The is the question at the heart of Mary Lynn Morrissey Doherty’s article, "You Might Not Be the Only One Suffering from a Voice Problem: Music Teachers and Vocal Health" (Wisconsin Soundings, Vol.32 No.2).
As a music teacher, I use my voice to communicate both technical and aesthetic information. I also use my voice as a musical instrument. When my voice is tired, I find my job increasingly difficult. Basic communication becomes difficult, a strain, and I often have to alter my teaching to accommodate my limited vocal capacity. Does this sound familiar? If it does, you may be suffering from vocal fatigue or vocal abuse. In addition, your students may be suffering just as much as you!
If you are concerned about your voice (and you should be!), there are a number of voice professionals who specialize in working with music teachers. If you believe your singing habits are the culprit, you would benefit tremendously from taking lessons with a well-respected voice teacher. It may be that with improved singing technique, your voice will improve and no further evaluation will be needed.
Maybe you should read more . . .
(To access the full article, simply click the highlighted title. For additional articles on a dazzling array of choral topics, visit ChorTeach.)
Jack Senzig says