Dissertation
Using spectral analysis in the flute studio to develop tone quality
University of Iowa
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA), University of Iowa
Summer 2021
DOI: 10.25820/etd.006550
Abstract
Flute pedagogy has long been influenced by the principles of voice pedagogy. Yet one of the methods of voice teaching and practice that remains unexplored by flutists is spectral analysis. Nowadays, spectral analysis can be easily generated on a personal computer or phone, making it a viable and affordable tool to the twenty-first century flute teacher. The sound spectrogram, as presented in the available software programs, offers a graphical representation of frequency content over time that provides valuable and objective information about the flute sound. My DMA thesis examines how tone quality has been described by professional flutists and how current teachers explain the concepts of tone quality, investigates the use of technology in the flute studio, and explores whether the use of the spectrogram is a valid method for working on consistency and flexibility of tone.The methodology applied in this study includes interview and experimentation. First, I interview current teachers regarding their methods for teaching tone quality. In addition, I record nine excerpts that display a wide range of character, articulation, and dynamics. All the recorded samples are analyzed using Sonic Visualiser, as this software produces clear and easy-to-read spectrograms, and some are analyzed with Audacity, as this program offers a plot spectrum function that allows the user to access frequency analysis. Following my personal experimentation, I test the use of the spectrogram with a flute student in virtual lessons. After analyzing the resulting data, I present a summary of conclusions with the aim of guiding flute students in the use of the spectrogram. This method proposes the implementation of the spectrogram as a supplementary approach meant to be used in combination with the traditional flute pedagogy.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Using spectral analysis in the flute studio to develop tone quality
- Creators
- Laura Judith Canelo Cohen
- Contributors
- Jean-Francois Charles (Advisor)Christine Getz (Advisor)Benjamin Coelho (Committee Member)Nicole Esposito (Committee Member)Courtney Miller (Committee Member)
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Music
- Date degree season
- Summer 2021
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- DOI
- 10.25820/etd.006550
- Number of pages
- xvi, 214 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright 2021 Laura Judith Canelo Cohen
- Language
- English
- Description illustrations
- color illustrations, music
- Description bibliographic
- Includes bibliographical references (pages 211-214).
- Public Abstract (ETD)
Flute pedagogy has long been influenced by the principles of voice pedagogy. Yet one of the methods of voice teaching and practice that remains unexplored by flutists is spectral analysis. Nowadays, spectral analysis can be easily generated on a personal computer or phone, making it a viable and affordable tool to the twenty-first century flute teacher. The sound spectrogram, as presented in the available software programs, offers a graphical representation of frequency content over time that provides valuable and objective information about the flute sound. My DMA thesis examines how tone quality has been described by professional flutists and how current teachers explain the concepts of tone quality, investigates the use of technology in the flute studio, and explores whether the use of the spectrogram is a valid method for working on consistency and flexibility of tone. This method proposes the implementation of the spectrogram as a supplementary approach meant to be used in combination with the traditional flute pedagogy.
- Academic Unit
- School of Music
- Record Identifier
- 9984362558602771
Metrics
181 File views/ downloads
104 Record Views