Boys' Singing Voice Change in Adolescence

Abstract

This chapter addresses boys’ voice change in adolescence. It begins with a summary of physiological changes that take place. This leads to a discussion of challenges and possibilities for singing through the change, focusing on impediments to full involvement with singing in adolescence. The chapter employs a mixed method approach. Initially, measurement and documentation of the physical characteristics of the voice in stages of change are presented. This provides a foundation for the second part, qualitative accounts of boys’ engagement with singing in adolescence. Knowledge areas covered include attributes of the male changing voice, factors impacting boys’ participation in singing, and documentation of effective practice in addressing challenges and possibilities of singing through this life-cycle stage. Implications for the assessment practices of voice health professionals are put forward and the roles of singing teachers, choral directors, and class music teachers in training adolescent males are discussed.