Treatment of Voice Disorders in Professional Singers

—A Music Therapist's View Based on Multidisciplinary Perspectives—

Abstract

Professional singers were interviewed to learn what voice disorders mean to them. Nine singers who specialize in opera, musical theater, jazz, or pops were asked to verbally describe the physical conditions and kinesthetic sensations that they feel during successful singing. They also reported their experiences of voice disorders as well as treatments by otolaryngologists. The singers' verbal descriptions indicated that successful singing requires appropriate control of respiration, which coordinates the entire system of singing, i.e., respiration, phonation, and articulation (resonance), and that relaxed laryngeal conditions are also important. Professional singers are "athletes" who utilize various muscles for singing. Malcoordination of various muscles for singing, therefore, may lead to vocal disorders. Understanding of their "working situation", i.e., the difficulty of canceling their concerts, and of their anxiety and stress are important when treating professional singers.