ChoralEd: Teacher Vocal Health

In episode 18 of ChoralEd, Lizette Ochoa shares how teachers can best care for their voice amidst the vocal strains of everyday teaching.  As the school year progresses, Ms. Ochoa suggests self-monitoring your voice for any vocal change such as loss of range, raspiness, or fatigue.  Teachers should seek medical attention if these vocal issues are persistent as a more serious vocal issue may manifest.  Educators regularly struggling with vocal fatigue should seek help from a speech therapist and consider implementing some of the following suggestions.

To alleviate vocal strain, Ms. Ochoa suggests utilizing a steamer.  Steamers are used to deliver moist air directly to the vocal folds and can be administered throughout the day to ensure the vocal folds stay lubricated.  A teacher can also minimize vocal strain by limiting the amount they talk or sing during rehearsal.  Teacher’s should avoid speaking over the ensemble and unnecessarily singing with the ensemble.  If needed, a microphone can be used to help limit a teacher’s speaking volume.  It is also suggested that a teacher speak in the mid to upper part of the voice, utilizing the natural resonators of the voice, avoiding the lower registers.  

In more concerning cases of vocal strain, a teacher may want to significantly limit all talking and singing.  In these instances, a teacher might consider incorporating pre-recorded vocal warm-ups.  Ms. Ochoa suggests Dr. Ruth Whitlock’s Vocal Connections series, which feature vocal exercises with both accompaniment and demonstration singer.  To further limit talking and singing in rehearsal, a teacher might consider writing a detailed lesson plan on the board, proceeding through rehearsal by pointing to the desired activity, song, and measure.  In addition, student leaders can be called on to demonstrate correct vocal technique, simultaneously building student confidence while also minimizing teacher vocal fatigue. 

To watch ChoralEd, Episode 18 on YouTube click HERE.

To listen to ChoralEd, Episode 18 on Apple Podcast click HERE.