What is Singing Voice Therapy?
Singing voice therapy, which focuses on the singing voice, shares similar principles with voice therapy applied to the speaking voice. It primarily addresses factors that cause problems in singing. The singing technique is reviewed from a rehabilitative perspective, while considering structural or functional (usage-related) issues in the vocal folds and other laryngeal muscles.
Purpose of Singing Voice Therapy
Although the techniques used in singing voice therapy are similar to those in classical singing training, the main purpose is not to beautify or train the voice, but rather to treat and rehabilitate voice problems. The goals of therapy include:
- Eliminating existing problems related to the singing voice
- Improving voice quality
- Increasing vocal endurance and strength
- Protecting the health of the singing voice
- Preventing potential future problems
In addition to singers, individuals such as actors, teachers, call center employees, and religious professionals (e.g., imams, muezzins) who work under a heavy and prolonged vocal load may also benefit from singing voice therapy as a supplementary treatment. After completing voice therapy for speaking voice issues, singing voice therapy helps maintain vocal resilience and improve endurance against demanding professional voice use.
Which Music Genres Can Benefit?
Singing voice therapy can be applied to singers performing in various musical genres such as Turkish classical music, folk, pop, arabesque, opera, musical theatre, and rock. The fundamental principle is to help the singer achieve and maintain a healthy voice while continuing to perform in their own musical style, without altering their artistic identity.
Exercises in Singing Voice Therapy
The exercises used in singing voice therapy overlap with those used in singing training. Depending on the individual's specific vocal issues, the choice and sequence of exercises may vary. Common exercises include:
- Breathing exercises
- Posture training
- Resonance and voice placement exercises
- Lip and tongue trill exercises
- Sustenuto (sustaining tones)
- Glissando (sliding between pitches)
- Staccato (detached) and legato (connected) exercises
- Dynamic control (nuance) exercises
- Focusing exercises
- Anchor exercises
- Octave extension exercises
The singer/patient is trained like an athlete, aiming to use the voice production mechanism in a healthy and full-capacity manner. Incorrect voice production habits are corrected, and recurrence of vocal disorders is prevented. In addition to therapy sessions, patients are given home exercises to practice regularly.
Who Provides Singing Voice Therapy?
Singing voice therapy is most often delivered by singing instructors. However, not every singing instructor is qualified to provide therapy. An instructor delivering singing voice therapy should possess the following qualifications:
- In-depth knowledge of laryngeal anatomy and phonation physiology
- Competence in the diagnosis and treatment of voice problems
- Clinical experience in collaboration with voice specialists
- Additional training in rehabilitating damaged or diseased voices
It should be emphasized that singing voice therapy is a therapeutic and rehabilitative method. Therefore, it must be carried out by a qualified professional in collaboration with a physician specializing in voice disorders.