Date of Award
5-1-2005
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Arts in Music
Department
Music
First Advisor
Dr. Gregory B. Rike
Second Advisor
Dr. Alan Spurgeon
Third Advisor
Cynthia F. Linton
Fourth Advisor
Dr. William G. Hinkle
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
This study sought to determine the degree to which college choral/vocal teachers were aware of unhealthy speech patterns in singers as an aid to maintaining vocal health. The study focused on the teachers’ ability to identify unhealthy speech patterns both before and after training on how to recognize dysfunction associated with the speaking voice. Research participants were limited to those with prior applied vocal training combined with previous experience directing college choirs. This study included participants from universities in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Illinois. Thirty teachers were asked to view a videotape containing speech samples from fourteen speakers. Teachers were asked to place each speaker in one of three categories: 1) subject has a voice problem - refer to a speech-language pathologist; 2) subject does not have a voice problem; or 3) not sure - refer to a speech-language pathologist for professional evaluation. The teachers were asked to do this both before and after a brief period of instruction regarding common traits associated with dysfunctional speech. The data was then analyzed to reflect the accuracy of screening skills both before and after instruction.
It was found that college choral/vocal teachers were capable screeners for vocal dysfunction but were able to significantly improve their screening skills following training on unhealthy speech traits. The listeners’ ratings resulted in correct referrals 64.2% of the time prior to instruction and rose to 74% following instruction. Prior to training, 21.6% of the speakers with voice problems were not referred. Following training that figure was decreased to 10%, reducing the number of failed referrals by half.
Recommended Citation
Maxedon, Lisa, "The Ability of College Choral/Vocal Teachers with Masters and Doctoral Degrees in Music to Screen for The Unhealthy Speaking Voice in Singers" (2005). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 8887.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/8887
Accessibility Status
Searchable text
Concentration/Emphasis
Vocal Pedagogy