Finding My Voice: Navigating Vocal Health as a Music Therapy Intern
by Emily Larson, Music Therapy Intern
Prior to my internship at Heart and Harmony, I was a lifelong singer with many years of classical and choral training. However, after stepping away from consistent, structured voice training, I found it increasingly difficult to maintain healthy vocal habits. I loved getting to sing in contemporary styles, but my voice was constantly fatigued. As I reflect on my classical training, I am grateful that it helped me develop a better awareness of vocal registers, expressive singing, and support. With that being said- it did not fully prepare me for the demands of sustained nonclassical singing.
After doing some research and talking with peers, I found that I’m not alone! In a 2019 survey among music therapists, 7.8% of respondents reported experiencing a current voice disorder, a rate significantly higher than the 1.7% prevalence in the general U.S. population (Waldon & Isetti, 2019). Additionally, over 15.8% of respondents met criteria for referral to a laryngologist (Waldon & Isetti, 2019). This may be due to the integral role of the voice in therapy facilitation. Music therapists may spend over a quarter of their working hours singing, often in various postures- singing on couches, stools, the floor, or while moving. Additionally, they shift between pop, rock, musical theatre, and country genres frequently. This requires versatile strategies of phonation (Bingham, 2019).
In the face of these challenges, I knew I needed to make intentional changes to preserve my vocal health and better meet the demands of my work. Through trial and error, I have collected and implemented the following strategies:
Singing from a Non-Judgmental Space
Stop trying to sound like someone else! I have a naturally quieter voice and have spent years trying to give it more weight. I have found this to be an unsustainable goal for the music therapy setting. Embracing my range and the unique qualities that make my voice special has allowed me to take better care of it.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
You’ve heard it before, hydration is key! Singing and prolonged speaking results in the evaporation of moisture via the oral cavity. Well-hydrated vocal folds require less effort and air pressure, which decreases vocal load (Waldon & Isetti, 2019). It’s important to note that water does not directly touch the vocal folds, and sustainable hydration requires a consistent intake of water that begins at least 24 hours before singing. The standard recommended water intake is 64 oz daily- this is 1.6 Stanleys at 40 oz or 2.6 Owalas at 24 oz. Along with upping my water intake, I have cut down on caffeine. My six morning espresso shots are now just one black coffee, and unfortunately, I have noticed a difference.
Stretch to Reduce Tension
Where we carry tension impacts technique. I carry a LOT of tongue tension, so I start off my vocal routine with a 2 minute tongue stretch, and the difference is night and day. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.
Warm-Up Every Day
Singing flexibly across genres is an athletic feat, and all good athletes warm-up. In a study investigating singer and listener assessments before and after 25 minutes of warm-ups, both groups perceived an audible difference in vocal quality. Singers described feeling a vocal connection throughout the body and a resonant sensation of being warmed up (Moorcroft & Kenny, 2013). Because everyone’s voice is different, there is no universal rule regarding the length of a warm-up or the specific exercises used. When formulating a warm-up routine, it may be helpful to think about what makes you feel warmed up. The feeling of connection between registers and placements is one that I seek out in my own warm up routine.
What Works for Me:
- Bringing back the non-judgmental space: It’s okay (and sometimes encouraged) for warm ups to sound ugly. My main objective is to stretch and connect my registers.
- I have been using a guided warm-up from Emily Kristen Morris, a professional that I trust. For me, the investment serves as an extra incentive to use it every day. However, you do NOT have to pay money for an effective vocal warm up. There are endless free warm ups available on youtube. You may also consider recording a backing track for your own use, consisting of five-note scales, eight-note scales, and arpeggios.
- SOVTes (Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercises): These include lip trills, tongue trills, and straw phonation. By partially closing off the vocal tract to increase back pressure, these exercises reduce laryngeal tension and improve vocal economy. SOVTes decrease muscle activity in laryngeal muscles and improve resonance by shifting the phonation focus forward. Studies suggest that consistent practice can lead to improved vocal health over time (Savareh et al., 2023). I am currently aiming for at least five minutes of straw phonation with water resistance daily (humming a variety of scales through a straw while blowing bubbles into water). This practice has improved my diaphragmatic breathing and access to forward placement. It’s easy to do in the car, with caution, and it’s apartment friendly- your neighbors won’t hear a thing!
Final Tips for In-Session Singing
- Client proximity matters – it may sound obvious, but sometimes the key to avoid over-singing is to move closer
- Sing in appropriate keys!
- If you begin to experience serious vocal strain or a vocal disorder, seek alternatives. Use recorded music or consider using a microphone.
By making these changes, I’ve noticed a difference in my vocal health and have started to build a more sustainable routine that supports longevity. Whether you’re a music therapist, music student, or aspiring voice professional, I encourage you to explore what best supports your health and make vocal maintenance a priority!
References
Bingham, M. C. (2019). Defining the Therapeutic Singing Voice: An Analysis of Four Music Therapists’ Clinical Work. Music Therapy Perspectives, 37(2), 176–186. https://doi-org.ezproxy.augsburg.edu/10.1093/mtp/miz001
Moorcroft, L., & Kenny, D. T. (2013). Singer and Listener Perception of Vocal Warm-Up. Journal of Voice, 27(2), 258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvoice.2012.12.001
Savareh, S., Moradi, N., Yazdi, M. J. S., Soltani, M., & Latifi, M. (n.d.). Immediate Effects of Semi-occluded Vocal Tract Exercises as a Vocal Warm-Up in Singers. Journal of Voice. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvoice.2021.05.014
Waldon, E. G., & Isetti, D. (2019). Voice Disorders and Related Risk Factors among Music Therapists: Survey Findings and Strategies for Voice Care. Music Therapy Perspectives, 37(1), 37–44. https://doi-org.ezproxy.augsburg.edu/10.1093/mtp/miy010
