Abstract
This study examined the effects of vocal hygiene and behavior modification instruction on self-reported behaviors of music teachers. Subjects (N = 76) reported daily behaviors for eight weeks: water consumption, warm-up, talking over music/noise, vocal rest, non-verbal commands, and vocal problems. Subjects were in experimental group 1 or 2, or the control group. Both experimental groups received vocal hygiene instruction. Experimental group 2 also received behavior modification information designed to help teachers individually identify and correct their vocal problems. Results showed experimental group 2 significantly increased vocal rest and significantly decreased reports of vocal problems in the weeks closest to treatment. Although differences provide limited information, the indications stress the importance of behavior modification’s inclusion in vocal hygiene programs. Individual variance implies some subjects have difficulty managing vocal hygiene routines. Additional study of effects of multiple, varied treatment sessions may clarify the impact of treatments over extended periods of time.