Bel canto singing style is a foundational cornerstone for vocal technique in choral ensemble classes. Yet there are reasons to question whether bel canto pedagogy alone can help students navigate the many different genres they sing as part of a diverse and balanced curriculum. This article examines the specific performance demands associated with…

While many music teachers are familiar with strategies to prevent damage due to vocal abuse or misuse, they are generally not acquainted with other vocal problems that can affect their own or their students' singing ability. Such damage can also occur when playing a wind instrument. While vocal abuse and misuse are commonly understood in music…

Music teachers in all specialties seem to struggle with voice problems. Although little research has been done specifically regarding music teachers, teachers in general are known to be at risk for developing voice disorders that can lead to difficulty teaching or even to leaving the profession. In an attempt to prevent this, some teachers have…

Provides knowledge about the workings of the vocal apparatus, the scientific basis of certain vocal problems, and what to do to overcome those problems. Specifically discusses the occurrence of nodules on the vocal cords and how to treat them, a subject of interest to both singers and nonsingers. (Editor/RK)

This article, addressed to singing and choral teachers, examines functional voice disorders resulting from incorrect or abused functions of the laryngeal mechanism. Symptoms, testing methods, and correction techniques, short of medical help, are outlined for disorders of resonance, registration, articulation, and of the vocal fold mass.…