Alisha Reeve MUSED 258 Citation Teaching Kids to Sing 1992 Chapter 5: The Healthy Voice Kenneth H.

Phillips Summary Music teachers often see cases of vocal abuse in adolescents o Responsibility to teach them how to correct use their voices o Are susceptible to creating poor life long habits Knowing Your Voice o Session 1: Vocal Structure Need a large picture of the larynx and the respiratory system Students will learn: Singing and speaking originates in the larynx Also used as a passageway for breathing and keeping food and water out of the lungs Voice is a wind instrument 3 main cartilages o Thyroid o Cricoid o Arytenoid Vocal folds vibrate to produce sound Brain sends messages to the muscles of the larynx Breath is the power behind the vibrations Too much breath can cause damage like swelling of the folds The changes the larynx goes through with growth in adolescents o Girls grow laterally o Boys grow in length, thus the Adams apple The main structures of the larynx o Session 2: Vocal Health Need a picture of the larynx Students will learn: Voice disorders and their symptoms Three main causes of voice disorders o Organic (genetic) o External o Functional Functional cause of voice disorders o Talking too loudly or too long o Coughing

o Fatigue o Speaking in the wrong register o Irritant use The reactions of the vocal folds to misuse Problems associated with vocal abuse o Polyps o Contact Ulcers o Vocal Nodules o Bowed Vocal Folds Permanent damage caused by persistent abuse Ten ways to protect the folds o Good diet and lots of water o Avoidance of irritants o Lots of rest o Avoid clearing the throat harshly o Avoid yelling and screaming o Speaking in the right register o Support vocal production with breath o Sing in the correct register o See a doctor if needed Ways to combat hoarseness o Rest o Inhale steam o Avoid aspirin o Glycerin lozenges Ability to sing with a cold as long as the folds remain unaffected Relationship between singing and speaking

Reflection Information about the larynx and its structure, use, and care is important for everyone, not just music teachers and students. This chapter was great with its explanation of not only how the folds work, but also how they can be damaged and what one can do to ensure that doesnt happen. As a music educator it is my job to make sure that all of my students understand just how important proper care of the vocal folds really is. Many of my students will be involved in sports, or attend sports games where it will be very easy for them to damage their voice. Through proper education I can teach them ways to still have fun without damage their vocal folds.