In the present era, statistics for emotional trauma are astonishing: over half of American seventeen-year-olds have experienced or witnessed it firsthand, and the next person you meet is more likely to carry nervous system trauma than to be left-handed. This carries over into the applied music studio where the world of emotions and feelings undoubtedly play a crucial role.
An indispensable resource for the modern voice teacher, Trauma and the Voice: A Guide for Singers, Teachers, and Other Practitioners explores the body’s response to trauma and practical ways that singing teachers can adapt the principles of trauma-informed care while maintaining ethical boundaries. Emily Jaworski Koriath gathers perspectives and research from across the fields of psychology, speech pathology, and vocal music education, andcontributors investigate a myriad of concepts including the physiology of trauma, the impact of trauma on learning, polyvagal theory, human attachment theory, and other relevant psychological concepts. The book provides not only the scientific underpinnings but also numerous tools and practical applications for daily studio interactions.
Emily Jaworski Koriath is assistant professor of music at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she focuses on undergraduate voice lessons. In her private practice, she combines her training in Somatic Experiencing with body awareness and functional pedagogy to help artists find more joy and creativity in their work and in their lives. She was a member of the NATS Intern Program in 2018, under the mentorship of Matt Edwards.
Chapter One: Fundamentals of Trauma by Emily Jaworski Koriath
Chapter Two: The Polyvagal Theory by Heleen Grooten
Chapter Three: Attachment Theory and Developmental Trauma by Emily Jaworski Koriath
Chapter Four: Current Research by Elisa Monti
PART TWO: THE ROLE OF THE VOICE PRACTITIONER
Chapter Five: Singing in Co-Harmony: An Introduction to Trauma-Informed Voice Care by
Chapter Six: Ethical Scope of Practice by Emily Jaworski Koriath
Chapter Seven: When Music Makes the Wound by Emily Jaworski Koriath
PART THREE: A NEW WAY FORWARD
Chapter Eight: Finding Stable Ground by Emily Jaworski Koriath
Chapter Nine: Studio Adaptations by Emily Jaworski Koriath and Lauren A. Cook
Part Two: Our Bodies, Our Voices: Body Diversity as an Element of Inclusivity
Chapter Ten: Vocal Dignity by Megan Durham and Emma Lynn Abrams
Conclusion: Trauma Awareness as a Social Justice Practice by Emily Jaworski Koriath
Emily Jaworski Koriath pulls back the curtain on voice studio dynamics and offers creative solutions. This thoughtful book is essential reading for both singers and voice teachers. — Lynn Eustis, author of The Singer’s Ego: Finding Balance Between Music and Life
This is a useful guide on how trauma and loss lead to immediate and long-lasting influences on mind and body, across the lifespan and even generations. A deliberate and sustained focus on voice qualities, as this book details, concurs with developmental science, and deepens our understanding of the effects of loss and trauma on human life. — Howard Steele, Founding President of Society for Emotion and Attachment Studies (SEAS)
As society’s awareness of mental health care has grown, there has been an increasing recognition of the profound impact that prior experiences can have on learners of all levels. Emily Jaworski Koriath has compiled a plethora of resources for voice practitioners to strengthen their understanding of trauma and its impact on singers. This book will help teachers of all levels evaluate their practices and seek ways to create a more supportive environment for all their students. — Matthew Edwards, associate professor of voice and theatre, Shenandoah University
