There are a host of singers and musicians health organisations, non-profit groups and articles on the internet available to all. Our collection covers practically everything and we will be adding to it as & when we can. Some articles cover areas like drugs and sex so parental guidance is advised. If you have written an article or are involved in vocal health and education, contact us with the details for addition to this section. All links open in a new window.
Anatomy
Anatomy of the Larynx Overview with diagrams from the University of Pittsberg Voice Center.
Anatomy of the Spine Diagrams and description presented by the Universitey of Maryland Medical Center, includes details on the structure of the disc.
Anatomy Modules - TMJ Tutorial The University of Washington Dept. of Radiology presents the Termporomandibular Joint, includes QuickTime movies, descriptions and diagrams including computed tomography and magnetic resonance pictures of the TMJ.
Anatomy Tables the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences details every bone, its structure and a medical description of those structures plus nerves, veins and everything else that makes it all work in their Bones Table and include a range of tables for other parts of the body.
Emory University’s Human Anatomy Course An explaination of the Pharynx and Larynx with diagrams of the structures of the throat and how movement affects the vocal chords.
La Voix French site (no english) has some excellent diagrams of the larynx, respitory, hearing and resonation systems of the body.
Breathing
Electroglottography - EGG A study of EEG as a non-invasive method of investigating laryngeal behaviour. Provides information about glottal activity with computer supported signal description used for the automatic determination of voice quality and in laryngeal settings for linguistic purposes. There are sections on initiation, phonation, airflow, vocal fold vibration, pitch accent and other interesting facets of the voice. Includes Supralaryngeal and muscular tension settings soundfiles of various tensions (ie. protruded jaw, etc.)
Health & Fitness Center - Sportsbreather Breathing trainer for asthmatics, athletes, or anyone needing to increase lung endurance. The Sports Breather is a device for breathing training and to help increase breathing and lung endurance.
International Breath Institute Transform Breathing, evaluate your breathing and find more breathing exercises. (site currently being redesigned so exercises unavailable).
Mini Relaxation Exercises Focused breathing techniques which help reduce anxiety and tension immediately by Ann Webster, Ph.D., Director, The Mind-Body Medical Clinic for HIV-Positive and AIDS Related Disorders.
Optimal Breathing Work on problem voices, rapid breathing development, increasing vocal strength and range. Also has an excellent Animated Diagram which demonstrates the correct method of breathing by inflating the diaphram from the lower abdomen up to the chest. The site concentrates on everything to do with 'Breathing' its worth taking a look just to have a practise along with the diagram!!
Saskatchewan Lung Association information on the lungs and the process of breathing with advice for those who wish to quit smoking.
SinuCleanse a gentle, effective, method of nasal irrigation for adults and children who suffer from sinus and nasal problems without using drugs, additives or preservatives.
The Human Respiratory System Provides an easy to understand explaination of breathing and respiration, transportation of gas through the body, control of breathing and structure of the respitory system complete with diagrams from Clarenville High School.
Excessive Noise Levels Frequently Asked Questions, answered by Douglas Yeo (bass trombonist, Boston Symphony Orchestra) on excessive noise levels on stage
Hearnet.com A non-profit hearing and information source for musicians and music lovers provides hearing education and awareness for Rockers plus earphone, earplug, hearing aid, hearing health and tinnitus product manufacturers, health organisations and other resources.
Hearing Losses - Cause & Effect Article by David Clark provides information on how the hearing system works, the functions it affects, why we like it loud, causes of hearing damage, defense mechanisms, effects of hearing loss and follows up with damage prevention and other issues.
Protecting Your Hearing A word in your ear provides information and advice for musicians on avoiding hearing loss by Sound on Sound writer Clive Williamson .
RNID Royal National Institute for Deaf People provides information for tinnitus sufferers, hard of hearing and deaf people. Their site includes a searchable directory of uk services and a host of free factsheets and leaflets on all aspects of hearing loss, tinnitus and deafness available for download.
The Elements of Acoustics and Psychoacoustics provides an interesting insight into sound, its production and how we hear it which includes a diagram and explainations of the working of the ear provided by Leeds University.
Vocal Acoustics in the Theater Article discusses why it is important to practice singing in a larger space and why some smaller voiced singers can sound larger in the theatre than larger voiced singers, written by David L. Jones.
Disorders
The following are direct links to pages provided by the variety of organisations provided further down the page. If the page is no longer available, visit the main sites and look for their medical or voice pages.
Contact Granulomas Vocal cord granuloma, contact pachydermia, pyogenic granuloma article by James D. Garnett MD provides information on these benign lesions including recognition, causes, symptoms, diagnostic procedures, tests and treatments plus photographic examples.
Free Medical Journals provides free access to the many medical journals that are being made available online.
Guide to Vocology Article in .pdf format from NATS includes descriptions of each condition including Common Conditions affecting Voice plus an overview of a variety of voice therapy programs.
John Hopkins Medicine site includes information and images including the aging larynx, laryngeal cancer, laryngitis, laryngoscopic views of laryngeal tumors, contact granuloma, contact ulcer, polyps and other voice and vocal fold disorders.
Medical Dictionary Free downloadable medical dictonary produced as a quick reliable reference tool as part of eGranary Digital Library created at The University of Iowa, that aims to improve digital communication and access to information for students and scholars in developing countries.
Voice Foundation includes articles on voice disorders, sypmtoms and treatment.
General Vocal Health
Aspects of Voice Quality Display, Measurement and Therapy in .pdf format by Eva Carlson and David Miller
Andrew Massey provides articles relating to voice disorders, healing sound and music.
Journey of the Voice Provides information on the process of speech and singing complete with diagrams which include respiration, Support system for the voice (framework) with diagrams of spine, ribs, strenum, and pelvis, phonation, resonation, articlation and care of the voice by Eric Armstrong.
Ear Nose and Throat Journal Website Contains the most recent peer-reviewed original clinical articles and case reports in otolaryngology - head and neck medicine provided by Washington University
Evaluating Hoarseness Keeping your patient's voice healthy by Clark A. Rosen, M.D., Deborah Anderson, M.D. and Thomas Murry, Ph.D. provides tables of common causes, differential diagnosis, anatomical diagrams, explainations, history, example cases, associated surgical procedures and methods of easing vocal abuse.
Guidelines for Singers: Do’s & Don’ts University of Pittsburgh Voice Center provides a list of vocal hygiene tips for singers which apply to all voice users.
Health Article by singing teacher to the stars 'Tona de Brett'.
Laryngeal Conservation Surgery Slide presentation by Elizabeth J. Franzmann and MD Jarrard Goodwin, MD from the University of Miami Department of Otolaryngology intended for use by doctors and other health care professionals.
Med Help International The Virtual Medical Center for Patients is a collection of information and professional medical support gathered from the best medical organizations and experts in the world. It is composed of a comprehensive, Consumer Health Information Library plus Question & Answer Medical Specialty Forums, which give patients the ability to ask questions to leading physicians and healthcare professionals.
Music Biz Advice Includes articles on voice and the music business including After Show Voice Care, Care of the Voice While Traveling, Common Voice Problems, Common Voice Problems & Causes & Management's Role, Effects of Acid Reflux on the Voice, and Eating on the Road, Effects of Alcohol & Drugs on the Voice, Effects of Heroin on the Voice & Heart, and a Graphic Description of Open Heart Surgery Caused by Heroin, Effects of Various Drugs on the Voice, Effects of Smoke & Stage Smoke or Fog Machines on the Voice, Singing in the Wrong Pitch, Drug Use in the Music Industry, Expanding the Range of the Voice & Effects of Nasal Surgery on the Voice, Keeping the Vocal Cords Hydrated, Monitors and Vocal Problems, More on Hydration, Voice Care for Singers with Allergies & Asthma, Post-Show Vocal Care, Range, Resonance, and Sound of the Voice, Reflux Laryngitis & Food on Show Days, Side Effects of Steroids, Symptoms & Treatments for Common Voice Problems, & Vocal Rest, Symptoms of Throat Problems, Voice Care & Effects of Caffeine, Coffee, Lemon, Dairy & Nuts, Voice Care on the Road: Long Tours, Lozenges, & Hydration, Voice Quality and Success in the Music Industry by David M. Alessi, MD and laryngologist Martin Hopp, MD
Musician's Health explanation of musician's injuries, along with guidelines regarding injury prevention.
Psychogenic voice disorders Brief glossary by Alexander Massey (Free Your Voice), includes useful reading list relating to the psychology of voice.
Sound Feelings Publishing We are music, health and education audio and book publishers specialising in music medicine, music instruction, weight loss, and alternative therapies. We offer many free and helpful tips on various topics including revolutionary free tips and information on music healing, music instruction, weight loss, studying, and stuttering. Special secrets, tricks and solutions are helpful specifically for learning to use music for transformation and healing, for music sight-reading, for non-diet weight-loss, for learning how to learn, and for attaining fluent speech. 11 helpful free tips show how to listen to music for transformation and healing, 10 free non-diet tips for permanent weight-loss, The 7 myths that prevent permanent weight-loss, Two free secrets help stop stuttering, Simple secret reduces wrist pain in computer users, 11 free tips improve studying results, Five free tips help release anger, Nine easy tips increase hand warmth, Music healing sound samples, Original songs and compositions samples, Free Music Instruction Tips, Pianists’ pain-prevention tips, Ten amazing free secrets improve sight-reading, Easy chord construction formulas, Nine easy tips increase hand warmth
Speech Production Basic Notes on speech production, anatomy & acoustics including diagrams pertaining to vocal anatomy and acoustics
Stuttering Science & Therapy Website contains information, advice, links, faq, books, therapy devices and penpals with versions available in english, spanish, french, dutch, italian and polish.
Vocal Health protecting and preserving the singers voice by Sally McKee, M.A., CCC at Texas Sings.
Voice Problem Information, encouragement and next steps on how to deal with a wide range of voice conditions. Provided by the Watergate Voice Foundation, a non-profit educational foundation whose purpose is to support patients with voice disorders.
Voice Strain in Children Signs, symptoms, causes and risk factors article by Caroline Bowen PhD., whose site includes articles, resources and links to related sites for Speech-Language Pathologists, Clinicians and Therapists.
American Lung Association As well as covering the latest news on smoking policies and sponsored events, the ALA provides information about Asthma, Tobacco issues, Smoking cessation, Air Quality and features a Lung Disease A to Z.
Arts Medicine The European Association "Medecine des Arts"
Baylor University The Bobby R. Alford Department of Ortorhinolaryngology and Communicative Sciences website contains articles intended for use by doctors and other health care professionals on Cartilaginous Lesions of the Larynx, Caustic Ingestion in Children, Cysts of the Larynx, Otolaryngologic Manifestations of Gastroesophageal Reflux, Laryngo-Tracheo-Bronchial Foreign Bodies, Foreign Body Aspiration, Laryngeal Transplantation, Medialization Thyroplasty, A Closer Look at Percutaneous Tracheotomy, Spasmodic Dysphonia, Stomal Recurrence, Subglottic Stenosis In The Adult, Blunt Trauma to the Larynx, Benign Tracheal Stenosis, Complications of Tracheotomy, Bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis in Children, Assessment of Voice
Johns Hopkins University The Center for Laryngeal and Voice Disorders at Johns Hopkins is dedicated exclusively to the diagnosis, treatment and management of laryngeal and voice disorders. The site contains a section discussing the symptoms, etiology, and treatment for some of the more common laryngeal disorders including Laryngitis, Spasmodic Dyphonia, Vocal Fold Motion Impairment, Polyps, Vocal Fold Nodules and Cysts, Contact Granuloma/Contact Ulcer, Laryngeal Cancer, The Aging Larynx
Musician's Health explanation of musician's injuries, along with guidelines regarding injury prevention.
National Center for Voice and Speech The NCVS aims to protect, rehabilitate and enhance voice and speech. Site contains vocal health resources and links to voice sites.
Northwestern University The Center for Voice at Northwestern University is an interdisciplinary collaboration between the Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery and the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. The site contains a selection of articles including How the Larynx (Voice Box) Works, Laryngitis from Reflux: Prevention for the Performing Singer, Benign Vocal Lesions - Nodules, Polyps and Cysts, Spasmodic Dysphonia, Vocal Habits, Medications that May Affect the Voice, Vocal Fold Histology, Hoarseness Prevention and Treatment Tips, Post-Nasal Drip, Ready to Quit Smoking?, Sore Throats: Causes and Cures and Swallowing Disorders.
Sinus Care Center of Jackson Provides exclusive computer images of sinus anatomy, a selection of Ear, Nose and Throat related patient information plus detailed recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of sinus and nasal disease from respected sources.
Society of Singers nonprofit charity that helps professional vocalists, worldwide, in times of crisis.
The Performing Arts Medicine Association organization of physicians and other allied professionals dedicated to improving the health care and treatment of performing artists through education, research, and teaching.
The VoiceCare Network nonprofit educational organization providing lifespan voice education for choral conductors, music educators, church musicians, singing teachers, singers and speech pathologists.
The Voice Foundation is an organization dedicated to solving voice problems by funding research, promoting public education and raising the professional level of voice care, The site also contains free articles and several videos on voice related subjects available for purchase and download.
Alexander Technique collection of Internet resources regarding the Alexander Technique
Born To Sing Throat Spray No More Dry Throat. Great for Smoky Nightclubs. Invented by Pharmacist and Medical Doctor. Tamper-Proof Nozzle. Contains no medication. Active ingredient is Aloe Vera.
Carpel Tunnel "Heal Thyself Series" by BodymindResources.com.
Pedro de Alcantara Musician, teacher and author of Indirect Procedures: A Musician's Guide to the Alexander Technique. Website contains book excerpts, original articles and essays, news of seminars and workshops and links to pages of interest to musicians, fellow Alexander teachers and laypeople.
Thayers Slippery Elm Lozenges are a natural remedy used by singers to soothe inflamed mucous membranes in the mouth and throat.
Vocalzone (uk html site) throat pastille. Recommended for relief of irritations due to excessive speaking, singing (professional, amateur or karaoke) or smoking and aid in soothing dry irritated throats. The website allows direct ordering by credit card.
The Voice Care Network (UK) Voice care aim to help people to keep their voices healthy and to communicate effectively. They provide specialist voice workshops and coaching to introduce voice care, extend the efficient use of the voice, to manage acoustics effectively and to be aware of how clarity in delivery and vocal tone affect listening.
The VoiceCare Network Non-profit US educational organization providing lifespan voice education for choral conductors, music educators, church musicians, singing teachers, singers and speech pathologists.
Women
Health Scout A French-language journal, whose title translates to _Contraception, Fertility and Sexuality_, recommends that women singers give serious consideration to taking estrogen. The hormone replacement therapy probably will prevent "postmenopausal voice syndrome."
HysterCity deals with all aspects of Hysterectomy including affect on voice.
OperaMom Provides information, resources and discussion on all aspects of pregnancy and raising children for singing mums.
Health and Fitness Sites
