Vocal Health: Awareness and Perceptions in Undergraduate Vocal Music and Theatre Majors

• Main Author: Smith, Heather
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University 2018
• Subjects: vocal health; student perceptions; vocal music majors; theatre majors; singers; actors; Speech Pathology and Audiology
• Online Access: https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/3404; https://dc.etsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4866&context=etd

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the perceptions of students majoring in vocal music and theatre regarding the instruction they receive in their undergraduate curricula on voice health education. Methods: A survey was adapted from a previous study, Beeman (2016), with permission by the author. The survey was disseminated to undergraduate vocal music and theatre majors across the United States via SurveyMonkey®, an online survey tool. Results: Students perceived receiving knowledge on vocal health from their voice teachers, however they reported low levels of vocal hygiene compliance. Additionally, students recognized the connection between the singing and speaking voice, and they were unclear of the role of the speech-language pathologist in voice. Conclusion: The disconnect between vocal health knowledge and student compliance of vocal hygiene strategies, requires further investigation. Utilizing the voice care team, specifically the speech-language pathologist, to educate both the voice teachers and the students on best practices, is imperative.