Singing Voice Therapy
What is singing voice therapy?
Singing voice therapy is voice rehabilitation which targets negative changes specifically in a person’s singing voice. Singing voice therapy is a self-pay service.
How does singing voice therapy differ from voice therapy?
Like traditional speaking voice therapy, the goal of therapy is to restore the highest level of vocal performance possible, and build skills to help avoid recurrence of the voice problem. However, unlike speaking voice therapy, the focus is on the singing/performing voice, addressing issues with vocal range, endurance, and quality. Exercises are tailored to the specific style and performance goals of the individual. Some individuals may also have changes in their speaking voice as well; in those cases, they may complete a course of speaking voice therapy first before starting singing voice rehabilitation.
Speech-Language Pathology Evaluation & Therapy
Our Speech-Language Pathologists, who have specialty training and expertise in the care of the singing voice, begin by evaluating your personal goals for your voice.
Assessment may include:
- A detailed history collection
- Laryngeal Function Studies consisting of computerized voice analysis and airway measures
- Behavioral voice and communication analysis
- Stimulability trials
Prior to the initiation of voice therapy, a laryngeal examination must be completed in order to identify the etiology of your individual voice problem and determine the most appropriate course of treatment.
If you are recommended for singing voice therapy, your therapy program may include some or all of the following techniques:
- Strengthen and re-balance laryngeal and pharyngeal musculature, including the muscles, joints and ligaments used in voice production
- Learn strategies for preserving vocal function while meeting performance demands
- Create a healthy motor patterns and functional balance in the vocal subsystems- breathing, voice production, and resonance
Additional Information
Performing Arts Medicine at URMC
Performing Arts Medicine Association: https://artsmed.org/