Preparing the singing voice specialist revisited.

Area of Science:

• Arts Medicine
• Voice Pedagogy
• Singing Voice Pathology

Background:

• Discussion on singing voice specialist preparation predates Arts Medicine (established 1987).
• No formal academic programs currently exist to train singing voice specialists.
• The need for trained specialists is increasingly critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the lack of formal training for singing voice specialists.
• To define the role and patient population of singing voice specialists.
• To propose a curriculum for optimal cross-disciplinary preparation.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing discussions and needs in singing voice specialist preparation.
• Identification of essential knowledge domains: music, science, medicine, communication disorders.
• Proposal for a Master's degree program structure and curriculum.

Main Results:

• No formal training programs or fellowships are currently available.
• Cross-disciplinary training is essential for professional voice care.
• A Master's degree program in Arts Medicine with a voice concentration is proposed.

Conclusions:

• A formal Master's degree program is highly desirable to meet the need for singing voice specialists.
• The proposed program integrates music, science, medicine, and communication disorders.
• Optimal preparation requires a blend of academic knowledge, clinical experience, and research.