Singers are exposed to a variety of hazards related not only to singing, but also to numerous other facets of performing or other artistic pursuits. Some singers perform as instrumentalists ordancers, in addition to performing vocally, and some are involved in visual arts that may affect voice. It is important for choir conductors to be familiar with potential sources of vocal dysfunction and injury, as well as with advances in various disciplines in arts medicine.
Health hazards in the arts have been recognized at least since 1713 when Bernardino Ramazzini published “Diseases of Tradesmen,” and there have been sporadic publications on various related subjects over the last three centuries. However, the concepts of arts medicine have evolved into a medical specialty primarily since the late 1970s and early 1980s. Many of the best known advances in the field focus on the problems of performing artists, but equally important dramatic advances also have occurred in the visual arts. Arts medicine has exerted impact not only through improvements in medical care, but also by heightening awareness of health hazards in the arts and by improving artistic training and practice. Presently, much important, new information has been amassed. Medicine, the arts, and related disciplines are now faced with the challenge of disseminating information, educating practitioners in all fields, and creating an environment in which the arts can be practiced with the fewest possible injuries. Moreover, choir directors are uniquely positioned to educate the singing public and to guide singers toward healthy practices. Such efforts result not only in healthier singers, but also in fewer avoidable last-minute cancellations before choir concerts!
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