A Qualitative Study on Voice Care related to Performance, Voice Problems and Voice Knowledge in Professional Singers

Objectives: Although singers are elite voice users who strive to keep their voice healthy for their performances, they are at high risk for voice problems. Understanding of professional singers' voice care and their knowledge about voice is the basis for educating about voice care and preventing voice disorders that may interfere with daily activities and performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate voice care related to performance, voice problems, and voice knowledge in singers. Methods: A total of 10 classical singers (5 males and 5 females) who had more than 10 years of experience in playing and actively performing as opera singers and specialized in using their voice for more than five hours a week participated. The interview content was randomly selected and coded, and the rest of the transcripts were coded by two language pathologists. Results: 4 top topics and 10 sub- topics were derived: Voice care & habits before, during, and after a performance as well as in daily life & periods where they had sore throats; and knowledge of voice anatomy & physiology and singing voice. Conclusion: This study suggests that professional singers are always trying to manage their voice. However, they rely on their personal experiences or vocal teachers when they have voice problems. In addition, singers showed insufficient knowledge of voice anatomy & physiology, and little experience with voice therapy. Vocal hygiene and voice health education would be useful to prevent voice problems and maintain their healthy singing & speaking voice.