Focus of Attention in Voice Training.
Melissa Treinkman
PMID 32962940WHAT IT FOUND
Singers reported that voice teachers give slightly more instructions focused on the sound or image (50.83%) than on body movements (39.42%).
Teachers use more body-focused cues for posture and tension, but more sound-focused cues for tone and articulation.
Key findings
0150.83% of reported instructions induced an external focus, while 39.42% induced an internal focus.
02Instructions about posture, space/resonance, and tension reduction contained the highest percentage of internal focus directives.
0377.39% of singers reported that their focus changed during performance, shifting away from vocal technique toward drama or expression.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
Data relies on singers' memory of instructions, not real-time observation. Survey format prevented clarification of vague responses, which were coded as external focus; interviews might have revealed more internal focus. Participants were predominantly classical/opera singers with extensive training, limiting generalizability to novices or other genres. The study describes what instructions are given, not whether they are effective for learning or performance.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that external focus instructions are superior for voice training. This study only reports what instructions are currently given; it does not compare the effectiveness of internal versus external focus on vocal performance or learning outcomes.