The Effect of a Singing Protocol on Identified Vocal Inefficiencies of a Post-Menopausal Singer: A Case Study

Authors

  • Kathy Kessler Price William Jewell College

Abstract

The purpose of this case study was to assess over the course of 12 weeks the effect of a researcher-designed singing protocol on the documented vocal inefficiencies of a 63 year old post-menopausal singer, as measured by pre- and post-laryngeal examinations, spectral analyses, and written reports by both participant and voice teacher. At the beginning of the study, the participant displayed laryngeal and pharyngeal muscle tension, and reported difficulty accessing higher frequencies with hoarseness and effortful vocal production. During weeks 2 to 11, the participant attended a weekly voice lesson and practiced five days each week with a vocal exercise tape consisting of seven exercises, with the instruction to sing only the given exercises during this period of time. Post-protocol assessments during week 12 indicated reduced laryngeal and pharyngeal muscle tension, less effortful vocal production, more accurate fundamental frequencies, and more positive self-reports. Though she had previously transitioned to singing the alto part in her choir due to vocal discomfort, following the protocol the participant rejoined the second soprano section of that choir.

Author Biography

Kathy Kessler Price, William Jewell College

KATHY KESSLER PRICE, soprano (BA, MM), has performed as soloist in such distinguished venues as The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and in a solo concert tour of the Czech Republic. For twelve seasons, Kathy performed with the Washington National Opera, six being under the artistic direction of Placido Domingo. Her operatic roles include “Marenka” in Smetana's The Bartered Bride, “Miss Silverpeal” in Mozart’s The Impresario, “Lucy” in Menotti's The Telephone, and title roles in both The Merry Widow and Naughty Marietta. She has appeared as soloist with orchestras on both coasts and in Kansas City, as well as at Disney World and Universal Studios in Florida. Current research interests include aging voices, 19th-century female voice scientists, singing voice assessment procedures, and the role of voice teachers in interdisciplinary voice habilitation and rehabilitation. Refereed presentations to date include the International Physiology and Acoustics of Singing Conference (PAS 4), the Music Educators National Conference, the Southwestern Division Conference of the American Choral Directors Association, and the Kansas Music Educators Association. Kathy has many years' experience as a voice teacher on the college level. As a PhD student in Vocal Pedagogy at the University of Kansas, she teaches voice pedagogy courses, undergraduate voice lessons, and coordinates the Vocology Lab for the School of Music. An active performer, Kathy teaches voice at William Jewell College, is a founding member of the Washington Vocal Consortium, conducts the acclaimed Washington, DC, ensemble Philomela, and maintains studios in Kansas City and Virginia.

Downloads

Published

2013-10-29