Predictors of Choral Directors' Voice Handicap

Y

15

Predictor Variables; Music Activities; Music Education; Music Teachers; Voice Disorders; Age Differences; Gender Differences; Teaching Experience; Health Behavior; Statistical Significance; Predictive Validity; Predictive Measurement; Measures (Individuals); Self Disclosure (Individuals); Scores; Likert Scales; Secondary School Teachers; Middle School Teachers; Multiple Regression Analysis

Florida; Maryland; Nevada; North Carolina; South Carolina

0190-4922

Vocal demands of teaching are considerable and these challenges are greater for choral directors who depend on the voice as a musical and instructive instrument. The purpose of this study was to (1) examine choral directors' vocal condition using a modified Voice Handicap Index (VHI), and (2) determine the extent to which the major variables influencing vocal health (age, gender, years of teaching, and vocal health training) predicted VHI scores. Results indicated no significant differences between VHI scores of male and female choral directors. VHI reliability was high and although the major variables influencing vocal health failed to predict VHI scores, the topic of teachers' voice problems is abundant in the literature. Choral directors' scores on the modified VHI, a self-report tool, may signify a lack of awareness or willingness to reveal information. Further research about functional vocal changes of choral directors is needed in order to preserve quality of life and job efficacy.

As Provided

37

2015

EJ1052996