Name:Sarah Lisette Platte

School/Affiliation:FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Basel Academy of Music, Switzerland

Co-Authors:Albert Gollhofer, Dominic Gehring, Joseph Willimann, Morten Schuldt-Jensen, Benedikt Lauber

Virtual or In-person:In-person

Abstract:

Previous studies have shown that a conductor’s preparatory gestures influence choral singers’ breathing behavior, loudness, and sound quality. Since these gestures are often paired with instructions on desired breathing techniques, this study investigated whether congruent and incongruent combinations of gestures and breathing instructions affect breathing behavior and vocal loudness.

In a within-subjects design, 18 choristers were asked to respond to four different video stimuli, consisting of two congruent and two incongruent gesture-instruction combinations. Respiratory behavior and vocal production were measured using 3D motion capture to analyze chest wall kinematics, alongside voice recordings. The data were tested for significance using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni-corrected post hoc tests.

The results reveal that the used preparatory gesture has an influence on the predetermined inhalation type. Specifically, the commonly used inward-upward gesture paired with abdominal breathing led to a reduction in chest wall expansion and decreased vocal loudness. These findings align with the stimulus-response compatibility concept, which suggests that incongruent task combinations increase cognitive load, causing delays and poorer performance. In contrast, congruent gesture-task pairings facilitate smoother and faster responses, enhancing performance. Theoretical explanations draw on e.g. the dual-route model of action control. While congruent task pairs activate automatic pathways, leading to fast, efficient performance, incongruent pairs require controlled processing, slowing reaction times.

For choral practice, it is essential to consider the significant influence of conducting gestures on breathing behavior and sound production. Conductors should carefully align gestures and verbal instructions to avoid stimulus-response incompatibility effects and optimize breathing efficiency and vocal quality.