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Level of physiological, anatomical and pathological knowledge of the singing voice on the part of professional and amateur singers

ABSTRACT

Purpose:

the knowledge concerning care of the voice on the part of professional and amateur singers in Chile is relevant for voice professionals and also for speech pathologists who work in disorder prevention and voice care. It is important to know if there are differences between both groups regarding the knowledge of voice care.

Methods:

the "Vocal Awareness Questionnaire for Singers'' was applied to a sample of 66 singers: 33 professional and 33 amateur singers. Three areas of knowledge were evaluated: anatomy and physiology of the larynx, vocal hygiene and voice pathologies.

Results:

there were no significant differences in the knowledge of voice care between professional and amateur singers both at a general level and in specific areas of knowledge. The topic of vocal hygiene obtained the highest percentage of correct answers in both groups, while the lowest percentage was in the area of voice pathologies.

Conclusions:

there were no differences in the level of knowledge on voice care between the professional and amateur singers included in this study. In both groups, the level of knowledge was from low to moderate. This could increase the incidence of vocal pathologies in both groups.

Keywords:
Voice; Singing; Voice Quality; Voice Disorders

RESUMEN

Propósito:

el conocimiento sobre los cuidados de la voz de los cantantes profesionales y amateur en Chile es relevante para los profesionales de la voz y también para los fonoaudiólogos que se desempeñan en la prevención y el cuidado de la voz. Es importante conocer si existen diferencias en ambos grupos en cuanto al conocimiento del cuidado de la voz.

Métodos:

se aplicó el “Vocal Awareness Questionnaire for Singers’’ a una muestra de, 66 cantantes: 33 cantantes profesionales y 33 cantantes amateur. Se evaluaron tres áreas de conocimiento: anatomía y fisiología de la laringe, higiene vocal y patologías de la voz cantada.

Resultados:

no hubo diferencias significativas en el conocimiento del cuidado de la voz entre cantantes profesionales y amateur tanto a nivel general como en las áreas de conocimiento. El área de higiene vocal obtuvo el mayor porcentaje de respuestas correctas en ambos grupos y el menor porcentaje el área de patología de la voz cantada.

Conclusiones:

no se observaron diferencias en el nivel de conocimientos sobre cuidados de la voz entre los cantantes profesionales y amateur, en ambos grupos el nivel de conocimiento es bajo a moderado. Esto podría incrementar la incidencia de patologías vocales en ambos grupos.

Descritores:
Voz; Canto; Calidad de la Voz; Trastornos de la Voz

Introduction

The correct use of the phonation mechanism is important, on the long term, for artists who use their voice as the chosen instrument of their musical career11. Donahue EN, Leborgne WD, Brehm SB, Weinrich BD. Reported vocal habits of first-year undergraduate musical theater majors in a preprofessional training program: a 10-year retrospective study. J Voice. 2014;28(3):316-23.. For this reason, all professional or amateur singers should be familiar with the basic processes involved in voice production. According to Alessandroni et al.22. Alessandroni N, Etcheverry E. Dirección coral y técnica vocal, ¿un diálogo posible? Reflexiones metodológicas para un trabajo vocal eficiente. ERAS Eur Rev Artist Stud. 2011;3(2):1-11., singers lacking a detailed knowledge of the structure of the vocal folds and their principal characteristics, or of the nervous, sensory and motor processes involved in the phonation process, are unable to detect certain problems in their own voice or that of others. A singer33. Pitman MJ. Singer's dysphonia: etiology, treatment, and team management. Music Med An Interdiscip J. 2010;2(2):95-103. or singing teacher44. Stein H. El arte de cantar: su dimensión cultural y pedagógica. Rev Music Chil. 2000;54(194):41-8.possessing a good understanding of the physiology of the vocal cords can more easily visualize their operation and be aware of the basic physiological processes involved. Unfortunately, voice difficulties are common among both voice teachers and singers, even more so than among the general population55. Tobar LN, Pérez MC, Camacho J. Patología benigna de laringe en docentes y cantantes Benign diseases of larynx in teachers and singers. Acta Otorrinolaringol Cirugía Cabeza y Cuello. 2010;39(1):15-23..

For singers, this knowledge is relevant, because not all voices possessing good esthetic characteristics are healthy voices. Singers lacking adequate knowledge of good vocal techniques are at greater risk of losing their vocal efficiency in the long term33. Pitman MJ. Singer's dysphonia: etiology, treatment, and team management. Music Med An Interdiscip J. 2010;2(2):95-103.. As a result, both singing teachers and singers may be affected by dysphonia, not to mention the fact that certain organic pathologies are caused by untreated muscle tension dysphonia33. Pitman MJ. Singer's dysphonia: etiology, treatment, and team management. Music Med An Interdiscip J. 2010;2(2):95-103..

Not all singers are equally knowledgeable about vocal hygiene and care, or about specific aspects such as laryngeal physiology, vocal techniques, or the pathologies that may affect the voice of singers66. Braun-Janzen C, Zeine L. Singers' interest and knowledge levels of vocal function and dysfunction: survey findings. J Voice. 2009;23(4):470-83.. According to Behlau77. Behlau M. Voz: o livro do especialista. Rio de Janiro: Revinter; 2005., professional singers are more knowledgeable about the physiology of the vocal apparatus and the processes involved in voice production, as well as good habits of vocal hygiene, as a result of their formal professional education, including their vocal techniques. On the contrary, popular singers are flexible individuals, whose training is often informal or intuitive, they rehearse without performing vocal warm up exercises or applied techniques and have a lower level of knowledge, as they lack formal training88. Oliveira IB. A educação vocal nos meios de comunicação e arte: a voz cantada. In: Ferreira LP, Oliveira IB, Quinteiro EA, Morato EM (eds). Voz profissional: o profissional da voz. Carapicuíba: Pró-Fono; 1995. p. 33-43..

Limited experience on the part of the singer also seems to be a factor conducive to ignorance of basic care of the voice. Coelho99. De Castro Coelho A, Daroz IF, Cristina K, Silvério A, Brasolotto AG. Amateur choir singers: self-image, difficulties and symptoms of the singing voice. Rev. CEFAC. 2013;15(2):436-43.and Rosa et al.1010. Rosa M, Behlau M. Mapping of vocal risk in amateur choir. J Voice. 2017;31(1):118.e1-118.e11.say that one of the characteristics commonly found among amateur choir members is their lack of knowledge and their limited experience in comparison with professionals. These problems may be related to the lack of familiarity, on the part of amateur singers, with specific singing techniques1010. Rosa M, Behlau M. Mapping of vocal risk in amateur choir. J Voice. 2017;31(1):118.e1-118.e11.,1111. Prestes T, Pereira EC, Bail DI, Dassie-Leite AP. Desvantagem vocal em cantores de igreja. Rev. CEFAC. 2012;14(5):901-9..

Rosa et al1010. Rosa M, Behlau M. Mapping of vocal risk in amateur choir. J Voice. 2017;31(1):118.e1-118.e11.conclude that, at present, the only source of knowledge available to amateur choir members, are the rehearsals provided by their teachers. Techniques such as breathing exercises, muscular relaxation, vocalizations, and scales for tonal extension are still commonly used by choir teachers. However, singers have very limited knowledge of processes taking place at the physiological level and of the effects of the above exercises on voice production1212. McHenry M, Johnson J, Foshea B. The effect of specific versus combined warm-up strategies on the voice. J Voice. 2009;23(5):572-6..

According to Estabillo1313. Estavillo Morante de MDC. La voz: recurso para la educación, rehabilitación y terapia en el ser humano. Rev Interuniv Form del Profr. 2001;9(42):66-75.,vocal abuse and misuse may take place repeatedly as a result of habits that are harmful for singers’ health, and of which they are occasionally aware1414. Boominathan P, Rajendran A, Nagarajan R, Seethapathy J, Gnanasekar M. Vocal abuse and vocal hygiene practices among different level professional voice users in India: a survey. Asia Pacific J Speech, Lang Hear. 2008;11(1):47-53., such as excessive screaming, forced vocalizations, speaking in excess, performing hard glottal attack, inhalation of dust and harmful gases, or bad vocal and practice techniques that create hyperfunction of the vocal folds. As a result of vocal misuse and abuse, many singers suffer from chronic laryngitis, vocal nodules, vocal polyps, contact ulcers and/or laryngeal queratosis1313. Estavillo Morante de MDC. La voz: recurso para la educación, rehabilitación y terapia en el ser humano. Rev Interuniv Form del Profr. 2001;9(42):66-75..

Singers’ good vocal habits and hygiene are also relevant for preventing pathologies. According to Dassie et al.1111. Prestes T, Pereira EC, Bail DI, Dassie-Leite AP. Desvantagem vocal em cantores de igreja. Rev. CEFAC. 2012;14(5):901-9., both lyrical and pop singers have bad habits for vocal health, such as smoking and drinking, although there are differences between lyrical and pop singers, as lyrical singers possess greater knowledge of vocal performance and the role of voice therapists.

Knowledge of the physiology of the larynx, of care of the voice and of vocal misuse and abuse are important for the care of the singer’s voice. However, these are aspects that have not been addressed in Chile till now. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge about care of the voice in a sample of Chilean professional and amateur singers by applying the questionnaire Vocal Awareness Questionnaire for Singers.

Methods

This research was approved by the Ethics Committee of Universidad Católica de Temuco.

This study is based on the positivist paradigm. It is a non-experimental, descriptive and cross-sectional study1515. Salant P, Dillman DA. How to conduct your own survey. New York: Willey; 1994..

The variables considered were the following: gender, age, the items used inthe questionnaire “Vocal awareness questionnaire for Singers’’ (Annex 1 Annex 1: Questionnaire - Singers’ Vocal Awareness Colleen Braun-Janzen, M.Mus. INSTRUCTIONS: Please answer allquestions. Unless otherwise indicated, provide one answer per question. PART I 1. Age: ________ 2. Gender: M____ F____ 3. Type of voice: Soprano__ Contralto__ Tenor__ Baritone__ 4. Occupation: _______________________ 5. Education: Highest level attained (High School degree, University degree, etc.) _______________ 6. What education have you received? (Indicate highest level attained) 1. _____ None 2. _____ Some, but no degree was completed. 3. _____ Undergraduate music degree 4. _____ Masters 5. _____ Doctorate 7. How many years of individual singing training? ____________ N/A_____________ 8. How many years as choir director? ____________ N/A_____________ 9. How many years as a singing teacher? ____________ N/A_____________ 10. On average, how many hours do you sing, per week? ________________ 11. How many years singing in a choir? ________________ 12. Have you worked as a professional singer (for remuneration)? 1. ____ Yes 2. _____No 13. Have you ever been diagnosed with a vocal disorder? 1. _____ Yes 2. _____ No If yes, what was the diagnosis? (tick all that apply) 1. Vocal nodules _____ 2. Contact ulcers _____ 3. Other. _____ Please provide more information: ____________________ 4. _____ N / A 14. a. Have you ever received the services of avoice and speech professional (Speech Therapist)? 1. _____ Yes 2. _____ No b. If yes, what was the motive? (Tick all that apply) 1. _____ Voice therapy 2. _____ Articulation 3. _____ Other (please specify):_______________________ 4. _____ N/A 15. What type of professional has given you the most valuable advice on vocal care? (Tick one) 1. _____ Singing teacher 2. _____ Choir director 3. _____ School or university courses 4. _____ Speech Therapist 5. _____ Other (please specify): _____________________ PART II In your opinion, a speech-language pathologistshould be qualified to: 16. Reduce stress in a person’s neck area (larynx). I don’t know _____ Yes_____ No _____ 17. Diagnose vocal folds lesions. I don’t know _____Yes _____ No _____ 18. Help a person raise or lower the tone frequency of their voice. I don’t know _____ Yes_____ No _____ 19. Raise awareness of vocal care. I don’t know _____ Yes_____ No _____ PART III Please indicate your level of knowledge of the following (tick one per area): 1. Limited or no knowledge 2. Basic understanding 3. Complete understanding 20. Anatomy and physiology (function) of voice production 1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____ 21. Care of the vocal mechanism 1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____ 22. Role of the speech therapist 1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____ 23. Vocal disorders related to abuse of the voice 1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____ PART IV Are you interested in deepening your knowledge of the following? (Tick). 1. Little or no interest 2. Moderate interest 3. Very interested 24. Anatomy and physiology (function) of the voice 1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____ 25. Role of the speech therapist 1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____ 26. Hygiene of vocal apparatus 1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____ 27. Optimum use of the spoken voice 1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____ 28. Vocal disorders 1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____ PART V. (In Parts V, VI and VII, code words are included for the benefit of readers) In your opinion, are the following activities, substances and environmental factors harmful for the voice? Habits Yes No 29. Speaking when suffering from laryngitis 30. Taking antihistamines (for example, Sudafed) 31. Throat-clearing 32. Prolonged production of /m/ 33. Air conditioning 34. Drinking coffee 35. Whispering 36. Speaking in noisy environments 37. Yawning 38. Speaking in a low tone of voice PART VI True or False (tick one per question) 1. I don’t know 2. True 3. False 39. The principal muscle involved in inhalation is the diaphragm. I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____ 40.Yawning lowers the throat (larynx) and relaxes the muscles around it (pharyngeal constrictors). I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____ 41.The glottis is a cartilage in the larynx. I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____ 42. The cricothyroid muscle opens the vocal cords. I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____ 43.Falsetto singing requiresstretching of the vocal cords. I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____ 44. In diaphragmatic respiration, the stomach is filled with air duringinhalation. I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____ 45.The soft palate is raised when making nasal sounds during singing (n, m, and ng) I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____ 46. Vocal nodulesare more frequent in females. I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____ 47. Vocal nodules are often present in only one vocal cord I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____ 48. Vocal nodules are small fibrous lumps usually located in the center of the vocal cord. I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____ 49.Vocal nodules, if untreated, may lead to laryngeal cancer. I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____ 50. If you havechronic heartburn (Gastroesophageal reflux), you should sleep with your legs slightly raised I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____ 51. Contact ulcersare associated with high intensity of the voice I don’t know _____ T____F ____ 52. Vocal nodules generally appear gradually I don’t know _____ T_____F ____ 53. Polyps in the vocal cordsmay appear suddenly, after a single episode of vocal abuse. I don’t know _____ T_____F ____ 54. Contact ulcers are more frequent in males. I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____ 55. Chronic heartburn (Gastroesophageal reflux) put you at risk of developing contact ulcers in the vocal cords. I don’t know _____ T_____F ____ PART VII. Multiple selection 56. Physiological measurements indicate that a “Support” for singing (with optimum projection and resonance) is closely associated with: 1. _____ I don’t know 2. _____ expansion of the rib cage 3. _____reduction of the larynx and stronger closing of the vocal cords. 4. _____reduction of the membrane duringinhalation,and compression ofthe abdomenduringexhaling. 57. What are the symptoms reported bysingers with small / incipient nodules? 1. _____ I don’t know 2. _____ Pain, hoarseness, limited tonal range 3. _____ Hoarseness, difficulty in singing register transitions (vocal passages), and difficulties in fortissimo singing 4. _____ Difficulties withlow intensity singing (piano), slight noises when breathing /noises when starting and difficulties during vocal passages. 5. _____ Pain, difficulties with low-intensity singing (piano), and hoarseness. 58.The best treatment for the first stages ofvocal nodules is: 1. _____ I don’t know 2. _____Surgical removal 3. _____ Total resting of the voice until symptoms disappear 4. _____ Voice therapy focused on change vocal habits 5. _____ Whispering till vocal folds return to normal 59.The best treatment for the first stages of laryngitis is: 1. _____ I don’t know. 2. _____ Cortisone 3. _____ Total resting of the voice until symptoms disappear 4. _____ Voice therapy focused on change vocal habits 5. _____ Whispering till vocal folds return to normal PART VIII 60. When you have phlegm / mucus in the throat, you should (tick all that apply). a. _____ Cough or clear the throat b. _____ Swallow c. _____ Drink water d. _____ Dry cough (no secretion, “choppy” coughing) 61. When you have a hoarse voice, you should (tick all that apply). a. _____ Increase the intake of liquids b. _____ Stop singing, or sing only for important occasions c. _____ Avoid alcohol d. _____ Use a vaporizer or humidifier at night e. _____ Sing as usual f. _____ Decrease the use of thevoice for speaking g. _____ Cancel all social activities that involve speaking h. _____ Whisper when communicating i. _____ Sleep longer j. _____ Avoid caffeine k. _____ Avoid smoky environments l. _____ Avoid speaking in noisy environments m. _____ Take cortisone if you have to use your voice n. _____ Take antihistamines (for example, Loratadine or chlorphenamine) PART IX 62. The following statements reflect a singer’s attitude to singing. Please choose the one that most closely describes your feelings: 1. _____ singing is the most important thing in my life 2. _____singingis one of the 3 most important thingsin my life. 3. _____singingis one of the 5 most important thingsin my life. 4. _____singingis one of the 10 most important thingsin my life. 5. _____singingis not one of the 10 most important thingsin my life. ), and the categories of professional / amateur singer.

Sample

The study considered a sample of 66 singers: 33 professional singers and 33 amateur singers in the cities of Temuco and Santiago of Chile. The sample was selected by convenience sampling. As group distribution criterion, we followed the one suggested by Grape et al.1616. Kwak PE, Stasney CR, Hathway J, Minard CG, Ongkasuwan J. Knowledge, experience, and anxieties of young classical singers in training. J Voice. 2014;28(2):191-5.: A Professional Singer[PS] is a singer who has followed formal professional education, including vocal techniques, with regular classes and rehearsals, andwho receives remuneration for their singing. An Amateur Singers[AS] is a singer who takes singing lessons for non-professional reasons, during their spare time, and receives no remuneration for singing.

We excluded those singers that have followed studies and/or specialties in vocology, for example phono-audiologists or ear, nose, and throat specialists.

Instrument

Vocal Awareness Questionnaire for Singers: we adapted to the Spanish language Colleen Braun-Janzen & L. Zeine’s questionnaire66. Braun-Janzen C, Zeine L. Singers' interest and knowledge levels of vocal function and dysfunction: survey findings. J Voice. 2009;23(4):470-83.. The original instrument has 6 items, only three of which were used in this study: anatomical-physiological knowledge (PART VI; questions 39 to 45, PART VII 56), vocal hygiene (PART V; questions 29 to 38) and pathologies of the singing voice (PART VI; questions 46 to 55,PART VII,57 to 59).The other 3 items were not used as they are not pertinent to this research.

Procedure

Singers were recruited either in person or through e-mail. After the study objectives had been explained, including the risks and benefits of the study, each singer signed an informed consent form. Next, each participant completed the questionnaire Vocal Awareness questionnaire for singers in one of the following manners: in person or online (Google Forms). Each participant was given 15 minutes to complete the questionnaire.

The Chi-squared was used to determine the differences between groups. The variables were subjected to descriptive and inferential analysis, considering a statistical significance value of < 0.05.

Results

The analysis of the data is presented in Tables 1 and 2.

Table 1. Basic data of PS and AS.

Table 1:
Baseline data on professional and amateur singers

Table 2. Basic data of PS and AS.

Table 2:
Baseline data on professional and amateur singers

General Knowledge

In general terms, considering both groups, 33.8% of the singers evidenced limited knowledge (0-32%correct answers), 49.4% evidenced moderate knowledge (33-65% correct answers) and 17.1% evidenced high level of knowledge (66-100% correct answers).

Knowledge per Item

Table 3:
Level of knowledge on laryngeal anatomy and physiology, vocal hygiene and vocal pathology per group

There were no differences between groups in terms of the items related to anatomical-physiological knowledge (p=0.18), vocal hygiene (p=0.23) and knowledge of vocal pathology (p=0.19) (Table 3).

The questions that received the greatest percentage of correct answers included the following: function of the diaphragm (71.2%), the relaxation function of yawning (77.3%), the knowledge of treatment for laryngitis (96.9%), the damage caused by throat-clearing (93.9%), the damage caused by speaking in noisy environments (89.3%) and the progression of vocal nodules (56.1%).

The questions with the highest percentage of incorrect answers or lack of knowledge are related to the glottis (75.8%), the function of the cricothyroid muscle (90.9%), the use of the stomach for breathing (59.1%), the function of the soft palate (75.8%), the effects of antihistamines on the voice (50%), the harmful effects of whispering (63.6%) and the effects of speaking in a low tone (77.3%). The item receiving the highest percentages of incorrect answers or lack of knowledge was the one related to vocal pathologies. The singers had no knowledge of the physiopathology of vocal nodules, its etiology per gender (87.9%), its bilateral presentation (71.2%), the structural characteristics of the nodules (51.5%), their progression and evolution (84.9%), the symptoms associated with vocal nodules (42.4%) and their treatment (39.4). Similarly, singers gave high percentages of incorrect answer sin relation to the effects of reflux (63.7%), contact ulcers (83.3%) and polyps (72.8%).

Discussion

Professional singers are those who have had formal education or training, and have been subjected over several years to the discipline that is characteristic oftheir profession and their vocal techniques, including regular classes and rehearsals. Behlau77. Behlau M. Voz: o livro do especialista. Rio de Janiro: Revinter; 2005. states that this group has deeper knowledge of the physiology of the vocal apparatus, of different aspects of voice production, and of habits of vocal hygiene. On the contrary, pop singers are flexible individuals, whose training is intuitive or informal, and they rehearse without vocal warm-up exercises or applied techniques77. Behlau M. Voz: o livro do especialista. Rio de Janiro: Revinter; 2005.. However, our results are similar to those of Kwak et al.1616. Kwak PE, Stasney CR, Hathway J, Minard CG, Ongkasuwan J. Knowledge, experience, and anxieties of young classical singers in training. J Voice. 2014;28(2):191-5., which indicate that singers with more advanced studies do not possess significantly greater knowledge of the anatomy of the voice and its physiology. In spite of their relatively low level of knowledge, professional singers recognized that possessing knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the singing voiceis a pre-requisite for achieving good performance in lyrical singing. This is in agreement with Sielska et al.1717. Sielska-Badurek E, Osuch-Wójcikiewicz E, Sobol M, Kazanecka E, Niemczyk K. Singers' vocal function knowledge levels, sensorimotor self-awareness of vocal tract, and impact of functional voice rehabilitation on the vocal function knowledge and self-awareness of vocal tract. J Voice. 2017;31(1):122.e17-122.e24., who concluded that, for singers, this knowledge is essential for improving their singing performance.

Both groups gave a high percentage of correct answers in vocal hygiene. In this regard, the type of health care sought by singers may determine their interest in the quality of the voice. Astudy conducted by Petty1818. Petty BE. Health information-seeking behaviors among classically trained singers. J Voice. 2012;26(3):330-5. on professional singers seeking information on vocal health, concludes that singers are more likely to seek information from singing teachers about vocal problems, compared to persons who are not singers, as the latter are more likely to seek advice from doctors or voice therapists. The study also indicates that younger singers are more likely to use home remedies in comparison with older singers1818. Petty BE. Health information-seeking behaviors among classically trained singers. J Voice. 2012;26(3):330-5.. Behlau77. Behlau M. Voz: o livro do especialista. Rio de Janiro: Revinter; 2005. states that amateur and pop singers are more likely to see a speech therapist for general guidance and for vocal hygiene, due to their high rates of vocal misuse and abuse. In the present study, amateur singers were less likely to visit a speech therapist, with dysphonia being the most frequent motive for the visit. Professional singers are more likely to visit a phono-audiologist, with the main motive being voice therapy. According to a study of music students conducted by Kwak et al.1616. Kwak PE, Stasney CR, Hathway J, Minard CG, Ongkasuwan J. Knowledge, experience, and anxieties of young classical singers in training. J Voice. 2014;28(2):191-5., the more-experienced singers do not possess significantly greater knowledge of the anatomy of the voice and its physiology, but they are more interested in visiting a near, nose, and throat specialist, and in learning about vocal pathologies.

Pazo et al.1919. Pazo T, Peña AS, Thompson AL. Realidades y desafíos de la educación vocal en profesionales de la voz en Cuba [Internet]. 2006. Available from: http://www.sld.cu/galerias/pdf/sitios/rehabilitacion-logo/realidades_y_desafios_de_la_educacion_vocal_en_profesionales_de_la_voz_en_cuba.pdf
http://www.sld.cu/galerias/pdf/sitios/re...
say that, of all singers, lyrical singers are the most likely to avoid vocal abuse and misuse, and their vocal technique is more effective in comparison with pop singers, who neglect good vocal technique. Similarly, Achey et al.2020. Achey MA, He MZ, Akst LM. Vocal hygiene habits and vocal handicap among conservatory students of classical singing. J Voice. 2016;30(2):192-7. state that vocal warm-up exercises are more frequently practiced by opera singers than by pop singers. However, in the present research no marked differences were found in terms of knowledge of vocal techniques, as both groups reported moderate to high levels of care of the voice.

The most common pathologies in singers are laryngitis, vocal nodules and edema. Singers are more likely to perceive voice symptoms, due to years of self-observation and the importance accorded to these symptoms by singers. According to García-López et al.2121. García-López I, Gavilán Bouzas J. The singing voice. Acta Otorrinolaringologica (English Edition). 2010;61(6):441-51. singers are more likely to suffer pathologies of the singing voice. There search carried out by Braun-Jansen66. Braun-Janzen C, Zeine L. Singers' interest and knowledge levels of vocal function and dysfunction: survey findings. J Voice. 2009;23(4):470-83. indicates that most singers obtain low scores in knowledge about pathologies. This is confirmed in the present study. Similarly, in the item relative to pathologies of the singing voice there is no significant difference between PS and AS in terms of knowledge of vocal pathology

It is interesting to note that 82.8% of the singers in this study evidenced limited or moderate knowledge. Therefore, it can be stated that ahigh percentage of singers requires improvement and education in these areas of knowledge, as indicated by Broaddus-Lawrence et al.2222. Broaddus-Lawrence PL, Treole K, McCabe RB, Allen RL, Toppin L. The effects of preventive vocal hygiene education on the vocal hygiene habits and perceptual vocal characteristics of training singers. J Voice. 2000;14(1):58-71. These researchers state that the singers in their study reported obtaining a high degree of benefits and learnings after taking classes and practice sessions in vocal hygiene.

We may mention the following limitations of the present study: the relatively small sample size and the limited control over the online filling of the questionnaire. Therefore, these results should be taken with caution, and not generalized. It is relevant to mention that one third (33.85%) of the respondents said they do not know what the role of the phono-audiologistis in relation to singing. Although these data were not analyzed quantitatively, we consider it advisable to conduct further research in this field within the Chilean context.

Conclusion

Both professional and amateur singers possess limited to moderate general knowledge in terms of anatomy, physiology and pathology of the singing voice. There were no differences detected between these two groups.

The results of this research indicate that the singers in this study do not possess adequate knowledge about the care of the voice. This is the case even for singers who consider themselves professionals. It seems important that singers be educated in the prevention of vocal pathologies.

It seems advisable for new research to be conducted along these lines, based on different classification and exclusion criteria for professional singers, so as to make it possible to analyze the differences between singers who have followed formal university-level studies and those who have received informal training.

References

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    Donahue EN, Leborgne WD, Brehm SB, Weinrich BD. Reported vocal habits of first-year undergraduate musical theater majors in a preprofessional training program: a 10-year retrospective study. J Voice. 2014;28(3):316-23.
  • 2
    Alessandroni N, Etcheverry E. Dirección coral y técnica vocal, ¿un diálogo posible? Reflexiones metodológicas para un trabajo vocal eficiente. ERAS Eur Rev Artist Stud. 2011;3(2):1-11.
  • 3
    Pitman MJ. Singer's dysphonia: etiology, treatment, and team management. Music Med An Interdiscip J. 2010;2(2):95-103.
  • 4
    Stein H. El arte de cantar: su dimensión cultural y pedagógica. Rev Music Chil. 2000;54(194):41-8.
  • 5
    Tobar LN, Pérez MC, Camacho J. Patología benigna de laringe en docentes y cantantes Benign diseases of larynx in teachers and singers. Acta Otorrinolaringol Cirugía Cabeza y Cuello. 2010;39(1):15-23.
  • 6
    Braun-Janzen C, Zeine L. Singers' interest and knowledge levels of vocal function and dysfunction: survey findings. J Voice. 2009;23(4):470-83.
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    Behlau M. Voz: o livro do especialista. Rio de Janiro: Revinter; 2005.
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    Oliveira IB. A educação vocal nos meios de comunicação e arte: a voz cantada. In: Ferreira LP, Oliveira IB, Quinteiro EA, Morato EM (eds). Voz profissional: o profissional da voz. Carapicuíba: Pró-Fono; 1995. p. 33-43.
  • 9
    De Castro Coelho A, Daroz IF, Cristina K, Silvério A, Brasolotto AG. Amateur choir singers: self-image, difficulties and symptoms of the singing voice. Rev. CEFAC. 2013;15(2):436-43.
  • 10
    Rosa M, Behlau M. Mapping of vocal risk in amateur choir. J Voice. 2017;31(1):118.e1-118.e11.
  • 11
    Prestes T, Pereira EC, Bail DI, Dassie-Leite AP. Desvantagem vocal em cantores de igreja. Rev. CEFAC. 2012;14(5):901-9.
  • 12
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Annex 1: Questionnaire - Singers’ Vocal Awareness

Colleen Braun-Janzen, M.Mus.

INSTRUCTIONS: Please answer allquestions. Unless otherwise indicated, provide one answer per question.

PART I

1. Age: ________

2. Gender: M____ F____

3. Type of voice: Soprano__ Contralto__ Tenor__ Baritone__

4. Occupation: _______________________

5. Education: Highest level attained (High School degree, University degree, etc.) _______________

6. What education have you received? (Indicate highest level attained)

1. _____ None

2. _____ Some, but no degree was completed.

3. _____ Undergraduate music degree

4. _____ Masters

5. _____ Doctorate

7. How many years of individual singing training?

____________ N/A_____________

8. How many years as choir director?

____________ N/A_____________

9. How many years as a singing teacher?

____________ N/A_____________

10. On average, how many hours do you sing, per week? ________________

11. How many years singing in a choir? ________________

12. Have you worked as a professional singer (for remuneration)?

1. ____ Yes 2. _____No

13. Have you ever been diagnosed with a vocal disorder?

1. _____ Yes 2. _____ No

If yes, what was the diagnosis? (tick all that apply)

1. Vocal nodules _____

2. Contact ulcers _____

3. Other. _____

Please provide more information: ____________________

4. _____ N / A

14. a. Have you ever received the services of avoice and speech professional (Speech Therapist)?

1. _____ Yes 2. _____ No

b. If yes, what was the motive? (Tick all that apply)

1. _____ Voice therapy

2. _____ Articulation

3. _____ Other (please specify):_______________________

4. _____ N/A

15. What type of professional has given you the most valuable advice on vocal care? (Tick one)

1. _____ Singing teacher

2. _____ Choir director

3. _____ School or university courses

4. _____ Speech Therapist

5. _____ Other (please specify): _____________________

PART II

In your opinion, a speech-language pathologistshould be qualified to:

16. Reduce stress in a person’s neck area (larynx).

I don’t know _____ Yes_____ No _____

17. Diagnose vocal folds lesions.

I don’t know _____Yes _____ No _____

18. Help a person raise or lower the tone frequency of their voice.

I don’t know _____ Yes_____ No _____

19. Raise awareness of vocal care.

I don’t know _____ Yes_____ No _____

PART III

Please indicate your level of knowledge of the following (tick one per area):

1. Limited or no knowledge 2. Basic understanding 3. Complete understanding

20. Anatomy and physiology (function) of voice production 1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____

21. Care of the vocal mechanism 1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____

22. Role of the speech therapist 1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____

23. Vocal disorders related to abuse of the voice 1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____

PART IV

Are you interested in deepening your knowledge of the following? (Tick).

1. Little or no interest 2. Moderate interest 3. Very interested

24. Anatomy and physiology (function) of the voice 1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____

25. Role of the speech therapist 1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____

26. Hygiene of vocal apparatus 1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____

27. Optimum use of the spoken voice 1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____

28. Vocal disorders 1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____

PART V. (In Parts V, VI and VII, code words are included for the benefit of readers)

In your opinion, are the following activities, substances and environmental factors harmful for the voice?

Habits Yes No 29. Speaking when suffering from laryngitis 30. Taking antihistamines (for example, Sudafed) 31. Throat-clearing 32. Prolonged production of /m/ 33. Air conditioning 34. Drinking coffee 35. Whispering 36. Speaking in noisy environments 37. Yawning 38. Speaking in a low tone of voice

PART VI

True or False (tick one per question)

1. I don’t know 2. True 3. False

39. The principal muscle involved in inhalation is the diaphragm.

I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____

40.Yawning lowers the throat (larynx) and relaxes the muscles around it (pharyngeal constrictors).

I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____

41.The glottis is a cartilage in the larynx.

I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____

42. The cricothyroid muscle opens the vocal cords.

I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____

43.Falsetto singing requiresstretching of the vocal cords.

I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____

44. In diaphragmatic respiration, the stomach is filled with air duringinhalation.

I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____

45.The soft palate is raised when making nasal sounds during singing (n, m, and ng)

I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____

46. Vocal nodulesare more frequent in females.

I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____

47. Vocal nodules are often present in only one vocal cord

I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____

48. Vocal nodules are small fibrous lumps usually located in the center of the vocal cord.

I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____

49.Vocal nodules, if untreated, may lead to laryngeal cancer.

I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____

50. If you havechronic heartburn (Gastroesophageal reflux), you should sleep with your legs slightly raised

I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____

51. Contact ulcersare associated with high intensity of the voice

I don’t know _____ T____F ____

52. Vocal nodules generally appear gradually

I don’t know _____ T_____F ____

53. Polyps in the vocal cordsmay appear suddenly, after a single episode of vocal abuse.

I don’t know _____ T_____F ____

54. Contact ulcers are more frequent in males.

I don’t know _____ T_____ F ____

55. Chronic heartburn (Gastroesophageal reflux) put you at risk of developing contact ulcers in the vocal cords.

I don’t know _____ T_____F ____

PART VII. Multiple selection

56. Physiological measurements indicate that a “Support” for singing (with optimum projection and resonance) is closely associated with:

1. _____ I don’t know

2. _____ expansion of the rib cage

3. _____reduction of the larynx and stronger closing of the vocal cords.

4. _____reduction of the membrane duringinhalation,and compression ofthe abdomenduringexhaling.

57. What are the symptoms reported bysingers with small / incipient nodules?

1. _____ I don’t know

2. _____ Pain, hoarseness, limited tonal range

3. _____ Hoarseness, difficulty in singing register transitions (vocal passages), and difficulties in fortissimo singing

4. _____ Difficulties withlow intensity singing (piano), slight noises when breathing /noises when starting and difficulties during vocal passages.

5. _____ Pain, difficulties with low-intensity singing (piano), and hoarseness.

58.The best treatment for the first stages ofvocal nodules is:

1. _____ I don’t know

2. _____Surgical removal

3. _____ Total resting of the voice until symptoms disappear

4. _____ Voice therapy focused on change vocal habits

5. _____ Whispering till vocal folds return to normal

59.The best treatment for the first stages of laryngitis is:

1. _____ I don’t know.

2. _____ Cortisone

3. _____ Total resting of the voice until symptoms disappear

4. _____ Voice therapy focused on change vocal habits

5. _____ Whispering till vocal folds return to normal

PART VIII

60. When you have phlegm / mucus in the throat, you should (tick all that apply).

a. _____ Cough or clear the throat

b. _____ Swallow

c. _____ Drink water

d. _____ Dry cough (no secretion, “choppy” coughing)

61. When you have a hoarse voice, you should (tick all that apply).

a. _____ Increase the intake of liquids

b. _____ Stop singing, or sing only for important occasions

c. _____ Avoid alcohol

d. _____ Use a vaporizer or humidifier at night

e. _____ Sing as usual

f. _____ Decrease the use of thevoice for speaking

g. _____ Cancel all social activities that involve speaking

h. _____ Whisper when communicating

i. _____ Sleep longer

j. _____ Avoid caffeine

k. _____ Avoid smoky environments

l. _____ Avoid speaking in noisy environments

m. _____ Take cortisone if you have to use your voice

n. _____ Take antihistamines (for example, Loratadine or chlorphenamine)

PART IX

62. The following statements reflect a singer’s attitude to singing. Please choose the one that most closely describes your feelings:

1. _____ singing is the most important thing in my life

2. _____singingis one of the 3 most important thingsin my life.

3. _____singingis one of the 5 most important thingsin my life.

4. _____singingis one of the 10 most important thingsin my life.

5. _____singingis not one of the 10 most important thingsin my life.

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    Sep-Oct 2018

History

  • Received
    04 June 2018
  • Accepted
    21 Aug 2018
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