Before you decide to take part in this experiment, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish. Do get in touch using the contact information below about anything that is not clear or if you would like more information. Take time to decide whether or not you wish to take part.

Thank you for reading the following material.

Project

The aim of this experiment is to test the effect of dramatic practices by a singer in their performance of Franz Schubert’s ballad ‘Erlkönig’.

Characteristics of participants

I have asked you to participate in this project to assess dramatic performance practices in art-song performance. Participants must be at least 18 years old. I am interested in all responses to this experiment, including participants who are musicians and/or frequent audience members of art-song recitals.

Voluntary participation

It is up to you to decide if you want to take part in this project or not. If you don’t wish to take part, or you change your mind about taking part, you can exit the questionnaire online. If you decide to take part you are still free to withdraw at any time, without giving any reason.

Nature of participation

The experiment should take no longer than 15 minutes. Upon clicking the link, you will be directed to watch a video of a singer performing ‘Erlkönig’. Pay attention to the singer’s performance practices. You may watch the video several times if you wish. After watching the video, you will need to click the link to the next page, where you will be asked questions on the performance practices of the singer.

Lifestyle restrictions

This experiment is not likely to result in participants experiencing any lifestyle restrictions.

Potential risks to participants

There are no foreseeable risks to participants taking part in this research.

Potential benefits to participants

While people taking part in this project are unlikely to experience any personal benefits as a result, this research will increase general understanding of the effects of singers’ performance styles.

Possible termination of research

If this project is terminated for any reason, your contribution data will no longer be needed. You will be notified of this event and any already-collected data will be destroyed.

Confidentiality and anonymity

Information that is collected about you for the purposes of the research will be kept strictly confidential and anonymous. By submitting responses to this questionnaire, you are providing your informed consent to take part in this research.

Storing personal data and information

Your personal data and any information that you provide for the purposes of the research will be stored securely in a password protected computer for 10 years. If I wish to re-use it within this time period, I will seek your permission to do so. At the end of the period it will be destroyed.

Outputs

I will use the contribution that participants make to my project for research purposes. The experiment may be covered in conference presentations and academic journals. The experiment will also be used in my doctoral thesis. My final dissertation may also be shared internally at the RCM and/or with the general public through RCM Research Online. Participant data will always remain anonymous.

Ethical approval

This experiment has been reviewed by the Royal College of Music Research Ethics Committee and been granted ethical approval for it to be carried out.

Thank you for reading this Participant Information Sheet and for considering your participation in this research project.

Please let the researcher know if you have any questions:

Primary Researcher: Louis De Nil, PhD Candidate at the Royal College of Music. louis.denil@rcm.ac.uk