Objectives: Although the vast majority of professional singers rely upon electronic amplification while singing, insufficient research has been conducted on how amplification impacts singers and the way they use their voices. There is little data regarding the impact of amplification on vocal health, stamina in performance, and emotional and psychological well-being.

This preliminary feasibility study seeks to determine: (1) whether or not singers have problems related to amplification of their voices, (2) if singers have experienced any vocal health problems as a result of problems with amplification, (3) whether singers are satisfied with their experiences with amplification overall, (4) whether singers can adequately hear their own voices through stage and in-ear monitors, and (5) the impact of problems with sound on singers’ vocal function.

Methods: An online survey via the Qualtrics platform is being used to collect data from singers 18 and older who use amplification while performing. This survey will remain active on Qualtrics for several months and the statistics gathered will be evaluated in early 2025.

Results: Viability checks with 19 participants suggest singers may have problems with amplification while singing: a) 84% felt the need to adjust their singing, b) 79% reported feeling vocally fatigued, c) 84% reported the need to push vocally, and d) 47% were only moderately able to use language audio engineers understood. Full results will be available for presentation at the 2025 Voice Foundation Symposium.

Conclusions: This preliminary survey sets the stage for future research that may increase overall awareness of the importance of this topic as a vocal and mental health issue. This research also highlights that more training regarding amplification may be a valuable addition to the education of contemporary singers. Audio engineers may also benefit from additional education on the unique challenges singers encounter, particularly concerning issues singers face when they cannot hear their own voices clearly while performing.

NOTE: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Southern California. The study has been evaluated for bias by Dr. Edward Graceley of Drexel University and Dr. Rachel Cesar of USC.