Singers and Voice Therapy: Uncovering Unique Targets and Challenges
Presented by Katelyn Swiader
12-Month Subscription
Unlimited access to:
- Thousands of CE Courses
- Patient Education
- Home Exercise Program
- And more
Working with professional singers requires a deep understanding of their genre-specific vocal demands, lifestyle influences, and performance environments. This course equips speech-language pathologists with the tools to assess, treat, and support singers across all musical styles, from classical to contemporary commercial music. Participants will learn how to adapt traditional voice therapy to meet the complex needs of performing artists, differentiate between technique and pathology, and develop evidence-informed recovery routines that promote vocal sustainability. Ideal for clinicians in outpatient, private practice, or telehealth settings, this course bridges the gap between clinical voice science and artistic performance.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the key lifestyle and career factors that influence the vocal demands of professional singers and speakers
- Recognize the adjustments needed in traditional voice therapy plans to accommodate the specific needs of performing artists
- Highlight the importance of developing tailored therapeutic strategies for voice professionals in recovery
Meet your instructor
Katelyn Swiader
Katelyn Swiader, MS Ed, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist specializing in vocal health and performance. She holds a master’s in speech-language pathology and a bachelor’s in vocal performance, with over 15 years of voice coaching experience. With a background as a professional singer, she provides comprehensive voice…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. The Performing Artist’s World
This chapter explores the physiological, psychological, and lifestyle factors that shape the vocal performance of singers across genres. Learners will examine the biomechanical and perceptual challenges unique to the professional vocalist and how travel, stress, and performance environments influence vocal health. This chapter also introduces assessment tools tailored to capture both the functional impact and emotional burden of dysphonia in singers.
2. Tailoring Voice Therapy for the Stage
Chapter 2 focuses on how to modify traditional therapy techniques for singers by recognizing stylistic elements versus maladaptive patterns. Through real-world examples and case studies, clinicians will learn how to address breath-resonance mismatches, vocal fatigue, and the effects of medication or tension on performance. This section emphasizes functional application and genre-specific therapeutic targets for optimal results.
3. Integrating Exercises Into Vocal Lifestyle Recovery
The final chapter presents a comprehensive approach to building sustainable recovery routines that align with a singer’s schedule and performance goals. Topics include vocal pacing, semi-occluded vocal tract exercises, respiratory training tools, and manual therapies. Learners will also explore how to guide singers in self-monitoring, develop warmup and cooldown strategies, and determine when referral to a broader professional network is warranted.
