feature
and then gets distributed throughout the body. Therefore, if you are drinking water because your throat is dry, you are drinking water too late. That is why it is important to hydrate well before voice use and regularly drink small amounts of water spaced throughout the day. I suggest carrying a water bottle with you while you are teaching. I have three 24 oz. water bottles, which I fill daily, one each in my office, home and car. If you are well hydrated, you should never feel thirsty or dry. Also know that your urine color is directly correlated with hydration. The lighter the color of urine indicates that you are adequately hydrated. Emphasis on continuous hydration throughout the day is important.
Lastly, drink caffeinated and alcoholic drinks sparingly because they are dehy- drating and pull fluids from your system. Sugary drinks such as juice, soda and concentrated beverages prevent water from being absorbed by the body. These types of drinks are just fine on occasion, but water is best for hydration while you are teaching.
Voice Amplification
The use of voice amplification in the classroom is steadily gaining in popular- ity. Studies have shown that teachers who use voice amplification in the classroom report having a clearer speaking and sing- ing voice and more ease in their vocal pro- duction.3
Amplification reduces the need
to project the voice and can prevent vocal fatigue. This type of system allows you to maintain your teaching style without hav- ing to make very many modifications in terms of lesson planning. According to my colleagues, an amplification system can be purchased for $300-400, which would be a worthwhile investment.
Consult a Professional
If you would like to improve upon your singing technique, don’t be afraid to seek out a voice teacher. A voice teacher can help you find a singing technique that is healthy and less stressful on the voice. The website for the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) is a great
Wisconsin School Musician
resource. There is a “Find a Teacher” link on the home page where you can browse by region (
nats.org). Our Wisconsin Chap- ter of NATS is very active and comprised of experienced teachers who can help you find your most optimal singing voice (
wisconsinnats.org).
For those of you who are struggling with chronic voice dysfunction or who are concerned with the overall health of your voice, please seek out an ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT), also known as an otolaryngologist. Within the field of otolaryngology, one can also specialize in laryngology, which specifically treats disorders associated with the larynx and throat. These doctors have access to spe- cific cameras, or endoscopes and laryn- goscopes, which allow them to view your vocal folds and surrounding tissue to see if they are properly functioning. Through these methods, an ENT is able to properly determine your vocal care.
Closing
Having a basic understanding of vocal health can ensure longevity in your teach- ing career. This article is a quick introduc- tion into the basics of vocal health, but there is much more that can be discussed with a professional. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a local voice teacher or make an appointment with an ENT. Our voices are incredibly central to our profession, so start applying these ideas to your teaching now. Take preventative steps to care for the voice, to ensure a lifetime of teaching, singing and performing.
Bibliography:
E. Van Houtte, S. Claeys, F. Wuyts and K. Van Lierde, “The Impact of Voice Disorders Among Teachers: Vocal Complaints, Treatment-Seeking Behavior, Knowledge of Vocal Care, and Voice-Related Absenteeism,” Journal of Voice 25, no. 5 (September 2011): 570–575. N. Roy, R. M. Merrill, S. Thibeault, R. A. Parsa, S. D. Gray, and E. M. Smith, “Prevalence of Voice Disorders in Teachers and the General Population,” Journal of Speech,
“BAND HELPED ME GROW AS A PERSON.”
Language and Hearing Research 47, no. 2 (April 2004): 281–293.
Yolanda D. Heman-Ackah, MD, Robert T. Sataloff, MD, DMA, Mary J. Hawkshaw, BSN, RN, CORLN, Venu Divi, MD. “How Do I Maintain Longetivity in My Voice?” Journal of Singing, no. 64 (March 2008): 467-472.
Van Houtte, et al.
Dr. Jessica Timman Schwefel is an adjunct professor of voice at UW-Oshkosh and the owner of the Timman Music Studio LLC. She has been teaching studio voice for 14 years while maintaining a professional singing career and has performed recently with Florentine Opera, Fresco Opera Theatre, Madison Choral Project, Madison Opera, amongst other professional companies. She holds doctor of musical arts and masters degrees in voice performance from UW-Madison as well as a bachelor of music education degree in choral education from UW-Eau Claire.
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