When a singer experiences vocal injury or significant vocal change, they often turn first to their voice teacher for help. Yet optimal recovery requires the expertise and coordination of multiple professionals working together once a diagnosis is made—each with a unique but complementary role. This interactive workshop brings that collaborative care model to life through real-time demonstration, highlighting how the voice teacher, speech-language pathologist (SLP), and clinical singing voice specialist can work as an integrated team to support both the singer’s voice and overall well-being.

This is not a lecture-based presentation. Instead, the majority of the 50-minute session will feature hands-on, case-based demonstration with one simulated case study and then one potential live volunteer singer study. Through guided interaction, the presenters will show how assessment, communication, and intervention unfold in a collaborative care relationship. Each professional will share their process—observing, diagnosing, or coaching the singer—while explaining how their perspectives interconnect to guide decision-making.

Attendees will witness/learn how to:

Identify and interpret signs of vocal strain or injury within the singing voice that warrant referral to professional.

Integrate therapy-informed techniques into pedagogical practice.

Communicate effectively and compassionately between clinician, teacher, and singer.

Establish safe, emotionally supportive environments that promote trust, motivation, and recovery.

Following the demonstrations, participants will engage in brief interactive reflection and discussion—applying what they’ve observed to their own teaching or clinical scenarios. Visuals will ideally be used for this workshop so having a screen for that purpose would be ideal. If not, we could consider the use of online files viewed from participants’ mobile phones. The presenters will summarize practical tools for interdisciplinary communication, boundary setting, and referral building to strengthen professional networks.

This workshop emphasizes that the most effective support for singers arises from shared expertise, empathy, and clear communication. It models collaboration not as an abstract ideal, but as a tangible, repeatable process any professional can adopt. By considering both the medical and personal aspects of recovery, attendees will gain tools to help singers rebuild function, confidence, and artistic identity through coordinated, compassionate care.