What vocal skill do most children typically begin to develop around the fourth grade?

Around the fourth grade, children are at a developmental stage where they become more aware of their vocal abilities and how different styles of singing affect their sound. One significant skill they start to develop during this time is the ability to distinguish between head voice and chest voice.

The head voice is associated with higher pitches, often softer and lighter in tone, while the chest voice refers to the deeper, more powerful notes typically used in speech and low singing. This awareness is crucial for young singers as it helps them explore their vocal range more consciously and develop techniques that allow for healthier singing.

Breath control is also an important aspect of singing, but it can take longer to fully master and is often developed later. Piano singing, while beneficial, is more related to accompanying oneself rather than a specific vocal skill, and advanced harmonizing typically requires a more developed vocal experience that children are less likely to undertake in the fourth grade.