vocal health
Recently Published Documents


TOTAL DOCUMENTS

119
(FIVE YEARS 51)

H-INDEX

11
(FIVE YEARS 3)

Author(s):  
Eriberto Oliveira do Nascimento ◽  
Paulo Henrique Trombetta Zannin

The acoustic quality in a classroom directly impacts the educational relationship between the student and the teacher, reducing speech intelligibility. In addition, inadequate acoustic comfort burdens the vocal health of teachers. This study evaluated a classroom at the Federal University of Paraná, Campus Centro Politécnico, to verify its acoustic quality. The measurements of the acoustics descriptors: Reverberation Time (RT), Definition (D50), Central Time (Ts), Early Decay Time (EDT) were performed according to the ISO 3382-2 standard, concerning Noise Curves (NC) and Background Noise (BGN) these were evaluated by the  NBR 10152 and S12.2 standards. The Speech Transmission Index (STI) was measured according to IEC 60268-16 and evaluated according to ISO 9921. The useful-detrimental ratio (U50) and the other descriptors were simulated in the ODEON software version 11. Thus, the results showed that the evaluated room did not meet the minimum requirements in terms of acoustic quality, for the descriptors RT, STI, Ts, D50, RF, and NC. Simultaneously, the RT and STI were also outside the limits established by the German and Finnish standards. Therefore, it is concluded that the evaluated classroom did not reach the minimum acoustic quality requirements.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 3-23
Author(s):  
Francesco Mecorio ◽  
Francesco Santangelo ◽  
Sowon Jang ◽  
Tae Hee Kweon ◽  
Alfonso Gianluca Gucciardo

Introduction: Pansori is a traditional Korean dramatic art form, which likely appeared in the mid-eighteenth century in the southern region of Korea. In pansori, there is a strong inclination toward preserving tradition, especially in regard to training, which is generally considered particularly demanding in terms of risks to vocal health. Nevertheless —as highlighted by recent studies— some innovations took place in pansori characteristics and performances in the last few decades. Objective: We hypothesize that these innovations have impacted the attitudes of singers and teachers towards pansori training and vocal health issues and that a new approach to voice training in pansori might be recommended. Method: Starting with recent evolutions of pansori and considering previous studies, we discuss how these changes might produce innovations —or at least a demand for innovation— in pansori’s training. We also try to capture the viewpoint of pansori students and performers, through an anonymous survey. Results: Although further investigation is required, the results suggest that a new approach in teaching pansori is emerging and it is increasingly requested by the trainee performers, despite some criticisms from traditionalists. Conclusion: Unlike previously thought, perhaps a more scientific and health-conscious approach to pansori voice training will be something from which many pansori singers can benefit.


2021 ◽  
pp. 102986492110478
Author(s):  
Mauro B. Fiuza ◽  
Maria Luisa Sevillano ◽  
M.B. Lã Filipa

Menopause is a certainty in a female singer’s life; depletion of estrogens may lead to physical, mental, and vocal symptoms. To investigate the extent to which these symptoms affect singers, a systematic literature review was carried out using eight interdisciplinary bibliographic databases. Combinations of the following key words were used: menopause, climacterium, singing, singers, and choir. From 18 studies, including three doctoral dissertations and a master’s thesis, only 10 met the inclusion criteria. The heterogeneity of study designs and methods of data collection and analysis precluded the carrying out of a meta-analysis. Instead, descriptors of symptoms affecting the voice, and vocal characteristics associated with menopause ( menopause descriptors) were categorized, and their frequency of occurrence determined, according to six types of primary dataset: (1) self-reported symptoms, (2) acoustic characteristics, (3) observations of the larynx, (4) perceptual evaluations, (5) analysis of electrolaryngographic waveform characteristics, and (6) analysis of hormone concentrations. The descriptors that occurred most frequently in the literature concerned aspects of voice production, whereas those concerning vocal health, and vocal practice and performance, were less common. Of the three subsystems that comprise the vocal instrument, the vibrating vocal folds seem to be more affected than breathing and resonance. Changes in vocal range, timbre, endurance, and vocal fold mobility occur during menopause, affecting singers’ voice quality. Some singers reported that their ability to perform was compromised, mainly due to memory lapses and lack of confidence. Maintaining regular singing and practicing semi-occluded vocal tract exercises throughout the menopausal transition seem to help singers to overcome the negative impacts of menopause on vocal performance.


2021 ◽  
pp. 025576142110639
Author(s):  
Nancy L. Summitt ◽  
Brian N. Weidner

This study investigated expert vocalists’ approaches to practice in terms of planning, time, and strategy usage. Participants were 79 university voice professors and members of professional choirs. The researchers sent each participant the Vocal Practice Survey (VPS)which collected data on the participants’ professional backgrounds, attitudes toward specific practice strategies, and personal practice habits. Results indicated variety in expert vocalists’ approaches to practice, including number of practice sessions per week, length of practice sessions, and structure of practice sessions. Most participants reported using practice resources, especially a piano and a mirror. Participants reported a broad range of frequency in strategy use, with holistic practice strategies dominating. Comments from participants indicated that group rehearsals also served as individual practice opportunities, that there were differences between students’ and experts’ practice, and that an important role of practice was facilitating vocal health. The findings of this study provide a point of reference for comparing vocal practice to instrumental practice and for further development of research of vocal musicians at varying levels of expertise. The researchers also provide recommendations for music educators regarding the instruction and promotion of effective individual vocal practice.


Author(s):  
Martina C Bingham ◽  
Elizabeth K Schwartz ◽  
Anthony Meadows

Abstract Twelve music therapists were observed working clinically in 3 to 5 of their music therapy sessions and subsequently interviewed about their clinical work in order to further examine and define the essential characteristics of therapeutic singing in music therapy clinical practice. Observational and interview data were analyzed separately using procedures consistent with qualitative content analysis and then integrated to provide a comprehensive picture of these singing practices. Analysis of these data revealed 3 interrelated dimensions of therapeutic singing that were integrated into the larger realization of therapeutic singing: (1) foundational vocal skills, (2) vocal engagement, and (3) authenticity. Implications for the education and training of music therapy students, vocal health, and a reevaluation of the American Music Therapy Association’s competencies contextualize these findings for the profession as a whole.


Author(s):  
Rhonda S. Hackworth

The purpose of this literature review was to identify scholarship pertaining to teachers’ vocal health and to discuss implications for music teachers. The review includes studies where researchers have addressed vocal health issues for K–12 teachers of all subjects as well as issues unique to music teachers. Risk factors, measurement, and treatments for teachers’ voice disorders were also explored. Much is written about the prevalence and treatment of voice disorders in the teaching profession, but there is less information about the prevention of the disorders. More research is needed that specifically concentrates on prevention, and vocal hygiene education in teacher training programs should be increased. Education about vocal health is needed, coupled with strategies for ensuring that teachers make the connection between what they learn in vocal hygiene education and how they manage their vocal health on a daily basis.


Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Katie Buckley ◽  
Paul O’Halloran ◽  
Jennifer Oates ◽  
Mandy Ruddock-Hudson

BACKGROUND: Coaches critically rely on voice for occupational functioning, which has associated risks to vocal health. However, vocal occupational health and safety (OHS) and vocal ergonomics are not typically considered for, by, or with coaches. OBJECTIVE: This study piloted a participatory approach to vocal ergonomics, aiming to collaboratively (i) understand coaches’ vocally reliant occupational participation, and (ii) consider vocal ergonomic factors. METHODS: This research was undertaken at an international tournament for floorball (also known as ‘Innebandy’, ‘Salibandy’, or ‘Unihockey’). Three national coaches (n = 3) and the lead researcher undertook cooperative action inquiry. This piloted a participatory vocal ergonomics programme. Action inquiry methods included fieldnotes, interviews, observations, a workshop, ergonomics approaches, and a focus group. Multi-level analyses supported the findings, including categorical aggregation, direct interpretation, and reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants identified vocal ergonomic factors present at the tournament; including personal, activity, physical environmental, and organisational factors. Participants developed four vocal ergonomic approaches responsive to factors. These were: (1) player consultation, (2) ongoing feedback discussions, (3) movement and postural change, and (4) specific task adaptation. Approaches 1–2 directly supported coaches’ voices. Coaches posited limitations to other strategies, but made recommendations for future use. Coaches also reflected that this collaboration provided actionable voice insights and opportunities to address vocal ergonomics. They advocated for extended engagement with coaches, increased focus on vocal health, and inclusion of early career coaches in future programmes. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support engagement of coaches, and other vocally reliant workers, in addressing voice use and vocal health at work.


2021 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 197-206
Author(s):  
Julia Edgar ◽  
Deirdre Michael

Information about voice care is abundant, provided by a variety of sources, including books, the internet, and word of mouth. Some information may not be factual, which, if followed, may affect the well-being of a singer’s voice. This article reports on a survey of 386 singers, who responded to 50 statements about voice health practices, stating whether they had heard the statement, and whether they agreed/believed, were unsure, or disagreed/disbelieved. The statements were grouped by their factual nature: Generally Accepted Belief, Previously Accepted Belief, Misconception Likely Benign, and Misconception Potentially Consequential. Singers were divided into Performance Statuses (Professional, Semi-Professional, Amateur) and Generation (Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials). Statistical analysis was performed to compare the responses to the various kinds of statements by Performance Status and by Generation. Amateurs were significantly different from Professionals on the Generally Accepted Belief statements, and Millennials were different from some or all of the other generations on the other three kinds of statements. The authors examined the possible reasons for these differences, providing a cautionary tale regarding the information and misinformation available to singers. Suggestions are/were provided for how teachers can optimize the proliferation of factual information on voice care.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 119-122
Author(s):  
Nur Ain Nabila Za'im ◽  
Mawaddah Azman

Hoarseness accounts for 1% of all consultations in primary care. Suspicion of malignancy should be considered in individuals with risk factors presenting with unexplained hoarseness lasting more than two weeks. A significant number of patients with laryngeal cancer present at an advanced stage due to lack of awareness regarding vocal health. It is important to educate both the public and primary care health providers concerning laryngeal cancer. We present the case of an 81-year old male smoker who presented to us with a six-month history of progressive hoarseness. He was initially treated in two primary and one secondary care centres, where a diagnosis of laryngeal cancer was not considered. Careful assessment in our centre managed to determine a diagnosis of T3N0M0 glottic carcinoma. We will discuss this alarming triad of progressive hoarseness in a male smoker to help primary care physicians streamline their thoughts and identify red flags in a hoarse patient.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document