Keep Your Singing Voice Healthy!: The Doctor's Guide to Vocal Vitality and Longevity

by Anthony F. Jahn, Youngnan Jenny Cho

Overview

Many common vocal health problems may be successfully self-managed by singers. Even when a visit to the doctor is needed, an understanding of how the voice works, and, more importantly, when, and why it doesn't work, empowers the singer, and can make a medical visit more effective.

Written by two prominent laryngologists with many decades of experience in treating singers, Keep Your Singing Voice Healthy! is a practical self-help manual that shows all singers, from beginner students to seasoned professionals, how to take charge of their vocal health. The authors demystify medical terms, explain the anatomy and function of the vocal apparatus, and give simple advice on managing common health issues, dealing with doctors and medications, and maintaining good health—all from the singer's perspective.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780197629673
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	10/18/2024
Pages:	216
Product dimensions:	5.30(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Anthony F. Jahn is Professor of Clinical Otolaryngology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. He is the author of more than 100 scholarly papers and several textbooks on vocal health. He has had an association with the Metropolitan Opera for more than 40 years and is also Adjunct Professor of Vocal Pedagogy at Westminster Choir College in Princeton.

Youngnan Jenny Cho, MD is Assistant Professor of Clinical Otolaryngology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. She has lectured internationally to both singers and physicians on disorders of the professional voice and is on the faculty of the Bel Canto Institute in Florence. Dr. Cho oversees health services at three Lincoln Center performing venues, including the Metropolitan Opera, where she is Director of Medical Services.

Table of Contents

Preface
1. The Vocal Apparatus
2. From Function to Performance
3. Examining Your Instrument: A Hands-On Tour
4. Monitoring Your Voice
5. The Glissando Test: A Simple Vocal Check-Up
6. Hearing and Singing
7. Muscle Tension and the Voice
8. Frequent Complaints, Common Sense Solutions
9. A Practical Approach to Allergies
10. Visiting the Voice Doctor
11. Common disorders of the Larynx
12. Vitamins, Supplements, Medications
13. Alcohol, Coffee, and Tobacco
14. Cortisone and the Voice
15. Voice Rest
16. Mindful Practice: A Medical Perspective
17. Diet and Singing
18. Exercise and Vocal Health
19. The Living Instrument: The Voice Over Time
20. The Singer: Artist and Artisan
Appendix 1. Ten Simple Tips for Keeping Your Voice Healthy
Appendix 2. Anatomic Intermezzo: What Do You Call That Thing?
Index

Editorial Reviews

"This is the clearest explanation I have ever read of the basic mechanics and physiology of singing. The authors avoid any medical or scientific jargon, yet what they say checks out when read by someone who also knows that jargon. They put their extensive clinical experience at the service of the reader without ever claiming too much certainty and with constant respect for the variability of voices and circumstances. All the while, they don't try to make the book a substitute for a doctor or a voice teacher, a temptation not avoided by everyone who writes about these topics. Dr. Jahn and Dr. Cho are experts both musically and medically, and have the additional gift of writing in straightforward English, with a good sense of narrative and crystal-clear organization. Every singer should read what they have to say." — Will Crutchfield, Conductor and Musicologist

"Navigating the often-treacherous journey of a singing career can be overwhelming, particularly as much of it is faced in isolation. Longevity requires expert guidance, even-handed information, and a thorough understanding of both the physiology and psychology of the singers. Drs. Jahn and Cho provide this in abundance with their comprehensive understanding of and hands-on expertise in how to take care of both our instruments and ourselves. Their book is a gift to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the health of their voice." — Joyce DiDonato, Multiple Grammy Award- Winning Mezzo- soprano

"Keep Your Singing Voice Healthy by Drs. Jahn and Cho is inspiring and educational, and highly recommended for every singer interested in a long and healthy career." — Simon Estes, Bass- baritone and Professor of Vocal Pedagogy, Boston University

"This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the technical nuances of the singing voice, offering valuable insights into vocal mechanics. A must read for anyone serious about refining their vocal skills." — Denyce Graves- Montgomery, Mezzo- soprano, and Distinguished Visiting Faculty, The Juilliard School

"Knowledge is power, and the information so clearly laid out in this book will empower every singer to make the right decisions to maintain or improve their vocal health. Rooted in a deep understanding of the voice and of the professional demands of singers and their 'instrument,' Dr. Jahn and Dr. Cho's book is a welcome and long overdue resource." — Thomas Lausmann, Director of Music Administration, The Metropolitan Opera

"Drs. Cho and Jahn have cared for the singers in the Metropolitan Opera chorus over many years now. We have relied on them to get us back to vocal health, and they have worked tirelessly to help keep artists performing at their highest level. Their book is a unique compendium of detailed information that every singer should read, absorb, and put into practice. It is a revelation to understand how much we can do for ourselves to maintain a healthy voice." — Donald Palumbo, Chorus Master, The Metropolitan Opera

"As a performer on both the operatic and musical theater stages, I find this book presents an outstanding source of information about the singing voice. It is a must-read for singers and actors who seek a long professional career." — Paulo Szot, Tony Award- Winning Baritone (South Pacific)

From the Publisher