The vocal demands placed on actors are higher than those of the typical speaker. Actors' livelihood is predicated on their ability to consistently perform at peak levels, many times in conditions that are not optimal for vocal efficiency (e.g. theaters with poor acoustics). Further, many actors perform after spending the day at a second job to ensure they have a sufficient income to support themselves. Despite challenges, the hallmark of the strong actor is to strive for peak performance. To do so, many actors implement some form of theatre voice training. One popular method is Fitzmaurice Voicework®. Fitzmaurice Voicework® is comprised of two phases: Destructuring and Restructuring. Destructuring is based in decreasing tension through relaxation and tremoring. Restructuring focuses on maximizing voice function with the least amount of effort needed. This study specifically looked at the effect of Fitzmaurice Voicework® training on the voice, as it has little more than anecdotal evidence to support its effect. Six graduate student actors enrolled in a theatre voice course based on Fitzmaurice Voicework® completed pre and post training measures examining the changes in maximum phonation time, average loudness and loudness range, fundamental frequency and frequency range, jitter, shimmer, and noise to harmonic ratio, and perceptual measures of vocal quality (e.g. strain, breathiness, and roughness) on the CAPE-V. Despite no statistically significant findings due to the small sample size and noted variability between individual subjects, trends of more efficient performance post training were present for individuals without a history of voice problems.

Substance use disorders (SUD) are among the most significant worldwide public health challenges. Isolation and separation are some of the more common indicators of SUD. Even though various music therapy interventions are used to address clinical goals when working with clients with SUD, voicework, specifically, has not been abundantly researched with this client group. Research has shown that the use of the voice has the ability to turn isolation into connection. This qualitative study therefore examined whether voicework with this client group could facilitate connection. Seven clients participated in six group music therapy sessions held at a halfway house over three weeks. The sessions as well as the one focus group were transcribed, and thick descriptions were written of musical excerpts; all were then analysed thematically. From the data, the following four themes were developed: (1) multiple forms of connection were afforded through voicework in music therapy; (2) music therapy offered multiple opportunities for facilitating connection; (3) particular techniques were useful for enhancing connection; (4) a music therapy process, centred around voicework, offered participants an experience in which they could reflect on connection and disconnection. The findings suggest that voicework can be a useful intervention within music therapy to create opportunities for connection to both the self and other. / Dissertation (MMus (Music Therapy))--University of Pretoria, 2021. / Music / MMus (Music Therapy) / Unrestricted

Användningen av rösten som primärt instrument i musikterapi är en smal forskningsgren, särskilt inom Sverige. Denna uppsats undersöker röstens terapeutiska potential genom att analysera insikter och erfarenheter från tre yrkesverksamma terapeuter, med specialisering inom sång och röst. Genom kvalitativa intervjuer syftar arbetet till att utforska och identifiera röstens förmåga att främja klienternas hälsa och välbefinnande. Syftet är att bättre förstå röstens potential och dess utmaningar som terapiform såväl som forskningsfält. Bakgrunden i uppsatsen ger en översikt över pionjärer inom sång- och röstbaserade metoder, vilka som historiskt gynnats av dessa, samt tidigare forskning kring sångens hälsoeffekter. Resultaten presenteras genom de fyra huvudteman som utkristalliserats av analysen, vilka är: vad kännetecknar sång- och röstterapi, klientgrupper, influenser och praktiska tillvägagångssätt samt begränsningar och utmaningar. Dessa åtföljs av underliggande teman som fördjupar aspekter av huvudteman. Avslutningsvis diskuteras resultatet i relation till bakgrunden, dess betydelse för forskningsfältet samt idéer till framtida forskningsarbeten. / The use of voice as a primary instrument in music therapy is a narrowly focused research area, particularly in Sweden. This thesis examines the therapeutic potential of the voice by analyzing insights and experiences from three professional therapists specialized in song and voice. Through qualitative interviews, the study aims to explore how song and voice therapy is perceived to enhance clients' health and well-being, and to identify the challenges encountered in the therapeutic setting. The background of the thesis provides an overview of pioneers in song and voice-based methods, prior research concerning the health effects of singing and those who have historically benefited from such methods. The results are presented through four main themes that emerged from the analysis: what characterizes song and voice therapy, client groups, influences, and practical approaches, along with limitations and challenges. These are accompanied by sub-themes that delve deeper into aspects of the main themes. Finally, the discussion relates the findings to the background, examining their significance for the field of research and suggesting directions for future studies.