Have you ever considered how a singer's vocal development makes them feel? How do you go about determining your singer's growth? Is it based on the vocal exercises you use? What about your ensemble having the same understanding of vocal development as the conductor? What does that mean for you as the leader?

In this two-part article, the researcher focuses on seven elements to consider in helping vocal development. These facets include the choral warm-up, posture, breathing and support, tone, choral blend, musical acuity, and the conductor's model/gesture. The researcher allows the reader to understand these elements better, providing the choral conductor with the tools necessary to encourage their singers and foster belief in their voice.

Choral conductors need to have an understanding of technique that is supported by pedagogy. This allows each individual who enters the choral rehearsal the opportunity to work towards healthy singing and vocal growth. By reviewing the exercises or techniques used in your rehearsals and determining how they promote proper singing habits is a start in the right direction of producing healthy voices.