Paper Presentation: Mastering the Middle: Navigating the Mixed Register
The middle voice presents a common problem in treble voices as it is often difficult to achieve seamless transitions between the vocal registers, balance resonance, and maintain a consistent quality of sound across the vocal registers. Since the middle voice is a mix of both chest and head voice qualities, it can be difficult to seamlessly coordinate shifts between the registers. This presentation examines the intricacies of vocal registration and explains the distinct physiological and acoustical properties of chest voice and head voice. With a better understanding of the acoustical properties of each register, we can provide solutions for these common technical issues that treble voices face.
This presentation will highlight various vocal acoustic strategies to address these challenges. Furthermore, it will use spectral analysis to provide visual data of the overtones present in the singing voice. This visual feedback can be a useful tool in the studio for both teachers and students to better ascertain resonance and vocal fold coordination, which provides more concrete data for understanding the middle voice.
With a deeper understanding of vocal acoustics combined with the use of technology for visual feedback in real-time, this presentation provides practical and science-based solutions that can help teachers and singers achieve a more consistent and efficient mode of phonation in the middle voice.
Kara Covey, DMA
Known for her rich vocal color and expressivity, soprano Kara Covey shows promise as an up-and-coming singer. Specializing in verismo and Mozart repertoire, she has performed throughout the United States, Mexico, Germany, Italy, Bulgaria, and Greece. Roles include the title role of Tosca, Marie Antoinette in The Ghosts of Versailles, Liza in Pique Dame, Mimì in La bohème, Estelle in The Stronger, Donna Anna and Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni, Contessa in Le nozze di Figaro, the title role of Floyd's Susannah, Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte, Micaëla in Carmen, Violetta in La traviata, Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus, and the title role of Luisa Fernanda. Upcoming role debuts includes the world premiere of Downwind and Giorgetta in Il tabarro.
She is a two-time winner of the prestigious Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition District Auditions as well as a Metropolitan Opera Regional Finalist, where she received an Encouragement Award. Additionally, she has been a semi-finalist in the Palm Springs Vocal Competition, Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition, and the Young Texas Artists’ Vocal Competition. On the concert stage, she has been a featured soloist in Schubert’s Mass in G, Duruflé Requiem, Mozart’s Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, Poulenc’s Gloria, and Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms.
In addition to performing, she is dedicated to sharing the tradition of classical singing with the next generation of singers. She recently joined the music faculty at Abilene Christian University and has held voice faculty positions in JISD and NEISD, where she has been recognized as an NEISD Outstanding Teacher. Her students have consistently placed in the TMEA All-Region and All-State Choirs and have earned Superior ratings in the Texas State Solo & Ensemble Competition. She frequently serves as a judge for Texas All-State auditions, NATS, and TSSEC. Passionate about vocal pedagogy and vocal science, she has presented her research at the 75th Annual Texoma NATS Conference. Her work focuses on utilizing vocal acoustic strategies to navigate registration imbalances in treble singers.
She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Opera Performance on a full-tuition scholarship at the University of Texas at Austin, where she has served as a Teaching Assistant in Voice and Opera. She is a recipient of the prestigious faculty-nominated Academic Excellence Fellowship, which recognizes an exceptional graduate student with significant potential to contribute to their field post-graduation. She received a Master of Music degree on a full-tuition academic and music scholarship from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pepperdine University.
Financial Disclosure: Dr.. Covey has no financial disclosures.
Non-Financial Disclosure: Dr. Covey has no non-financial disclosures.