A singer’s voice is a singer’s livelihood–and sometimes his entire identity–and yet, few singers really get to know their instrument until problems occur. That’s sometimes too late. Care of the Professional Voice is an owner’s manual for the voices of classical and popular singers, as well as actors.
Subscribers to Classical Singer magazine have been reading Dr. Jahn’s advice for years, and know of his affiliation with the New York Metropolitan Opera and Columbia Univer-sity. His co-author, Dr. D. Garfield Davies, also has impressive credentials, including laryngologist for the vocal faculty at the Royal Academy of Music.
Originally intended to be a revision for Norman Punt’s The Singer’s and Actor’s Throat, the authors found a complete re-write was needed because of many changes in the world of medicine and the vocal profession. As with Punt’s book, this new version is intended to bring vocalist and physician together.
Singers about to undergo surgery will greatly appreciate the chapter, “Surgery and the Vocal Artist.” Suggestions are made on how to boost one’s immune system prior to surgery, and on helping both singer and surgeon be aware of the special problems of dehydration for a performer. Singers are advised what to discuss with their doctors regarding medications and intubation, to avoid damaging the vocal apparatus.
I read the disturbing news that singers who take the supplement DHEA may end up with irreversible voice darkening. As singers age, their laryngeal boxes actually descend, which is why pitch often lowers. And if you have ever wondered why some of the greatest singers were “stand-and-sing” singers, perhaps this will explain: “…The pelvis and the back provide points of attachment for the muscles of respiration, and must be held immobile for optimal respiratory movements.” (p. 3.) Tell that to the next stage director who has you running, climbing, and jumping during your high C!
Laryngeal disorders are covered, and a thorough discussion and color photos of the actual physical process of singing are also included. Mental health and psychiatric treatments are discussed at length, including information on beta blockers and suggestions for dealing with performance anxiety. Other topics include the effects of traveling, anxiety, muscle tension, and medications on the singing voice. Singers will find this an invaluable resource, both for prevention and for dealing with a medical professional who may not be familiar with the voice.
Drs. Jahn and Davies have written an important resource for the care of the classical singer’s voice. Classical Singer highly recommends this book for singers interested in having long and healthy careers.
