UK Clinical Voice Center Offers Wellness Screenings for Voice Majors

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 25, 2012) – As opening night approaches for the UK Opera Theatre’s upcoming production of "The Phantom of the Opera," The University of Kentucky Clinical Voice Center has a mission to keep performer’s voices at the top of their game. 

The UK Clinical Voice Center at Kentucky Clinic offers annual wellness screenings for all graduate level voice majors and faculty. Participants fill out a vocal use questionnaire and receive a high definition imaging study of the vocal folds. The professional staff at the Voice Center, many of whom have a background in vocal performance, educate on healthy voice use and awareness of vocally risky behaviors.  For performers who do not currently have voice concerns, the exam serves as a baseline of their healthy voice in the event that troubles arise down the road. For some, it may serve as early detection to prevent more serious conditions.

Voice professionals, including singers and actors, must pay close attention to the signals their voice gives to prolong and maximize their performance quality. At times, a change in certain behaviors or unhealthy habits may be necessary to maintain good vocal quality and allow them to continue to use their voice safely. 

“As a trained professional voice user, I understand the demands that the study of voice and performance career place on the voice," said Joanna Sloggy, singing voice specialist and clinical fellow at the Voice Center. "I want to encourage all singers and professional voice users to come see us when they begin to feel something is 'off' with their instrument.  Often, when caught early enough, voice therapy can provide you with the necessary techniques needed to correct the current issue and alleviate future problems.”

The voice care team, comprised of UK Ear Nose and Throat physician partners and speech-language pathologists who specialize in the care of the voice, work with all voice types from classical to contemporary; even choral to country and are available for same day visits for urgent performance needs.

Media Contact: Ann Blackford at (859)323-6442 or ann.blackford@uky.edu