Professional Voice Users

Resource for those with a special interestWicklund, K. (2010). Singing Voice

Rehabilitation: A Guide for the Voice Teacher and Speech-Language Pathologist. Delmar.

Types of Professional Voice Users

• Vocalists– Singers– Singing teachers and therapists

• Voice Professionals– Stage, screen and TV actors– Radio and TV personalities– Announcers

• Other Professional Voice Users– Teachers, salespersons, SLPs, etc

Who works with the PVU?

Schneider and Sataloff, (2007)

Case History

Voice Symptom History

• Distinguish between speaking voice and singing/performing voice when establishing symptom history

Details of Vocal Activities

• What is the professional/performance activity?– acting, singing, public speaking, recitation, etc.

• Genre of music for a singer– jazz, classical, rock, country, etc

• Classification of voice– soprano, mezzo-soprano, alto, tenor, baritone/bass

• Range of singing activities– Solo, choral, both (if so, are the ranges similar)

• Performance environment– physical space, audience size, etc

Professional Activities and Goals of Client

• Professional status or goals (students)– Vocalist vs. music teacher vs. music therapist– Professional singer, serious amateur

Vocal Use Patterns

• Distinguish typical communication activities from professional/performance activities

• Get a clear idea about frequency, intensity and type of practice and performance

• NOTE: Student vocalists may be singing more than a working professional!

Vocal Training

• Is there a history of training?• If so, – How long?– Currently in training?– What type?– Different instructors?

Auditory Perceptual Evaluation

• Separately evaluate speaking voice and singing/performing voice

• Collect good samples of each type of task– Collect singing samples within genre and with

something familiar to client

Remember…

• Professional voice users are prone to developing the range of voice problems that others develop.

• So, don’t simply assume that problems are always due to vocal use patterns!

Management Considerations

• DO NOT ignore the speaking voice when working with a vocalist– Same instrument used for both speaking and singing– Healthy singing patterns may not be accompanied by

healthy general vocal patterns– These points need to be clearly articulated to the

client• Personality factors associated with the

performer

Management Considerations

• Avoid straining while attempting to produce character voices

• Avoid performing during times of upper airway illness

• Avoid “out of range” roles• Prioritize vocal demands• Use amplification of possible• Use “marking” techniques for rehearsals• Allow adequate warm-up and warm-down activities

Management Considerations

• Be willing to observe clients in their typical performance space

• Be willing to consult with other professionals• Be willing to admit what you don’t know

Suggestions for those with minimal background in music/singing

• Find trustworthy professionals in your area for referral or personal training

• Take or observe some voice lessons