Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Monograph

Degree

Doctor of Musical Arts

Program

Music

Supervisor

Roland, Sophie L.

2nd Supervisor

Benedict, Cathy

Co-Supervisor

Abstract

This study was designed as a qualitative narrative inquiry study into the experiences of classical singers with Primary Muscle Tension Dysphonia (PMTD). PMTD is defined as Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) without organic or neurological factors. In the population of professional voice users, PMTD is typically associated with occupational/behavioural causes.

A review of the literature shows that occupational disorders are associated with stigma in the classical music community, that research on PMTD in the demographic of singers is sparse and often broadly defined, and that PMTD is not well-represented in the vocal pedagogy literature. Additionally, PMTD may present differently in classical singers than in other populations of singers, or in the general population. The gap in the vocal pedagogy literature, and the stigma present could contribute to students developing PMTD and could cause delayed diagnosis for singers. Further, living with undiagnosed PMTD could have a grave impact on the ability to sing and on mental health.

Narrative inquiry was chosen as the most appropriate qualitative approach for an early study in this population. Eleven adult classical singers with PMTD diagnoses – in career stages from still undergoing undergraduate training to the midst of major international careers – were interviewed regarding their experiences prior to diagnosis, during treatment, and post-recovery. These interviews pursued a dual purpose: to discover emergent themes relating to PMTD in this population, and to create a space for voices to be heard that may have previously been rendered voiceless both by the disorder and the classical singing community.

The many themes that emerged across participant experiences fell into mainly medical and vocal pedagogy categories. Without fail, participants were severely impacted by the disorder, often by stigma and isolation, and in a few cases by medical mismanagement. Both institutional factors, and specific voice technique elements (such as registration), in the current vocal pedagogy paradigm appeared to be causal factors in this demographic.

Summary for Lay Audience

This study was designed to examine the experiences of classical (sometimes referred to as operatic) singers with Primary Muscle Tension Dysphonia (PMTD) through interviews with those singers. PMTD is a voice disorder in which muscle tension causes disturbed vocal function, without the presence of physical injury or neurological factors. In the population of professional voice users, PMTD is typically associated with occupational/behavioural causes (often related to their speaking or singing work).

A review of the literature shows that those suffering from occupational disorders are often unfairly judged (stigmatized) by the classical music community, that research on PMTD in singers is sparse and often broadly defined (for instance does not differentiate between different styles of singing), and that PMTD is not well-represented in the voice teaching literature. Additionally, PMTD may appear differently in terms of symptoms or severity in classical singers than in other populations of singers, or in the general population. The gap in the voice teaching literature, and the stigma present could contribute to students developing PMTD and could cause delayed diagnosis for singers. Further, living with undiagnosed PMTD could have a grave impact on the ability to sing and on mental health.

Interview-based research was chosen as the most appropriate approach for an early study in this population. Eleven adult classical singers with PMTD diagnoses – in career stages from still undergoing undergraduate training to the midst of major international careers – were interviewed regarding their experiences prior to diagnosis, during treatment, and post-recovery. These interviews pursued a dual purpose: to discover themes relating to PMTD in this population, and to create a space for voices to be heard that may have previously been rendered voiceless both by the disorder and the stigma in the classical singing community.

The many themes that emerged across participant experiences fell into mainly medical and voice teaching/study categories. Without fail, participants were severely impacted by the disorder, often by stigma and isolation, and in a few cases by medical mismanagement. Both institutional factors, and specific voice technique elements in the current voice teaching system appeared to be causal factors in this demographic.

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