Voice Use and Self-Reported Voice Health of Preservice Music Educators

Abstract

This study documented over contiguous 7-day periods the phonation time dose (Dt) percentages, sleep patterns, and self-reported voice health of preservice music educators (N = 8). Among primary findings, (a) Dt percentages were highest during voice lessons (38.51%), voice practice (34.54%), and choral rehearsals (30.33%) and lowest during nonperformance music classes (6.19%) and nonmusic classes (3.21%); (b) participant Dt percentages ranged from 6.87% to 13.52% overall and 5.93% to 16.93% during school activities; (c) participant daily Dt percentages ranged from 2.36% to 23.95%, (d) self-reported sleep hours displayed a statistically significant, low-positive correlation to self-reported overall singing voice quality; (e) 7 of 10 self-reported voice health indicator statements showed significant correlations to self-reported overall singing voice quality; and (f) participants reported better voice care on the weekend than on weekdays. Results were discussed in terms of comparisons with practicing educators, vocal rest, and implications for music teacher curricula.