What would you consider to be the main focus of your career, or your “specialty”?
Evaluation and Treatment of Voice Disorders and research in vocal function and voice rehabilitation.
How did you discover your calling for your specialty? How did it start?
As a high school and university student I was very involved in theater and musical theater. Even at that time, I was amazed at the power, stamina, resilience and the interpretive qualities of the human voice. A high school teacher introduced me to the field of speech-language pathology which proved to be a career avenue to work with the performance voice.
What do you love the most about your work?
In the early stages of my career I would answer this question from a clinical point of view. That would be participating in the improvement of those suffering with voice disorders. In the latter stages, my joy came in teaching students to do the same and mentoring doctoral students in researching vocal function and methods to improve voice production.
In your opinion, what qualities do you feel make an “excellent” Vocal Pedagogue?
The excellent vocal pedagogue has a solid understanding of normal vocal function; an understanding of voice disorders; a good clinical ear; an understanding of the emotional impact of vocal dysfunction; and empathy and compassion for patients, client, and students.
Can you speak to the importance of having mentors? How have mentors influenced your life/career? Can you tell us about some of your mentors?
In our profession, good mentoring is of utmost importance and, as you will read below, mentoring continues for a lifetime. One can read about how to evaluate and treat voice disorders, but an accomplished mentor can demonstrate the principles of voice care and guide the novice in an accelerated manner. My first mentor was Dr. R. Vernon Stroud, Professor of Speech Language Pathology at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Stroud introduced me to the area of voice disorders and stressed the importance of seeing every patient as an individual and not a type of ‘disorder’.
Robert Peppard at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center was my first clinical supervisor. Bob expanded my understanding of the impact that loss of voice can have on individuals and families when confronted with laryngeal cancer. The humanity of this clinical work became another foundational piece in my development as a clinician.
Early in my career, an otolaryngologist, Dr. Blaine Block of Dayton, Ohio, showed me the necessity/value of interdisciplinary care of those with voice disorders. I am greatly indebted to his trust and support through the early stages of my clinical career.
Dr. Diane Bless, University of Wisconsin, was one of my most influential mentors. Dr. Bless introduced me to the now routine instrumental evaluation of voice which led to the Blaine Block Institute for Analysis and Rehabilitation (BBIVAR). BBIVAR provided me with a wonderful 25-year clinical career as well as the opportunity to hone my skills as a clinical researcher.
Dr. Barbara Weinrich of Miami University in Ohio, sparked my interest in university teaching and research and was a valuable mentor throughout the final fifteen years of my career as a faculty member at the University of Kentucky.
Building Blocks – Questions about ten key areas of voice
When it comes to breathing, what are the most influential tips, insights or research findings that you would like to share with our audience?
Respiration, phonation, and resonance comprise the three major subsystems of voice production. Without the driving force of the airstream, voice is not possible. Most individuals do not require training for speech breathing in normal conversation. However, when challenged with public speaking, acting or singing, appropriate breath support must be present/trained to permit the most efficient voice production; voice that will meet the needs of the individual without fatigue or damage.
When it comes to the larynx, what are the most influential tips, insights or research findings that you would like to share with our audience?
The laryngeal mechanism is an exquisite piece of engineering. It is a complex cartilage, muscle, and mucosa system which must be strong and balanced to withstand the demands and complexities of voice production. The health of this mechanism is dependent upon good vocal hygiene, whole body health and conditioning, and emotional health.
When it comes to the vocal folds, what are the most influential tips, insights or research findings that you would like to share with our audience?
Appropriate internal and external hydration, vocal and whole body rest, and training in the techniques required of the voice will help maintain the health and conditioning of the vocal folds.
When it comes to acoustics/resonance, what are the most influential tips, insights or research findings that you would like to share with our audience?
Resonance is the third subsystem of voice production. Resonance provides the individuality and the distinctive nature of each voice. Resonance can be manipulated with the healthy voice typically demonstrating a more forward focus with a relaxed open pharynx.
When it comes to registration, what are the most influential tips, insights or research findings that you would like to share with our audience?
It is the relative balance of respiration, phonation, and resonance which provides for the most efficient voice production in both speaking and singing.
When it comes to vocal health, what are the most influential tips, insights or research findings that you would like to share with our audience?
How an individual feels physically and emotionally will directly affect voice production. A healthy life style related to diet and hydration, management of stress, rest, and hydration all contribute to vocal health
When it comes to style, what are the most influential tips, insights or research findings that you would like to share with our audience?
Do not copy others. Each instrument is unique and must be developed to its own abilities.
When it comes to posture, what are the most influential tips, insights or research findings that you would like to share with our audience?
Posture will affect all three subsystems of voice production, positively or negatively. Vocal training should include an appreciation of this fact.
When it comes to teaching methods or communicating complex ideas about singing, what are the most influential tips, insights or research findings that you would like to share with our audience?
Individual learning strategies differ. In teaching singing or providing voice therapy, some individuals require a thorough explanation of the ‘why’ behind the teaching/therapy. Others require very little ‘why’ and more demonstration. Teach the student/patient/client, not the concept or technique.
Final Thoughts (Words of Wisdom, Resources)?
Surround yourself with a vocal health team; one that easily collaborates with your best interests at heart!
Please note that Dr. Joseph Stemple is not affiliated with VocalPedagogy.com and we do not disclose contact information. We hope you enjoy the interview!
