Most speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have very little experience and training in treating voice disorders. As part of their masters degree, SLPs are required to take one course in voice disorders — and that course may focus more on signs and symptoms than on treatment. If you’ve been diagnosed with a voice disorder, it is essential that you see an SLP who is well-versed in voice. But how can you know whether an SLPs has the experience to help you? This post will give you some ideas of what to look for or what questions to ask.
How to Find a Voice Doctor
Most doctors (even ENTs) don’t have the experience it takes to treat singers or anyone with a complex voice disorder. If you’re shopping for a voice-savvy ENT, look for an otolaryngologist who has completed a fellowship in Laryngology and the Care of the Professional Voice. There are just over 20 such fellowship programs in the United States. I recommend looking for a large hospital with a voice center that employs laryngologists and speech-language pathologists who specialize in voice. This blog post includes an extensive list. However, many regions of the country do not have a voice clinic, and you would be well-served by finding any fellowship-trained laryngologist. I recommend visiting the website of the American Laryngological Association, where you can search for members by location. The search feature does not function perfectly, but it provides a place to start.
Benefits of Group Mindfulness for People with Voice Disorders
Did you know that practicing mindfulness in a group has been shown to produce better outcomes than practicing alone? The popular press frequently touts the health benefits of mindfulness, but rarely states that those benefits are almost always gained in group settings. If you've been practicing mindfulness on your own using recordings or an app, consider joining a class instead.
Singing and Mindfulness Meditation: Complementary Practices
If you’re a singer who is new to meditation, figuring out where to start can be overwhelming. As a voice teacher and trained mindfulness instructor, I’d like to offer some insight. Let’s start by looking at four ways that singing and mindfulness can complement each other. Then I’ll share some valuable resources that can help you start your own meditation practice.
Study: Mindfulness for People with Voice Disorders
Nearly every modern textbook on vocal pedagogy, vocal health, or the causes and treatment of voice disorders recommends stress reduction as both a preventive and therapeutic tool for voice users and patients with voice disorders. We know from extensive research in various populations that Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBIs) can reduce stress. Yet I have been unable to find any studies on the effects of mindfulness in people with voice disorders. I decided to run my own.
Keeping Your Voice Healthy
Ten Ways to Begin Your Vocal Warm-Up Without Making a Sound
Protecting Your Singing Voice: Managing Acid Reflux
Managing Postnasal Drip: A Guide for Singers
Postnasal drip can be a singer’s nightmare. Whether it’s caused by allergies or a bad cold, it can leave the vocal cords swollen, which can limit your range and make your voice more prone to injury. Find out what you can do at home to combat postnasal drip and when you should consider seeing a doctor.
Resources for Teaching Belting and Contemporary Vocal Technique
Like many voice teachers working today, I studied classical voice in college and my pedagogy training focused entirely on classical vocal technique. To make up for those limitations, I have spent the last 10 years attempting to educate myself about contemporary singing. I would like to share some of the resources that I have found most helpful.
Going Pro: A Guide for the Parents of Young Actors
As a voice teacher in the Philadelphia region, I am lucky to have several young students who do professional work as singers and actors. New students and their parents often ask me about going pro. Below are some thoughts and resources to get you started.
