Semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (SOVTEs) are widely-used tools in voice rehabilitation targeting vocal function through increasing vocal efficiency. Different SOVTEs are used depending on the amount of vocal tract inertance generated, an individual’s task performance, and generalizability (Awan, et al., 2019; Maxfield et al., 2015). Certain styles of vocal distortions share characteristics with SOVTEs, especially double-source vibration SOVTEs (DSV-SOVTEs), such as lip trills or water tube phonation. Specifically, vocal distortions may create increased tissue mobilization via turbulence that results in a massage-like sensation and progressive relaxation of the laryngeal musculature (Guzmán et al., 2021). Additionally, distortion techniques may entrain increased transglottal airflow, resulting in improvements to quality and decreased phonatory effort similar to DSV-SOVTEs (Aaen et al., 2021; Güths et al., 2021; Guzmán et al., 2019; Hijleh and Pinto, 2021; Inoue et al., 2024). Vocal distortion techniques that posture the vocal tract similarly to SOVTEs and DSV-SOVTEs can provide a novel method for improving vocal output for both singers and speakers in rehabilitation settings.

The aim of this interactive workshop is to introduce and teach a selection of distortion techniques that can be used in both habilitative and rehabilitative settings to target vocal efficiency. We will briefly discuss the scientific bases and research supporting the use of vocal distortion. Then participants will be guided in step by step production of six distinct distortion techniques, with opportunities to practice. Pedagogical methodologies for each will be discussed and demonstrated with live volunteers. Participants will then divide into smaller breakout groups with case studies, and have the opportunity to apply various distortion techniques as facilitative tools on each individual case. Participants will also have the opportunity to role play as clinician/patient to demo teaching the techniques as part of case studies.