Singing techniques to cure vocal pathologies

rose marquez

The first observation of vocal cords in movement was made in 1854 by the Spanish singing teacher Manuel García, a precursor of laryngology. From his discoveries, modern theories of vocal production based on physiology were developed, with significant contributions from scientists such as Husson, Van de Berg, Perelló, Fant, Hirano, Titze and Dejonckere. However, humans have used voice as a vehicle of communication since the beginning of time. It is known that primitive cultures already sang in religious rituals and ceremonies, which is why there have always been people in charge of educating the voice to improve singing.

Fernando García Escudero, director of the summer course 'Vocal rehabilitation through singing techniques', explains that through non-invasive tools and techniques, all types of vocal pathologies and even neurological diseases such as Parkinson's can be treated. “They are much kinder exercises for the patient because they are painless and more entertaining than repeating the same phrase over and over again,” he points out. The program is divided into two parts, a theoretical one in which the state of the art is addressed and another practical one, in which a piano will be brought to treat the voice of the patients, who will also undergo a fibroscopy and other diagnostic tests to see if there has been any change after the exercises.

The voice: that great unknown

Despite its importance, the voice remains largely unknown to many. Regulated and specialized vocal rehabilitation is not more than a hundred years old, although vocal practice dates back almost to the beginning of humanity. Vocal arts professionals have historically worked in vocal health training and care, highlighting the great Italian masters of the 18th and 19th centuries, who developed crucial techniques during the era of bel canto.

The seminar, which is now in its third edition, will take place on June 27 at the Quintana campus and is aimed at speech therapists and speech therapists, although it will also be interesting for ENT doctors, singers, actors and anyone who works with their voice. . The course is recognized with 0,3 ECTS credits.