Voice training in Schools of Performing Arts and the Speech Language Pathologist

Sonja Morselt

Our research project aims at answering the question whether there is a need for input of a s.l.p. in the education of elite vocal performers (actors) in the Netherlands. Three Schools of Performing Arts cooperated, as well as the Hogeschool Utrecht en M. Brinkman.
Personal interviews were held with 7 voice teachers, over 280 questionairs were sent to actors, and the extant relevant literature was surveyed. About 75% of the respondents suffered from voice pathologies, mainly vocal fatigue. About 1/3 thereof suffered from pathologies related to breath control.
The results seem to indicate a relationship between the consistent use of (a particular type of?) vocal warming up and a relatively low frequency of multiple voice pathologies especially those related to breath control. There is as yet no clear effect of vocal warming up and the frequency of vocal fatigue.
The actors clearly indicate a remarkably limited knowledge of voice pathologies and of vocal hygiene, and demonstrate a strong need for education in the technical aspects of voice use.
The results of our research indicate that the voice trainers and speech and language pathologist posses complementary skills and expertise. Both should cooperate in a multidisciplinary fashion in the education of elite vocal performers.

S. Morselt
A. Bos
T. Pieters
M. Zwerver

Sonja Morselt
Hoekwierde 76
1353 PD Almere
Tel. 036-5310797
kornwierde25@hetnet.nl