How Vocalography Is Revolutionizing the Way Kids Learn to Sing

Learning to sing is of great importance for children’s development. One of the key tasks is forming accurate intonation; without it, achieving a high-quality vocal-choral ensemble is impossible. The problem of imprecise intonation remains relevant in teaching practice, since not all children are naturally endowed with a strong sense of music. Vocalography, which involves the visualization of vocal exercises, has become a useful method for music teachers. This article analyzes the effectiveness of using vocalography to develop intonation skills in elementary school students. It also provides a comparative analysis of Ogorodnov’s method versus other pedagogical approaches, offering a deeper understanding of its role in teaching and engaging students in creative activity. Furthermore, the article explores the latest research and emerging methods in the field of vocalography, which reinforce the idea of visualizing sound characteristics and their positive impact on the learning process.

Objective of the Study – to determine the effectiveness of vocalography as a methodology for developing singing skills in elementary school students and to identify its key features within the context of both classical and innovative teaching approaches.

Study Tasks:

• Examine the stages of vocal skill formation.
• Investigate the structure and functioning of the vocal apparatus in children.
• Characterize the Comprehensive Musical and Vocal Education (CMVE) methodology developed by D. E. Ogorodnov and conduct a comparative analysis with other approaches.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of vocalography in the educational process, using a practical study as an example.

Historical Background of Vocal Education

Choral singing in Russia has deep historical roots, dating back to folk art and church traditions. The development of vocal education in the 19th and 20th centuries is associated with the works of such educators as D. S. Bortnyansky, M. I. Glinka, K. D. Ushinsky, L. N. Tolstoy, and V. N. Shatsky.

In the 20th century, D. B. Kabalevsky and G. P. Stulova made significant contributions to vocal education methodology. Modern educational programs require a comprehensive approach that includes vocal-ear training, articulation, and breathing exercises. With the advent of technologies and new learning methods, such as vocalography, additional opportunities have emerged to improve intonation accuracy.

Physiological Features of a Child’s Vocal Apparatus

Children’s voices are characterized by short, thin vocal folds, an underdeveloped chest resonator, and a predominance of head resonance. Excessive tension in the vocal folds can lead to phonation disorders. At the elementary school age, the vocal muscles are not fully developed, so teachers must monitor the naturalness of sound production and avoid overstrain.

D. E. Ogorodnov’s Comprehensive Musical and Vocal Education (CMVE) Methodology

Developed in 1987, CMVE is implemented in the musical education system. The main principles of this methodology include:

Visualizing vocal assignments using graphs and diagrams

Employing specific algorithms for vocal work

Combining vocal exercises with hand movements (conducting gestures, scale gestures)

Developing expressive diction through artistic recitation

This technique focuses on the holistic improvement of speech skills, vocal production, and body movement, making it well-suited for use in primary school settings.

Comparative Analysis of Ogorodnov’s Methodology and Other Approaches

Ogorodnov’s method blends elements of classical vocal training. In comparison with programs such as those developed by S. N. Benashvili and Yu. I. Wagner, Ogorodnov’s approach places greater emphasis on visualizing the singing process through graphs and charts that illustrate sound characteristics. This heightened visualization improves perception and intonation accuracy in children.

Contemporary Research in Vocalography

Current research in vocalography confirms its effectiveness as a method for developing accurate intonation among children. In recent years, scholars have been exploring the potential of visualization for enhancing auditory perception and movement coordination. When combined with modern technologies—such as software for pitch and voice data analysis—vocalography allows teachers to more precisely evaluate students’ progress and individual traits.

New methodologies include the use of specialized software products that display sound vibrations and pitch in real time. This enables children to visually observe changes in their intonation and correct mistakes more quickly, significantly speeding up the learning process. These technologies are widely employed in music schools and specialized choral studios.

Practical Application of Vocalography

A diagram is used here to illustrate choral-vocal assignments graphically. The children follow the diagrams. The teacher points to a designated element with a pointer, which they then perform. To clarify, here’s an explanation: the first “u” requires taking a breath, with a point indicating a sharp, noisy exhalation on “u.” Next comes a “stem,” which means another breath. A “flower” symbol indicates a pause. Two “u” sounds are performed sharply (the “drop” means the pitch of the sound), then the third “u” is introduced sharply but sustained smoothly and for a longer duration. These exercises are all sung on the same pitch, the first degree of the scale. (A red letter “a” is placed on the third degree, and a green “ul’” on the fifth degree.)

The study was conducted at Secondary School No. 70 in Krasnoyarsk. The experimental group consisted of seven elementary school children (ages 10–11), selected at random. They attended lessons twice a week for 30–40 minutes over four weeks. During this period, the experimental group used the CMVE methodology combined with vocalography. To evaluate listening skills, specific criteria were chosen from the Individual Educational Plan of the Krasnoyarsk Pedagogical College No. 1 named after M. Gorky, under the subject “Choral Class and Practice with a Choir.”

Only the criteria related to intonation were used:

2 points – inaccurate intonation, even with instrumental support of the melodic line

3 points – accurate intonation with instrumental support of the melodic line

4 points – accurate intonation with harmonic support

5 points – accurate intonation without accompaniment

Results:

Before the experiment

2 points – 14.29%

3 points – 42.85%

4 points – 28.57%

5 points – 14.29%

After the experiment

2 points – 0%

3 points – 14.30%

4 points – 42.85%

5 points – 42.85%

Further improvements were also noted in articulation, breath support, and vocal placement. A control analysis, which compared results between the experimental and control groups, showed that using vocalography significantly speeds up children’s acquisition of accurate intonation.

Conclusion

Building on the results of this study, it’s evident that vocalography can be a transformative tool in helping elementary school children achieve accurate intonation. By blending visual cues, attentive listening, and hands-on vocal exercises, this method enables students to grasp pitch and technique more swiftly and with greater confidence. As soon as children see their vocal patterns on a chart or screen, they know exactly how to adjust and fine-tune their voices, which fuels their motivation to sing with precision and enthusiasm.

What makes the CMVE (Comprehensive Musical and Vocal Education) methodology—enhanced by vocalography—especially appealing is how naturally it can be woven into different educational environments. Whether used in a regular elementary classroom, a specialized music school, or a community choir rehearsal, the method provides a clear, adaptable framework. Students of various skill levels, from absolute beginners to those looking to refine existing abilities, can benefit from this visually guided approach.