Vocal attrition in voice students: survey findings

A questionnaire designed in part to survey symptoms of vocal attrition and possible factors contributing to it was administered to 79 university female voice students. Of the 74 students (94%) completing the questionnaire, 10 (13%) were free of symptoms, 19 (26%) had few (one or two), and 45 (61%) had multiple (three or more) symptoms. Thirty-five students (47%) had sought medical help for voice problems since they began their singing career. Students with multiple symptoms were significantly more likely to (a) be bothered, frustrated, worried, depressed, or anxious about their voice; (b) quit performance, forgo audition, limit their repertoire, or quit singing altogether; (c) speak in a voice that is too low in pitch; and (d) have a general tendency to worry, be depressed or anxious, or have mood swings. The clinical implications of these and other findings are discussed.