The study of choral sound is accomplished through acoustic choral music measurement. Physical acoustics are the aspects of sound that can be quantifiably measured and psycho-acoustics is how we perceive what we hear. This study of choral sound will focus on the measurable physical acoustic facets of amplitude, frequency and the quality of sound. These facets of acoustic choral sound have psycho-acoustical correlates of loudness, pitch and timbre.

The success of individual singers within a choral setting is largely dependent upon the conductor's capacity to identify unconscious vocal habits and provide guidance for their ameliorated vocal function. A clear understanding of the acoustics of choral sound and the appropriate application of this knowledge can enable choral conductors to better facilitate the creation of a superior choral sound. To assist the conductor, appropriate solo and speech research literature has been included to provide an historical foundation and additional clarification of apropos subject matter.

An extensive glossary has been provided in this document that codifies terminology from music acoustics, voice science, choral studies, voice studies, equipment guides and usage, mathematics, and statistics. The goal of this glossary is to facilitate the intermingling of many divergent disciplines present in this document and to provide a resource for reference when reading documents not included in this writing.

The acoustics of choral sound are introduced to provide a unified document in a concise format that can serve as a springboard for informed practice, rehearsal and study.