Voice Management and the Older Singer

Abstract

This chapter explores the vocal ecology of older singers, focusing on three categories of singers: the professional and/or successful soloist who is approaching the end of a singing career; the amateur chorister; and the community singing group participant. It provides an overview of the physical impacts of vocal aging, and addresses also how personality traits can affect a person’s attitude toward aging and his or her ability to manage the effects of vocal aging. Being—or becoming—a singer in this phase of life offers a range of cognitive insights and challenges to the singer and the singing teacher. Through case studies of five singers, and data from a community choir averaging 85 years ol..