Research
Dissertation defended on April 10, 2026
This qualitative case study examines the integration of Estill Voice Training® (EVT®) within a high school choral rehearsal setting to explore how anatomically informed vocal pedagogy influences ensemble communication, rehearsal efficiency, and singer agency. Grounded in principles of embodied learning and voice science, the study integrates EVT® Figures, Voice Qualities, and hand signals function as tools for developing flexible, healthy vocal production across varied choral styles. Findings indicate that the use of the EVT® hand signals enhanced conductor-ensemble communication by providing immediate nonverbal cues that clarified vocal adjustments without interrupting musical flow. As singers developed familiarity with this shared gestural vocabulary, they used rehearsal time more efficiently.
The study further revealed that hand signals supported consistent ensemble sound by reinforcing shared technical language and reducing ambiguity in verbal instruction. Singers reported improved confidence in navigating vocal challenges and greater ability to transfer technical concepts directly into repertoire. These outcomes suggest that EVT® hand signals function not only as pedagogical tools but also as mechanisms for streamlining rehearsal communication and enhancing ensemble responsiveness. The significance of these findings lies in their implication for choral pedagogy: incorporating anatomically grounded, multimodal strategies can improve rehearsal efficiency while fostering singer autonomy and vocal health. Ultimately, this research demonstrates that EVT® hand signals offer a practical and effective architecture for integrating voice science into everyday choral rehearsal practice, with meaningful implications for conductor training, ensemble communication, and contemporary choral pedagogy.
(Y)OUR VOICE, (Y)OUR CHOICE - presented at the University of Illinois Graduate College’s Research Live! competition (April 2026); Awarded the Special Recognition Prize
(CH)ORAL TWANG: APPLYING ESTILL VOICE MODEL STRATEGIES to the CHORAL REHEARSAL - presented at the 2026 ACDA Symposium for Research in Choral Singing (Chicago, IL) and accepted to present at the 13th Estill World Voice Symposium in Hong Kong in January 2027.
Contemporary choral ensembles are increasingly tasked with performing repertoire that spans Renaissance polyphony, the common practice canon, gospel, musical theatre, and commercially influenced styles. Each genre carries distinct physiological, acoustical, and stylistic demands, requiring singers to execute varied coordinations while sustaining vocal health and stylistic integrity. This expanded stylistic landscape necessitates pedagogical approaches that are both scientifically grounded and adaptable across idioms.
This presentation examines the application of Estill Voice Training® (EVT) as a flexible, anatomically based model for addressing these challenges in choral contexts. EVT’s Figures and Voice Qualities provide singers with voluntary control over specific vocal mechanisms, enabling efficient transitions between contrasting repertoire while maintaining consistency of tone, stamina, and stylistic authenticity.
Drawing on a case study of the Central Illinois Youth Chorus (CIYC), this session focuses specifically on the pedagogical implementation of the EVT Voice Quality Oral Twang within diverse choral repertoire. The study synthesizes rehearsal strategies, real-time singer responses to technical interventions, and qualitative feedback gathered through monthly focus groups and weekly surveys. Findings demonstrate how targeted use of EVT facilitates stylistically appropriate resonance strategies, enhances ensemble clarity and projection, and supports sustainable vocal production. Practical rehearsal applications will be shared to assist conductors in integrating EVT principles into their own ensemble pedagogy.
PASSIONS PAST & PRESENT: the INFLUENCE of EARLY MUSIC in EARLY PASSION SETTINGS - presented at the 2025 National ACDA (Dallas, TX) and 2026 Southern ACDA (Memphis, TN) Conferences
Throughout history, composers have set Christ’s Passion story to dramatic music that depicts the suffering and anguish Christ endured throughout his final moments on earth. In pre-20th century Passion settings, composers traditionally set texts based on the Gospel accounts, sacred texts, and poetic reflections. Similarly, contemporary settings of this story draw from both sacred and secular texts.