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Singing Like a Girl:
Towards a Feminist Vocal Pedagogy for the Female-Socialized Adolescent Singer
An Honors Thesis by Isabelle H. Cowan (Northwestern University)
ABSTRACT
"This project foregrounds the need for a feminist vocal pedagogy specifically tailored to female-socialized adolescent singers and provides voice teachers with the first steps of a pedagogy to fill this need. I outline the current research that exists on the female adolescent singer, discussing female adolescent voice change in the context of larger developmental changes that occur during this period. I supplement this research using feminist theory, specifically the work of Iris Marion Young, and demonstrate how elements of female socialization have potential to hinder the physical and vocal capabilities of the female-socialized adolescent. I respond to these challenges by providing voice teachers with several practical strategies to employ in voice lessons with these students. I argue that by implementing these strategies, voice teachers intervene in the constrictive process of female socialization and instill agency and confidence in their students."
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