Vocal health challenges and contemporary singing: implications and advocacy

This article focuses on vocal health and contemporary popular singing. The discussion begins by defining the term, vocal health. It then outlines the research undertaken through analysing media reported and documented examples of contemporary artists and their associated vocal health issues. In doing so, it considers excessive vocal load, various vocal demands and vocal recovery. Underpinning the findings is the concept that optimum vocal health is essential to the development and sustainability of the contemporary singing voice. The article concludes with strategies that may assist in monitoring and maintaining the health of the contemporary singing voice and identifies implications for education and practice.