A description of vocal maturation among fifth- and sixth-grade boys

The present study was designed to explore the idea that boys' voices may be changing earlier than indicated in previous research. Singing and speaking voices of fifth-grade (h = 56) and sixth-grade (h = 43) boys were categorized and compared with the Cooksey changing voice stages. Data consisted of grade in school, age in years, highest and lowest sung pitches, overall singing range, speaking pitches, and voice stage categorization. Results indicated an earlier voice change than in previous research. Findings consistent with previous research included the fact that singing and speaking pitch lowered with each successive voice-change stage, the overall range narrowed in the predicted stages, and the speaking pitch remained 2-3 semitones above lowest sung pitch, regardless of voice stage.