Singing teachers are increasingly aware of the chronic, dynamic and invisible health conditions postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (hEDS), and hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD). Symptomatic hypermobility and hEDS affects joints and connective tissues including the vocal folds, vocal tract, laryngeal structures, and the respiratory subsystem. Although hypermobility may offer singers some advantages, including increased range and flexibility, voice disorders occur more frequently with these conditions, so related awareness is important for singers and teachers. POTS is a multi-symptomatic dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system. Voice, breath, and cognitive function may be negatively influenced, making performance and practice more challenging. HSD, hEDS and POTS are often overlapping diagnoses.

Following a brief overview of these conditions and their effect on singers, this workshop will feature breath, movement, and vocal exercises, blending the presenters’ collective expertise in voice pedagogy, biomechanics, and manual therapy to build increased proprioception, stability, and stamina.

Our motivation for understanding these chronic conditions grew out of the desire to “do no harm” in the voice studio and to enable voice health, appropriate function, and sustainability. Curation of this information is ongoing, based on current medical research, learning from medical professionals and bodyworkers who have developed expertise with this population as well as talking with singers and practitioners who navigate these syndromes. Singing teachers may not diagnose any medical condition, including hypermobility or POTS, however, leading questions and suggestions for further investigation are not out of our scope of practice. We are in a position to see and hear vocal and other characteristics that medical practitioners may not.

Workshop attendees will gain:
– A basic understanding of Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), hypermobile-type Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), their comorbidities and common symptoms.
– Information about how these conditions affect singers in both practice and performance settings, including recommendations for choral conductors and stage directors.
– Breath work and movement exercises for increased proprioception and stability.
– Sample vocal exercises, recommendations and considerations for repertoire selection.
– An understanding of referral options and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach.
– Resources for future information and deeper understanding.