In this webinar, the Performing Arts Medicine Special Interest Group will be speaking about:

• 'When should I see the doctor for my voice? And other medical aspects of voice care.' by Dr. David Lau
• 'The voice & it's care' by Lee Yan Qing
• 'The role of the classical voice teacher in promoting long term vocal health in their students' by Prof. Alan Lee Bennett

Dr. Lau is an ENT surgeon in private practice, with over 25 years’ experience in the specialty. He has a particular interest in treating voice problems and is recognized as a regional leader in the subspecialty of laryngology (laryngeal, voice and swallowing disorders). Dr Lau also practices general Ear Nose and Throat surgery and treats adults and children. He has three children of his own and enjoys boating and yoga in his spare time.

When should I see the doctor for my voice? And other medical aspects of voice care.

Synopsis: When a performing artist experiences a problem with his or her voice that does not go away easily or affects their ability to give a performance, it is sometimes necessary to see a doctor. The doctor specializing in voice problems is an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, sometimes referred to as a laryngologist. The laryngologist uses a special camera to look at the vocal folds and see how they move and vibrate. We will look at some of the problems that can occur as well as solutions.

Yan Qing graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Hons) from La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia. She is a Principal Speech Therapist working in Changi General Hospital. Her clinical interests include working with Geriatric patients, as well as in the area of Voice Rehabilitation. In her clinical experience for voice therapy, she has worked with a variety of clients (voice misuse, teachers, ageing voice, singers and transgender voice).

The Voice & its Care by Yan Qing

Synopsis: Speaking is a task that we engage in on a daily basis, without giving much thought. For some of us, our work and/or other commitments require a heavier voice demand (e.g. long hours of talking, singing, performing). This can put a significant strain on the voice box, and may lead to an increased risk of developing voice problems.  This talk aims to increase awareness and understanding of voice production, vocal care, as well as the role of Speech Therapy in voice rehabilitation in speaking and singing tasks.

Prof. Alan Lee Bennett has performed on many of the greatest stages throughout the world in concerts, opera and recitals. Formerly a member of the voice faculty at Indiana University, he moved to Singapore in 2010 to establish the Voice Department at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music where he is currently Professor of Voice and Head of Vocal Studies.

The role of the classical voice teacher in promoting long term vocal health in their students by Prof. Alan Lee Bennett

Synopsis: Classical voice teachers face a unique challenge compared to other classical instrument teachers; their students are both instrument and player and are, therefore, more prone to injury from misuse and abuse than their peers. With this understanding, the importance of instilling a strong foundation of what healthy singing feels and sounds like becomes paramount and must start at the beginning of professional training, before problems arise. In this Webinar, we will explore how classical voice teachers work to ensure that their students sing with optimal free function so that they may have long and healthy singing careers.

Registration is FREE at: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/introduction-to-performing-arts-medicine-voice-tickets-154346806453