Effects of Group Vocal Training in Older Adults: Pitch Accuracy and Vocal Improvisation

This research evaluated a novel vocal training program on auditory skills related to musical training in musical nuance perception and verbal fluency. Eight weeks of group vocal instruction was administered for two hours weekly and was compared to a no treatment control group. Experimental participants completed near transfer measures of pitch accuracy and vocal improvisation to demonstrate learning in the musical domain. Results of a MANOVA show significantly enhanced musical nuance response times, but no difference between groups in verbal fluency. Data suggested that vocal training contributed to confidence on aural tasks and enhanced pitch accuracy in older adult vocalists.