choral and aural work. In addition to providing information about the various class activities, this paper reports on the students’ own perceptions of individual progress singing, sight-singing and aural work. Student attitudes towards the range of activities undertaken in the program are also discussed.