Professional Voice Research Articles

Leadership for teacher retention: exploring the evidence base on why and how to support teacher autonomy, development, and voice

ABSTRACT Teacher retention has been a persistent challenge globally. School leadership plays a central role in retaining teachers. Drawing on a major review of 355 research outputs, this article develops and discusses an international empirical evidence base specifically on the potential effects and leadership practices of promoting teacher professional autonomy, development, and voice in relation to teacher retention. The evidence suggests that promotion of teacher autonomy, development and voice is likely to interactively enhance teacher well-being, commitment, and retention. It categorically highlights five domains of salient leadership practices to promote these teacher outcomes. The article discusses some gaps in the evidence base and proposes directions for future research to inform policy and practice on leadership for teacher retention.

Shared Traumatic Reality During the Continuous War in Ukraine and the Protective Role of Transgenerational Transfer: Voices of Mental Health Professionals.

Shared traumatic reality has nagative professional effects on mental health providers. The study explores the professional effects of prolonged shared traumatic reality, and the protective role of intergenerational transfer, among Ukrainian psychotherapists during the war with Russia, in the context of their national history of traumatic events. We conducted focus group interviews with 20 Ukrainian therapists who lived and worked in Ukrainian war zones. The recorded transcriptions were analyzed, applying two stages of inductive thematic analysis, and identifying common themes and sub-themes. The main reported negative effect was compassion fatigue, with secondary traumatization and lack of interpersonal and professional support reported as the dominant risk factors. Positive effects included compassion satisfaction and professional growth. The leading protective factors included active coping and social support, while transgenerational transfer of empowering messages increased coping resources. We concluded that intergenerational transfer could promote coping and positive professional effects, especially in the context of chronic shared traumatic reality, suggested as a new construct. Further studies are suggested.

Honoring the Heartwork of Indigenous Scholars Through Lived Experiences: Voices from Native Women Scholars in New Mexico

This body of knowledge provides personal narratives of the lived experiences of Native women from an all-Native doctoral cohort. Through personal narratives, we aimed to highlight the unique learning experience created by strong and beautiful Indigenous scholars who honored Native identities, engaged learning with Indigenous knowledge systems, cultivated Native educational leadership, and mentorship necessary for student success, work-life balance, and giving back to tribal communities. Creating a learning community for an all-Native cohort disrupts colonial legacies and its ongoing practices, marking a significant step toward progress and change, and illuminates the voice and presence of Native American mothers, daughters, aunties, professionals, and scholars. Our experiences as Native women scholars are interconnected with our cultural values, family and community, and traditional teachings. Entering the academy with these embodied teachings and knowledge provided a foundation to engage with Indigenous frameworks and theories, relational practices with tribes and communities, and reclaim knowledge and ways of being that create new possibilities for Native futures. These experiences provide an understanding of the joy, compassion, successes, and negotiating life in the academy among two Native women scholars.

Barriers to Voice Therapy: A Report From Beginners, Performers, and Teachers of Carnatic Music

AimThe study aimed to understand awareness, perceptions, and barriers to voice therapy among beginners, performers, and teachers of Carnatic music. MethodBarriers from the literature were obtained, and the guide for the semistructured interview was developed. Twelve Carnatic singers (four each identified as beginners, performers, and teachers) were contacted and interviewed on an online platform. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcriptions were loaded and coded in the Qualitative Data Analysis Miner Lite software. The codes were grouped according to beginners, performers, and teachers. The codes were analyzed using a deductive-inductive approach, and thematic analysis was performed to report the findings. Results and DiscussionOverall, three themes emerged during thematic analysis. Beginners were familiar with the signs and symptoms of voice problems related to singing. The performers and teachers were able to identify causes related to posture and lifestyle that impacted singing. The need for seeking help differed with expertise and personal experience. Beginners believed in home remedies as their first choice and considered them sufficient to resolve voice problems. Performers and teachers believed in modifying singing techniques as a remedy to voice problems and considered medical intervention only as a second option. Mixed perceptions about the outcomes of voice therapy and the anticipation of quick results from voice therapy/therapists were major deterrents to seeking professional voice care. Beginners’ views on perceptions of medical intervention for voice problems were strongly influenced by their singing teachers. Beginners also expressed limited access to voice therapy due to several logistical reasons and financial constraints as barriers to attending therapy. Performers and teachers sought medical help as a final resort since the presence of voice problems affected their livelihoods and careers. ConclusionThis qualitative study highlights socioculturally relevant information deeply rooted in the belief systems of Carnatic musicians. These opinions from beginners, performers, and teachers are important to be addressed during counseling and awareness sessions to support vocal health in this sophisticated but vulnerable professional voice group.

Thermal, Acoustic, and Self-Perceptual Measures of Pre-Post Vocal Change After Surface Hydration in Speech-Language Pathologists

PurposeNumerous clinical findings support the idea that increased surface laryngeal hydration prevents and manages voice problems in professional voice users. However, empirical evidence for surface laryngeal hydration (nebulized saline solution) through multidimensional voice measures is lacking, especially in speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Hence, the present study investigated the effect of surface hydration using nebulized saline solution on voice quality using thermal, acoustic, and self-perceptual measures in SLPs. MethodsThe study involved 30 SLPs divided into three groups: group I had no voice usage, group II read aloud passage for 1 hour without surface hydration, and group III read aloud passage for 1 hour with surface hydration for 10 minutes. Multidimensional voice outcomes such as thermal (front, right, and left view of the throat), acoustic (Multidimensional Voice Program), and self-perceptual (perceived phonatory effort, perceived vocal tiredness) were measured for the pretest and post test condition in all the group. ResultsPre-post comparison shows that thermal measures showed a significant increase in group II and a significant decrease in group III. Also, fundamental frequency, perturbation, and self-perceptual measures showed a significant increase in group II compared to group III. Further, the between-group post test comparisons revealed a significant decrease in many outcome measures in group III compared to group II. The above results support that surface hydration significantly influenced the voice quality during the vocal loading task. ConclusionThe study confirms the benefits of surface hydration using saline solution in SLPs. Surface hydration preserves vocal quality compared to those not hydrated during vocal loading.

Making a Life by What We Give

Abstract: In her latest column, NATS President Alexis Davis-Hazell examines the challenges of voice professionals navigating the figurative act two of their careers. She contemplates the mid-career crisis as a second adolescence, resulting in a call for transformation. Through hypothetical examples and analysis of the dynamics of mentorship, she observes how the crisis of mid-career is the most pivotal time of our professional lives. Davis-Hazell considers avenues of personal rediscovery and renewal by reflecting on a popular aphorism: we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

Reform dynamiReform Dynamics and the Professionalisation of Principals in Sweden and Finland. A Study of Articles in Union Journals Since the 1990’scs and the professionalization of principals in the North of Europe since the 1990’s.

This article analyses union journals in Sweden and Finland since 1990. In doing so, the article recognises the journals as principals’ collective professional voice regarding major education reform dynamics. Our findings suggest that principals in both Nordic countries, as collective actors, have clearly influenced reforms of the school system significantly. The unions serve as a strong voice with major influence in both professional and reform ambitions. However, the main arguments for the respective professional projects were similar, although professional ambitions were different in both cases: discretion for more educational leadership, without explaining what educational leadership means in detail.

Bridging the gap: voices of teachers on inclusive literature

ABSTRACT This study explored teachers’ perspectives on utilising existing children’s books for students with intellectual and additional disabilities. 58 teachers from Israeli special education schools and kindergartens revealed widespread dissatisfaction with available materials. Strikingly, 70.7% were unsatisfied with existing children’s books, and 94.7% believed there were not enough accessible options. Qualitative analysis identified five major barriers: excessive text, inappropriate content for older age groups, challenges with the physical structure of books, mismatches between text and visuals, and specific challenges for teachers of children with multiple disabilities. These findings underscore the substantial need for more accessible literature tailored to the needs of children with disabilities. Despite legislation mandating societal inclusion of people with disabilities, teachers’ dissatisfaction highlights gaps in addressing their students’ literary requirements. The results shed light on these teachers’ vital roles in adapting books and indicate the need for greater collaboration between teachers, publishers, and policymakers. By highlighting the voices of frontline professionals, this study provides a crucial call to action to develop high-quality, customised educational resources for children and young people with disabilities.

Vocal Hygiene: What Are Professional Voice Users Saying About It on YouTube?

PurposeHealth content has been presented and accessed freely on social networks and can generate misinformation; hence, this study aimed to analyze the voice guidance in videos available on YouTube. MethodThis observational cross-sectional research selected the 45 most viewed videos on YouTube in 2022, produced by professional voice users with guidance on vocal hygiene and well-being. The content was described and compared with the scientific literature on the topic, analyzing which category of professional voice users produced the most scientifically based content. ResultsAltogether, 38 topics were found in the videos, distributed in nine blocks, identified from A to I. Block A (foods with a positive effect on the voice) was the only one that had no citations in scientific articles, whereas block D (negative habits for the voice) had the highest mean number of articles in relation to the others. The most publicized guidelines were mainly related to actions and/or behaviors and resources considered positive for the voice. Eight professional categories were found who produced these videos. Singing teachers who also worked as singers produced the most scientifically based content. ConclusionThe study showed that not all the information in the videos was scientifically based, which means that people with voice problems have easy access to information that could even harm them if used in their professions.

Influence of Carnatic Vocal Training on Voice Measures in Males

Introduction: Training is an integral part of learning any skill. The vocal training helps singers attain proficiency as they are the most demanding vocal group of all professional voice users. Hence, it is necessary to evaluate the influence of training on the singer’s voice. The current study objective was to investigate the influence of vocal training on voice measures (acoustic and aerodynamic) between male Carnatic singers with lower (6 months–5 years) and higher (6–10 years) training using novel task “mkaram” along with lyrical task. Methods: Group 1 consisted of 30 trained male Carnatic singers with lower vocal training, and group 2, thirty trained male singers with higher training in the age of 18–45 years. The acoustic (frequency-related parameter, cepstral, spectral, perturbation, and noise) and aerodynamic measures (maximum phonation time and s/z ratio) of voice were obtained. The test-retest reliability was conducted on a sample of 10% of the population from each group, with a 2-week interval between the tests. Cross-sectional study design was applied. Results: The statistical analysis revealed significantly decreased frequency-related parameters (semitones) such as the mean fundamental frequency, lowest fundamental frequency, highest fundamental frequency at the low register and the highest fundamental frequency at the middle register in group 2 during “mkaram” task (p ≤ 0.05). Similarly, one of the spectral-related measures 1st harmonic-2nd harmonic (dB) during lyrical task and one of the noise-related measure harmonic-to-noise ratio (dB) at the middle register during “mkaram” task showed a significant decrease in group 2 compared to group 1 (p ≤ 0.05). Test-retest reliability revealed that most of the parameters had “acceptable to excellent” internal consistency (Cronbach’s α >0.7 to 1). Conclusion: Few frequency and noise measures during “mkaram” task and a spectral measure during lyrical task showed to be sensitive in distinguishing the impact of vocal training on the voices of male Carnatic singers. The higher vocal training was found to help the singers to perform more efficiently with enhanced vocal range particularly in the low register and to some extent in the middle register. Indeed, the study highlighted the positive effects of vocal training on male Carnatic singers.

Interrogating the Meagre Response of Social Work to the “Social Question” Exposed by the COVID-19 Pandemic

The outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in South Africa in March 2020 unleashed not only a health crisis, but also a “tsunami” that disrupted every aspect of human and social life. Social work practice and education were not spared. The aftermath of the pandemic saw various services declared essential while the conventional delivery of others, including social work, were brought to a complete halt. In response, social workers elsewhere explored innovative strategies to continue rendering services remotely. In South Africa, some social workers embarked on consultative engagements through various formations whilst, others either remained mum or lamented the exclusion of social work as an essential service. Notwithstanding the fact that the above were not the only responses, the consequences of the lack of a unified professional voice and leadership may have far-reaching and negative consequences. This article presents a critical interrogation of the South African social work response throughout the pandemic. The interrogation reveals three explanatory factors behind the ineptness of social work, namely: professional decadence; a perpetual struggle for recognition; and the need to improve the status of the profession in society. These factors explain the unsatisfactory responses of the social work profession. The author argues that this amounts to failure to engage the social question, which inadvertently leads to the erosion of the value, status and societal recognition of social work. The author proposes serious professional reorientation to a focus on the social question which translates into focusing primarily on societal rather than disciplinary issues and problematics.

Recent Research in Singing

Abstract: This “Recent Research in Singing” article chronicles three academic documents authored during 2023 and 2024. Dissertations by Osman, Amanda, “Lost Voices: A Survey of Knowledge of Temporal Mandibular Joint Disorder and Muscle Tension Dysphonia in the Professional Voice Studio”; Sowell, Bradley Thomas, “An Analysis of Ben Moore’s Comedy Songs Using J. Peter Burkholder’s Music-Borrowing Techniques”; and You, Mengxi, “A Comprehensive Study of Alexander Tcherepnin’s Op. 71, Seven Songs on Chinese Poems With Musical Analysis and Historical Context.” Each includes a complete bibliographic citation and an Author/ProQuest abstract.

Characterizing the Roles of Voice Professionals

Abstract: This article is a joint statement by the American Speech-Language- Hearing Association (ASHA), National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), Pan American Vocology Association (PAVA), and the Voice and Speech Trainers Association (VASTA). This statement is a revision of the previous 2005 joint statement by ASHA, NATS, and VASTA.

Perceived Benefits of Interdisciplinary Coaching Strategies for Professional Vocalists: A Pilot Study

ABSTRACT Professional vocalists, specifically teachers, are at increased risk of missing work and having vocal damage due to vocal misuse and overuse. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the perceptions of participants (N = 4) taking part in interdisciplinary voice coaching sessions with both a singing and theatre voice specialist. Participant perceptions were obtained using the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), individual weekly journals, and a post-study researcher-created questionnaire. Results are discussed in terms of potential for future research and application of results to mutli-disciplinary voice training options for professional voice users as a solution to mitigate voice problems.

Extrinsic Laryngeal Muscle Activity and Vocal Economy in Professionally Trained Voices During Vocal Vibrato

Summary PurposeThe purpose of the present study was to determine the extrinsic laryngeal muscle activity and vocal economy during two different singing conditions (straight-tone singing vs. vibrato singing) over a physiologically relevant singing range. MethodsThirty professional singers or voice coaches participated in the study. The participants sang a sustained /a:/ vowel for approximately 5 seconds, once in straight-tone singing conditions and once more in vibrato. The target pitches were C3, F3, A3, C4, F4, A4, and C5. Surface electromyographic (sEMG) measures were performed in the infrahyoid (IH) muscle region and the suprahyoid (SH) muscle region. Contact quotient (CQ), sound pressure level (SPL), and fundamental frequencies were measured to derive the electroglottographic-based vocal economy parameter quasi-output cost ratio (QOCR). ResultssEMG measures show that IH and SH muscles significantly increased in activity with ascending pitch. IH and SH muscle activity were significantly higher when singing in vibrato than straight-tone. Moreover, SPL also increased with ascending pitch and when sung in vibrato. CQ increased and QOCR decreased as pitch ascended but did not significantly change when sung in vibrato. ConclusionSinging higher pitches were generally associated with higher extrinsic laryngeal muscle activity and lower QOCR values. When comparing the two singing conditions, the extrinsic laryngeal muscle activity was higher during vibrato, implicating that the IH and the SH muscles may contribute to rhythmic pulsations of pitch changes. Although the QOCR value did not show significant differences between the two singing conditions, a significantly high SPL during vibrato may indicate acoustical and physiological advantages while singing in vibrato.

Responses to the needs of families with children with disabilities in Spain: The voices of families and professionals

Children with disabilities and their families have the right to access Early Childhood Intervention (ECI). Family members should act as active agents of the intervention. In this sense, service professionals should offer support and intervention to improve family well-being and child development. We analyzed the experiences of parents of children with disabilities users of ECI services and the professional coordinators in the Balearic Islands (Spain) from a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach. Data collection was through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. A total of 5 coordinators and 30 family members participated in the study. The results indicate five categories: making ECI visible, reception phase, family well-being, intervention, and current barriers. The findings project the need to make ECI visible in policies and administrations, as well as plans to raise social awareness of child disability. Protocols must be found to facilitate access to services for children and families. Implications for the improvement of ECI are proposed.

Embedding Patient and Health Care Professional Voices in Clinical Trials

This Viewpoint discusses the need to include patient and health care professional perspectives in the design of clinical trials to improve trial features and implementation.

Centering First-Year Teachers’ Instructional Visions and Professional Voices in a Community of Practice

First-year teachers often experience tensions between their visions of high-quality and equitable mathematics instruction and the realities of school culture and politics. Subsequently, first-year teachers need a professional learning space where they can be supported in enacting their instructional visions while developing their professional voices. In this paper, we share the voices of four first-year teachers and how a community of practice supported them to navigate the individual challenges of their classroom practices. Findings from this study yielded two major themes: 1) the community of practice supported them to reflect, envision, and articulate alternative realities; and 2) instructional visions were filters that empowered them to strengthen their professional voices while developing as equitable mathematics teachers.

NÂNG CAO CHẤT LƯỢNG GIỌNG HÁT THÔNG QUA MỞ RỘNG ÂM VỰC CHO SINH VIÊN NGÀNH THANH NHẠC TẠI TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC VĂN HÓA, THỂ THAO VÀ DU LỊCH THANH HÓA

In vocal music, the singer's performance ability is often considered a "living instrument". However, a singer has not only a voice, but also a long training process to meet the high criteria of a professional voice. Expanding vocal range is an important requirement when teaching and learning Vocal Music. A voice that cannot expand its vocal range will be limited in expressing a variety of songs in different genres. A voice that cannot expand its vocal range will be limited in expressing a variety of songs in different genres. With a song that has a high or low range, a singer with a wide range will perform best. Limited vocal range will make the voice unprofessional and unable to meet the performance requirements of the work. Therefore, during the teaching process, teachers need to focus on training to expand students' vocal range.

Professional voice use in health and nursing care - Time for reconsideration? A scoping review.

Communication is a key tool in the nursing profession. It is known that listeners are sensitive to the speaker's voice and interpret the speaker's intentions primarily from the non-verbal signal conveyed. To map and discuss the current state of knowledge and research evidence on professional voice use in health and nursing care. A scoping review adherent to the EQUATOR guidelines PRISMA-ScR. Searches in the EBSCO, CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, PsychInfo and PsycArticles databases were conducted between 1 and 28 February 2023. According to the data (n = 23), health professionals use voice as a vital aspect of caring communication and caring relationships, and in leadership as well as inter-professional collaboration, to facilitate information exchange and understanding and promote shared decision-making. The data showed that there is also a rising tendency to explore vocal demands and problems among health professionals. No studies were found on the use of voice in digital health and nursing care services or by social robots. Most of the reviewed studies were cross-sectional, rather small, and focused primarily on the perspectives of healthcare professionals. The use of voice should be explored as a vital aspect of caring communication and caring relationships from the patients' perspective, and the effects of voice use on listeners' emotions and actions should be examined in different contexts with modern, voice-specific data collection methods. Studies focusing on voice use in digital health care and by social robots are also needed. By integrating training programmes, education and technological innovations, health care can leverage the full potential of voice-based communication to promote a more coordinated and patient-centred care environment, true inter-professional collaboration and effective leadership. Professional voice use is an essential part of all health and nursing care and an impressive method that should be used consciously. Therefore, the meaning and methods of voice use, including speech accommodation, should be systematically introduced into health and nursing care and included in nursing education.