Join the IHS&VR for three sessions presented by Jamea Sale, PhD, and Niccole Williams, MME.

Voice Care in the Classroom Teachers face a high risk of voice difficulties, especially those in vocally demanding fields such as music, debate, acting, and coaching. This interactive session examines how the vocal mechanism works, outlines essential principles of daily voice care, and offers strategies for managing illness or vocal strain. Participants will gain practical techniques to support both their own vocal health and that of their students, discover simple tips for preserving the voice in busy classroom settings, and learn when it is time to seek medical attention.

But What About Jan? – What Every Teacher Needs to Know About the Female Adolescent Voice Change Remember Peter Brady’s cracking notes? Pop culture has long highlighted the boys’ changing voices. Yet the equally real and often misunderstood female adolescent voice change rarely receives the same attention. This session uncovers the anatomical, physiological, and acoustical shifts unique to female singers while amplifying their lived experiences. Participants will gain practical tools to recognize normal developmental changes, support healthy vocal use, and nurture confidence in young singers navigating this pivotal stage.

Voice Across the Lifespan Our voices are living instruments, constantly shaped by growth, development, and aging. This session traces the journey of the human voice from infancy through adolescence to the later years, highlighting the periods of most rapid change and the factors that influence vocal health along the way. Participants will explore the anatomical and physiological milestones that shape vocal sound, learn about common challenges at each stage, and gain strategies to foster healthy, confident singing across a lifetime.