College

Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences

Date of Last Revision

2024-09-19 12:07:23

Major

Music

Honors Course

70609

Number of Credits

2

Degree Name

Bachelor of Music

Date of Expected Graduation

Spring 2024

Abstract

Our vocal tract ages just like our body does. This research paper hopes to bring attention to the changes that happen within the cartilages and the vocal folds located in the larynx caused by aging. There will be four age groups that will be discussed: newborn and toddlers, adolescents and young adults, adults, and senior singers. Inspired by Karen Brunssen’s book The Evolving Singing Voice, each section will go into detail discussing the biological changes that happen to the cartilages and the vocal folds during these time in our lives. A few changes that will be mentioned throughout these stages of life include hormones, growth, and ossification. Following the discussions regarding the changes in the vocal tract, the topic of vocal health will conclude this paper. It will focus on ways that singers can take precautions with their voice to make sure they are keeping their voice healthy and not aging their voice fortuitously, as well as the outside influences that harm the vocal folds. Using Dr. Laurie Lashbrook’s presentation Help! I’ve Lost My Voice: Vocal Wellness and the Music Educator, we will dive into topics such as proper breath support, overuse and tension, and proper vocal hygiene.

Research Sponsor

Dr. Laurie Lashbrook

First Reader

Dr. Brooks Toliver

Second Reader

Dr. Frank Ward

Honors Faculty Advisor

Dr. Marc Reed

Proprietary and/or Confidential Information

No

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