Singing Voice Intervention Resource List
Looking for more resources dedicated to all things singing and speaking voice function? Below are a list of resources that we, Anna and Maurice, have used and referenced to educate ourselves and take our clinical practice to the next level.
As we share these resources, please note that our inclusion of specific links does not constitute an endorsement of the views expressed by their creators. Additionally, we provide these recommendations without any financial incentives or affiliate links, ensuring our guidance remains unbiased and solely focused on your professional development.
Professional Organizations & Programs
The Pan American Vocology Association (PAVA) is a professional organization dedicated to the scientific and practical study of voice. PAVA provides resources, education, and networking opportunities for voice professionals, including speech pathologists, voice teachers, and vocal coaches.
The Voice Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing the field of voice care through research, education, and outreach. They offer a wealth of resources for voice professionals, including conferences, publications, and educational programs.
The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting excellence in singing through teaching, performance, and research. NATS offers resources such as workshops, conferences, and competitions for singers and voice teachers.
The National Center for Voice and Speech (NCVS) is an organization dedicated to advancing the understanding of voice and speech through research, education, and clinical practice. The NCVS provides valuable resources for voice professionals, including research articles, educational programs, and clinical tools.
The ASHA Voice Disorders Practice Portal is an online resource by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) designed to support speech pathologists working with voice disorders. It provides comprehensive information on assessment, treatment, and management of voice disorders, along with guidelines and best practices.
Textbooks
Manual of Singing Voice Rehabilitation: A Practical Approach to Vocal Health and Wellness by Dr. Leda Scearce is an essential resource for voice professionals. This book offers practical strategies and exercises for maintaining and improving vocal health. It’s perfect for speech pathologists, voice teachers, and singers looking to enhance their understanding of vocal wellness.
The Vocal Athlete by Dr. Wendy D. LeBorgne and Marci Daniels Rosenberg is a comprehensive guide for voice professionals working with performers. This book covers vocal health, training, and rehabilitation, offering practical exercises and techniques. Ideal for speech pathologists, voice coaches, and singers, it provides valuable insights into maintaining and enhancing vocal performance.
A Systematic Approach to Voice: The Art of Studio Application by Dr. Kari Ragan is a valuable resource for voice teachers and speech pathologists. This book presents a structured method for voice training and rehabilitation, with practical applications for the studio setting. It includes exercises and techniques to help voice professionals optimize their students' vocal abilities.
Open Access Research Articles
Recommended Protocols for Instrumental Assessment of Voice
This study recommends protocols for assessing voice production using tools like laryngeal endoscopic imaging, acoustic analyses, and aerodynamic procedures. The goal is to improve the evidence for voice assessment, allow valid comparisons across clients and facilities, and evaluate treatment effectiveness. The protocols were developed by combining existing evidence with expert opinions and feedback from clinicians. They include detailed guidelines on data collection, voice tasks, analysis methods, and reporting results.
Mechanics of Human Voice Production and Control
As the primary means of communication, voice is crucial in daily life, conveying personal information like social status, traits, and emotions. This paper reviews the complex interaction between voice physiology, biomechanics, and how speakers use voice to communicate meaning and personal details. It covers the mechanics of vocal fold vibration, sound production, and muscle control of voice aspects like pitch, loudness, and quality. The article also examines current efforts to develop models of voice production and discusses future challenges in understanding voice production and perception.
Functional voice disorders (FVD) occur when the voice is used improperly, without any anatomical or neurological issues. Common FVDs include vocal fatigue, muscle tension dysphonia, diplophonia, and ventricular phonation. This article discusses the causes, prevalence, and underlying mechanisms of FVDs and highlights the importance of an interprofessional team in evaluating and treating these disorders. Key objectives include understanding the impact of FVDs on quality of life, identifying their causes, outlining evaluation methods, and reviewing management options.
This study investigates how analyzing speech and singing separately can provide insights into the causes of vocal injuries in singers. Forty-two female singers with vocal fold nodules or polyps and 42 healthy controls were monitored using a voice recorder. The study measured various voice parameters during singing and speaking. The findings showed significant differences in voice use between singing and speech, especially in singers with vocal injuries. Notably, singers with phonotrauma spoke more but did not sing more than healthy controls. These results suggest that speaking voice may play a crucial role in the development of vocal injuries in singers.
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