Abstract:

In this paper, we discuss the development and preliminary evaluation of a new educational tool, intended for novice
and advanced vocal students. The software, written in Max / MSP, aims to assist singing practice by providing
users with a visual substitute to their subjective auditory feedback. Under the guidance of their professional vocal
instructor, students can store in the software spectral representations of accurately produced sounds, creating
personalized Reference Sound Banks (RSBs). When students practice on their own, the software can be put into
practice, assisting them to match their current Voice Spectrum Harmonic Content to the stored RSBs one note at a
time. Results of a preliminary evaluation showed that, when using this software, students achieve a larger number
of accurately produced sounds in a smaller amount of time.