When it comes to the rigorous demands placed on the human voice, particularly those of vocal performers, the importance of physical wellness cannot be overstated. Recognizing this critical intersection of health and artistry, Dr. Lindsay Ison, a seasoned physical therapist, and Dr. Angela Yoon, a vocal pedagogy expert, joined forces in the fall of 2022. Their collaboration, born at Belmont, seeks to redefine how vocal athletes care for their most precious instrument — their voice.
The Genesis of a Groundbreaking Partnership
The idea for this unique collaboration took root when Dr. Yoon became aware of similar initiatives aimed at helping pianists manage frequent injuries. Inspired, she reached out to Dr. Ison, a new colleague at Belmont, who brought a wealth of experience in treating performing artists. "I saw a tremendous opportunity to bring similar benefits to vocalists, who equally face risks of strain and injury," explained Yoon.
Their combined efforts quickly set the stage for an integrated approach to vocal training, focusing on the physical aspects that often go overlooked but are crucial for a singer's longevity and performance quality. "Joining hands with Dr. Yoon meant that we could directly address these often-ignored facets in a singer’s training regimen," Ison added.
Physical Therapy for the Vocal Athlete: A WELL Core Event
The duo's pioneering work culminated in "Physical Therapy for the Vocal Athlete", a WELL Core event with sessions held in October 2023 and April 2024.
"The turnout and feedback were incredible. With over 100 students attending, it clearly demonstrated the demand and necessity for such focused training," said Yoon.
The primary aim of these workshops was to go beyond theoretical learning by emphasizing practical, hands-on application.
"Our approach is designed to make every participant actively engage with and apply the concepts of body awareness, how it interacts with the efficiency of singing, and hands-on application while performers are singing or singing while accompanying themselves,” said Yoon.
Ison emphasizes the athletic aspects of singing, comparing vocal training to sports training, where understanding and preventing injuries is key to enhancing performance.
Looking Ahead: An Interdisciplinary Future
As their collaboration progresses, both Ison and Yoon are excited about the potential for even greater integration between the departments of physical therapy and vocal training at Belmont.
"We're exploring ways to involve physical therapy students more directly in these workshops, fostering an environment of collaborative learning that benefits both fields," Ison shared.
Yoon and Ison agree that the most rewarding aspect of their partnership is the immediate improvement in student performance.
"After the event, students sing with more freedom and expression, as they understand and know how to manage the physical aspects of their performance," Yoon said.
This collaboration not only highlights the critical role of physical wellness in vocal performance but also sets a precedent for how interdisciplinary approaches can revolutionize training methods, ensuring healthier, longer, and more successful careers for vocal athletes.