Survey on vocal fatigue in classroom teachers: Profile based on teaching level [abstract]

Abstract only availableVoice production is a complex task involving coordination of several systems in our body. Voice plays a crucial role in speech production. Without voice, speech will be inaudible. Voice problems hinder communication significantly. The consequence of voice problems in daily living depends on patients' lifestyle and profession. Professional voice users are those who use their voice for earning a living. This group includes teachers, sales persons, attorneys, singers, actors etc. It is obvious that the effect of voice problem will be significantly greater in professional voice users than a librarian or clerk who do not involve in active voice production during work. Among professional voice users, teachers are considered to be at high risk for voice problems. Their schedule at work, duration and extent of voice use, and lack of knowledge about vocal hygiene can worsen the condition. Voice problems in teachers can affect their teaching efficiency and also risk their job. The goal of this survey is to identify classroom teachers in Columbia, Missouri having voice problems, increase awareness among teachers about vocal hygiene, and the role of speech language pathologists in helping patients with voice problems. This project will also try to identify any specific group among teachers (kindergarten, elementary, high school, and college level) who are prone to voice problems or at vocal risk. This project will help increase awareness among teachers about vocal hygiene that can help improve vocal efficiency and prevent voice problems.National Institutes of Healt

Physiology of vocal images in singing: A preliminary project on “online” singing training [abstract]

Abstract only availableThis online program will help students understand the art and science of singing. During voice training, students and teachers may not have the same understanding of certain voice production techniques. While the teacher and student produce the same voice qualities, they may result from different physiological representations. For example, a loud voice can be produced by increasing lung pressure, or by increasing the extent of vocal fold squeezing, where the latter is detrimental to voice production. Learning about the mechanics of speech and voice production can help singers avoid dysphonia and other voice problems State of the art equipment will be used to decipher the art of singing. It will transcribe artistic images to physiological definitions of voice production by analyzing acoustic, aerodynamic, and kinematic parameters of voice samples. These physiological descriptions, as well as audio samples of teachers' voices will be used to create an online program. Feedback and instruction of vocal tract physiology have proven to be useful in improving the voice of professional singers (Pershal & Boone, 1987). This program will enhance students' learning experience by providing additional feedback. Various studies have been done that support efforts to "integrate curricula in vocal performance and speech-language pathology" (DeBoer & Shealy, 1995) and this online program will be an important step in improving vocal instruction.eResearch Fellowshi

Vocal Music and Pedagogy of Chinese, African, and Indian Genres

China, Africa, and India have long vocal traditions dating back hundreds and even thousands of years. Supporting the vocal music of these countries and continents are pedagogical systems which are as much a part of the unique musical and cultural heritage of each location as the vocal music they serve. In many African countries and in China, the languages are tonal languages, each of which has wielded a strong influence upon the character of the country’s vocal music. This chapter examines the vocal music and vocal instruction of each country/continent, and also provides a description of current trends in vocal pedagogy. In particular, the influence of Western society and technology are discussed. Some countries, such as China, have undertaken government-led programs to preserve and promote earlier forms of music-making, while others have adapted to technological advancements by using new means to teach older traditions