Virtual reality for vocal performance preparation: validation, demonstration, and application

Singers adjust their vocal production in response to different acoustic environments, yet adapting to unfamiliar performance spaces remains a challenge. This dissertation explores the potential of Virtual Reality (VR) to simulate real acoustics and serve as an effective rehearsal tool. The study consists of two phases: validation and application. Phase One examines the extent to which VR can replicate real performance spaces by analyzing its influence on objective voice parameters—vibrato rate, vibrato extent, and quality ratio—across different sensory conditions. In the Fall of 2023, ten classically trained singers performed an unaccompanied aria in three real venues and their virtual replications with audio-only, visual-only, and combined audiovisual VR stimuli. Results indicate that vibrato extent and rate varied across sensory conditions, with virtual environments eliciting comparable vocal adjustments to real spaces. Differences remained within the just noticeable difference threshold, however, suggesting minimal perceptual impact on the singers. Participants perceived significantly lower voice support provided by the room in conditions lacking auditory feedback, underscoring the importance of acoustic cues. Additionally, in larger rooms singers produced greater vibrato extent and perceived greater vocal support. These findings validate VR as a viable tool for replicating performance acoustics. Phase Two builds on this foundation by evaluating VR’s application as a rehearsal tool. In the Fall of 2024, ten non-voice major university students were randomly assigned to either a VR experimental group or a control group. Both groups prepared a self-selected song for performance in a chamber recital venue, but only the experimental group rehearsed in a VR simulation of the venue during three voice lessons while the control group rehearsed in the traditional studio setting. Analysis of vibrato parameters and differences in performance anxiety scores across pre- and post-performance inventories revealed that VR-Trained singers adapted more effectively to the recital hall’s acoustics and exhibited reduced proximal somatic anxiety and performance-related worry. Surveys and interviews further supported VR’s usefulness in rehearsal. Together, these findings show that VR can not only replicate real acoustic environments but also enhance vocal training by improving performance preparation and reducing anxiety. By bridging the gap between rehearsal and live performance settings, VR presents a promising tool for singers to refine their technique and adapt to diverse venues with greater confidence.

Name thesis:degree_name

A.Mus.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Music

Grantor

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2025

Author dc:creator

• Wingfield, Carly Joyce

Contributors dc:contributor

• Redman, Yvonne G
• Bottalico, Pasquale
• Eagen-Jones, Megan
• Fieldsteel, Eli

• virtual reality
• singing
• vocal performance
• vocal pedagogy
• room acoustics
• vibrato
• performance anxiety

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2025 Carly Joyce Wingfield

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129724

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F129724