Singing science and singing pedagogy : towards creating bonds – a testimony
Résumé
This presentation was an invited contribution to the round table "Voice Science - do we need it ?" organized by Gillyanne Kayes (Vocal Process, United Kingdom). The panel members were Gillyanne Kayes (chair), Irene Bartlett, Nathalie Henrich Bernardoni, Allan Vurma,Christian Herbst and Kirsten Schötteldreier.Sometimes it seems that voice scientists and voice pedagogues are in different camps – language and definitions of vocal behaviour can vary enormously, leading to confusion and frustration on both sides. For example, voice science findings seek clarity of definition and control of variables, whereas the language of pedagogical practice is multi-lexical and influenced by genre aesthetic, historical and cultural factors, and singer individuality. This makes it hard for singers and teachers to map the findings of voice science onto their own experience as craftpractitioners. Each member of the round table panel is a singer or singer-teacher, and four are also researchers or voicescientists. All members are actively interested in and engage with the pedagogical community. The goal of this round table was to discuss the divisions between the two communities using these questions as a framework:• Can voice science knowledge change the way we teach?• Is it possible to teach successfully in the modern world without voice science knowledge?• What seems to be the central problem with successful interface between voice science and pedagogy?This testimony of two years of active collaboration addressed the questions from both scientist and singing-teacher point of view:- How did the collaboration started ? What was the motivation ? - How did the exchanges take place ? It finally proposed a review of the collaboration and discussed what it has changed