Verdi opera training intensity and vocal expressiveness: the sequential mediating roles of role empathy and dramatic tension in a cross-sectional study.

Inroduction: Vocal expressiveness is a key component of opera performance, yet the psychological mechanisms through which Verdi opera performance training enhances vocal expressiveness remain insufficiently understood. This study examined the relationship between Verdi opera performance training and vocal expressiveness, with particular attention to the roles of role empathy and perceived dramatic tension. Methods: A total of 558 vocal music students who had received systematic training in Verdi opera participated in the study. Questionnaire data were collected and analysed using bootstrap-based mediation analysis to test the proposed chain mediation model. Results: The findings indicated that Verdi opera performance training was positively associated with vocal expressiveness. Both role empathy and perceived dramatic tension were significantly associated with this relationship. In addition, the proposed sequential indirect association through role empathy and perceived dramatic tension was supported. Discussion: These findings provide empirical evidence for the psychological mechanisms associated with vocal expressiveness and suggest that integrating technical training with role understanding and dramatic interpretation may enhance opera education. The study contributes to the understanding of vocal artistry from a psychological perspective and offers practical implications for opera training in higher music education.