This study aimed to adapt the "Singing Voice Development Measure (SVDM)" developed by Rutkowski (1998) into Turkish and examine the singing voice's development in terms of different variables such as age, gender, and the use of songs with/without words. For this purpose, after obtaining the necessary permissions, two independent translators translated the measurement tool. The translation was finalized after being submitted to expert opinions within the scope of the linguistic equivalence study. The research group consisted of 208 children who attended between kindergarten and 3rd grade in a primary school in the Çankaya district of Ankara in the 2022/2023 academic year. As a result of the analyses carried out according to the Rasch model revealed that the measurement tool works in line with the purpose, contains positive findings regarding its validity, and can be used for the purpose. Regarding the reliability of the measurement tool, it was determined that the inter-rater reliability values were relatively high. These findings show that SVDM is a valid and reliable measurement tool in Turkish culture. When the singing voice usage of Turkish children is examined in terms of different variables, it is seen that the level of singing voice usage increases as the grade level increases. It has been determined that girls are more advanced in the use of singing voice than boys, and compared to songs with lyrics, songs without words provide an advantage in the use of the singing voice of kindergarten and 3rd-grade primary school children. Incorporating the SVDM into our education system for use in general music education classes is recommended. It is also recommended to conduct large-sample screening studies at different educational levels to measure the development of Turkish children's singing voice in terms of different variables to eliminate and improve the current deficiencies in our education system.
Singing voice development measure (SVDM), singing, general music education, validity, reliability.