Vocal Health and Rehabilitation Curriculum: A Review of Selected Public Institutions in Higher Education

Abstract

Vocal pedagogy courses and degrees in higher education are a great start for future voice teachers to gain knowledge and experience. The curriculum highlights technique well, but units on vocal health and rehabilitation tend to be omitted. In this study, the research examined colleges and universities that offer curricula on vocal health and/or rehabilitation in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. The study investigated the layout and depth of the units offered. Professors participated in questionnaires as well as interviews to discuss the inner workings of their classes and to gain insight on the decisions behind the curricula. Data gathered was used to compare and contrast the curricula of the institutions to see if only vocal health is offered, only rehabilitation is offered, or both. It was found that vocal health was included in all schools interviewed, but only one included rehabilitation.