A Study On Voice Disorder Knowledge in High Risk Majors

Abstract

The objective of this study is to determine the current level of pre-professional knowledge pertaining to voice disorders and vocal hygiene practices among at-risk majors. At-risk majors include Education, Theatre, and Voice performance majors due to their intense voice usage in their future occupations (Cohen et al., 2012; Fritzell, 1996; Miller & Verdolini, 1995; Thibeault, Merrill, Roy, Gray & Smith, 2004; Williams, 2003). In this particular presentation we will assess Music Education student’s vocal hygiene and voice disorder knowledge. The student’s level of knowledge will be assessed using a multiple-choice question survey that has twenty questions relating to voice disorders and vocal hygiene. The collection of data is important in order to determine if a change in the amount of pre-professional knowledge of voice disorders is needed. This knowledge will be used to create an advocacy plan for these populations. Currently, there is minimal research investigating pre-professional knowledge in at-risk majors. Our results will be discussed in the context of a descriptive analysis of the data, the average survey score for the population as a whole, and describing specific questions that were missed by more than 50% of the population.