RESONATING WITH FOLKSONG: A PEDAGOGICAL APPROACH TO THE TENOR VOICE USING THE FOLKSONG ARRANGEMENTS OF STEVEN MARK KOHN

Abstract

The goal of this document is to provide a unique pedagogical argument for using the fifteen folksong arrangements of Steven Mark Kohn known as the American Folk Set, in the high key specifically, as a guided tool for teaching the tenor voice. This document will showcase basic understanding of the human voice and how that foundation has led to a specific methodology to train tenor voices through the works of Steven Mark Kohn. By using the processes of contemporary vocal pedagogy and musical analysis, Steven Mark Kohn’s folk song arrangements may be used as successful tools for teaching tenor voices at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. When reorganized into these three categories, the folk song arrangements show a distinct roadmap for teaching a tenor voice and present singers a catalogue of contemporary American composed repertoire that may be utilized at any point along the singer’s journey. These songs can be approached in various ways to accommodate singers with a classical, musical theatre or have a background with no particular stylistic or prior voice training required. As it pertains this document, the pedagogical analysis will focus more on classical voice. While these pieces are wonderfully composed for all voice types, the aim of this document is to focus on use of Kohn’s folksongs in the high key to train the tenor voice specifically.