My watch list

Vocology

Vocology has been defined as the science and practice of voice habilitation (van Mersbergen M et al, 2001; Titze, 1994). It parallels audiology, the study of hearing and the treatment of hearing disorders. Vocology combines the disciplines of speech and language pathology, laryngology, voice training for actors and public speakers, and singing training to develop the best voice for any vocal demand. The study of vocology has advanced such that it is a fundamental part of current voice research (including a journal entitled Logopedics, Phoniatrics, Vocology) and training programs. Vocologists continue to be trained at the National Center for Voice and Speech, a division of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Graduate school credits are given through the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology at the University of Iowa (where their graduate programs in Speech Pathology and in Audiology are ranked #1 and #2 in the country by U.S. News and World Reports), and a certificate of completion is granted. Over 100 vocologists have been trained from all over the world, including the United States, Canada, Sweden, Brazil, Turkey, Japan, Austria, Korea, India, and Australia (a complete list can be found at www.ncvs.org, the website for the National Center for Voice and Speech). Westminster Choir College of Rider University also offers a summer program in vocology, primarily for singing teachers.

Additional recommended knowledge

van Mersbergen, M (2001). "Preparation of the speech-language pathologist specializing in voice: an educational survey.", J Voice. 15(2):237-50.
Titze, I.R. (1994). Principles of Voice Production, Prentice Hall. ISBN 978-0137178933

Category: Speech and language pathology