IHS&VR journal
Vocal Health
Sing for a Lifetime.
Evidence-based guidance for singers, teachers, and conductors — scientific, practical, and written for the rehearsal room. Educational, not medical advice.
Why Matching Vowels Makes Choirs Ring
Understanding the Acoustics Behind Unified Choral Sound Every choral director knows the moment when the choir suddenly locks in. The tone blooms, pitch steadies, and the sound seems to float effortlessly through the
Finding the Ring: Understanding the Singer’s Formant
Have you ever noticed how a great singer’s voice seems to cut through an orchestra, ringing with brilliance? That sparkle isn’t magic or sheer force; it’s acoustics. The phenomenon is called the singer’s formant, a c
Recovering from a Cold or Flu: Evidence-Based Strategies for Singers
Cold and flu season brings a special challenge for singers: keeping the voice healthy while everyone else is coughing. Even a mild upper respiratory infection (URI) can disrupt vocal fold vibration. When singers push thr
Honey for Singers: What Works, What Doesn’t
When cold and flu season hits, singers often reach for tea and honey. It feels soothing, but is there science behind the sweetness? Recent studies say yes…with some important caveats. 1. Not All Honeys Are Equal
Stand Up Straight and Tall! - Part 2
Rethinking Posture for Singing: From Alignment to Adaptability If you’ve ever been told to “stand up straight and tall” while singing, you’re not alone. But research suggests that what matters most is not holding
Stand Up Straight and Tall! (Part 1)
Upright, Buoyant, and Balanced: How Posture Shapes the Singing Voice The old adage echoes in rehearsal rooms across the world. We’ve all heard it, and we’ve all said it. But what does good posture really mean f
On a High Note: Research Indicates Skill Beats Structure
If you’ve ever marveled at how professional singers float effortlessly into the upper reaches of their range, you may have wondered what makes their voices different from everyone else’s. The answer lies in a combination
The Trouble with Tongue Tension: A Cross-Disciplinary Concern for Music Educators-Part 2
If tongue tension interferes so profoundly with resonance and ease, how can singers identify it and what can they do about it? Awareness is the first step. Press gently under the chin while phonating; if the tissue s
The Trouble with Tongue Tension: A Cross-Disciplinary Concern for Music Educators
When singers think about healthy technique, they often focus on posture, breath, and resonance. But one of the most overlooked muscles in vocal efficiency is the tongue. Its posture shapes vowels, colors tone, and even i
Singing Breath Benefits for Stress, Immunity, and Connection - The Health Benefits of Respiration in Singing - Part 2
This article is the second of a two-part series on the health benefits of singing breath. Part 1 explores how breathing for singing supports posture, digestion, and vocal freedom, while Part 2 examines its wider impacts
How Breathing for Singing Supports Posture, Digestion, and Vocal Freedom: The Health Benefits of Respiration in Singing - Part 1
This article is part one of a two-part series on the health benefits of singing breath. Part 1 explores how breathing for singing supports posture, digestion, and vocal freedom, while Part 2 examines its broader impacts
Vaping and Your Voice: Hidden Risks for Singers
Based on Research by Madison, et al., The Laryngoscope (2022) In recent years, vaping has often been marketed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking. However, research shows it can harm not only your lungs but a
Performance = Potential – Interference: What Singers Can Learn from The Inner Game of Tennis
As a voice scientist and specialist in rehabilitating singing voices, I have observed a common pattern in my students, especially those recovering from vocal injury or who self-identify as perfectionists: they tend to “s
Why Your Voice Needs Water (and What Kind!)
You’ve probably heard it before: “Drink more water!” But when it comes to vocal health, that advice is more than just a wellness cliché. Research shows that hydration—both internal and surface-level—is key to keeping you
Post-COVID Singing Voice Difficulties: What Singers and Teachers Should Know
Based on research by Dassie-Leite et al., Journal of Voice (2024) Even weeks after recovering from COVID-19, many people say something still feels "off" with their voice. A recent study helps explain why—and offers ins
Could a Simple Saline Mist Help Your Voice Work Easier?
Recent research published in the Journal of Voice (2023) suggests that nebulizing isotonic saline—essentially, inhaling a fine mist of saline solution—may provide measurable benefits for both healthy and dysphonic voic