Singers' interest and knowledge levels of vocal function and dysfunction: survey findings

Area of Science:

• Vocal health
• Singing pedagogy
• Speech-language pathology

Background:

• Vocal health awareness is crucial for singers.
• Understanding knowledge gaps can inform targeted education.
• Professional singers (PSs) and singing teachers (STs) may possess distinct insights.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess interest and knowledge in vocal function and dysfunction among singers.
• To compare knowledge levels between professional singers, amateurs, singing teachers, and choir directors.
• To identify areas for improved vocal health education.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was administered to 129 singers.
• Data collected on interest and knowledge of vocal anatomy, physiology, hygiene, and pathologies.
• Performance on knowledge-based questions was analyzed and compared across subgroups.

Main Results:

• PSs reported higher interest and perceived knowledge than amateurs in vocal anatomy, physiology, hygiene, and pathologies.
• PSs answered more knowledge questions correctly than amateurs, except regarding speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) role.
• Singing teachers (STs) significantly outperformed others in vocal anatomy, physiology, and hygiene knowledge.

Conclusions:

• Professional singers and singing teachers demonstrate higher vocal health knowledge, but significant variability exists.
• Targeted educational interventions are needed to address knowledge gaps, particularly concerning SLP roles.
• Findings support a preventative approach to vocal health for all singers.