Exploring the Relationship Between Voice Disorders in Indian Classical Music and the Guru-Shishya Parampara Through an Understanding of the Autonomic Nervous System

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Guru-Shishya Parampara (GSP), translated as the teacher-student tradition, is a lineage-based oral tradition in Indian Classical Music (ICM). This study explores the relationship between GSP’s traditional obedience-authority dynamic and prevalent voice disorders experienced by ICM practitioners. Combining Constructivist Grounded Theory document analysis and a narrative literature review, the research investigates how disciplinarian tendencies and power differentials in authoritarian implementations of the GSP may contribute to or reinforce voice disorders resulting from psychological strain. Adopting the Indigenous Research Paradigm, the study prioritizes insights from ICM practitioners’ lived experiences within the cultural context of ICM within the analysis. A narrative review of existing literature on the links between autonomic nervous system responses associated with psychological stressors and voice disorders is discussed to further understand the impact of authoritarian GSPs on singers’ voices. Literature on compassion is additionally explored to discuss potential solutions to address the identified issues. Through this approach, the study offers insights into the complex interactions between power dynamics, psychological strain, and voice disorders within obedience-expectant GSPs, aiming to contribute to the development of effective interventions, highlighting that which already exists within ICM culture, to promote vocal health and overall well-being in this ancient and culturally significant tradition.