Professional Voice Users
Resource for those with a special interest
Wicklund, K. (2010). Singing Voice Rehabilitation:
A Guide for the Voice Teacher and SpeechLanguage 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