Exploring Eminent Perspectives

Abstract

To better understand the larger scope of voice classification systems and other foundational ideas in choral music education, the chapter explores some of the most eminent works in the profession by Emil Behnke and Lennox Browne, Duncan McKenzie, Irvin Cooper and Karl O. Kuersteiner, Richard Luchsinger and Godfrey E. Arnold, Frederick J. Swanson, John Cooksey, and Lynne Gackle. Such examination shows how cornerstone ideas have been fostered and how varying perspectives influenced the creation of new frameworks for working with changing voices. Also revealed is the deep dedication to certain beliefs about adolescent voices over the years. The chapter challenges choral educators to consider voice classification systems more as guidelines for helping teachers assist singers through voice change than as steadfast stages through which all voices pass. The systems are best utilized as supporting tools to help guide the process of voice change rather than label adolescent singers’ changing voices.