Voice habits and behaviors: voice care among flamenco singers

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the vocal behavior of flamenco singers, as compared to classical music singers, in order to establish a differential vocal profile of voice habits and behaviors in flamenco music. Method: Bibliographic review and administration of Singer's Vocal Habits Questionnaire (Q-SinVocHab), an experimental tool designed by the authors to gather data regarding hygiene behavior, drinking and smoking habits, type of practice, voice care and symptomatology perceived in both the singing and the speaking voice. Ninety-four singers, divided into two groups, were interviewed: Flamenco Experimental Group (FEG, n=48) and Classical Control Group (CCG, n=46). Frequency analysis, a Likert scale and discriminant and exploratory factor analysis were used to obtain a differential profile for each group. Results: FEG scored higher than CCG in speaking voice symptomatology. FEG scored significantly higher than CCG in use of “inadequate vocal technique" when singing. Regarding voice habits, FEG scored higher in “lack of practice and warm-up” and “environmental habits”. A total of 92.6% of the subjects classified themselves correctly in each group. Conclusions: Q-SinVocHab has proven effective in differentiating flamenco and classical singers. Flamenco singers are exposed to numerous vocal risk factors that make them more prone to vocal fatigue, mucosa dehydration, phonotrauma and muscle stiffness than classical singers. Further research is needed in voice training in flamenco music, as a means to strengthen the voice and enable it to meet the requirements of this musical genre.