Author(s)

Ilze VALCE, Baiba TRINĪTE, Olga BLAUZDE, Mirdza PAIPARE, Dina BARUTE,
Madara IVANE, Anete KRŪZA & Dina SLEŽE

Abstract

Voice ergonomics considers the load issues and identifies physical and emotional factors
that affect voice quality. Therefore, voice ergonomics can be studied in the aspect of a
physical load as well as in cognitive and organisational aspects.
This study aims to explore the choir conductors’ unique individual experience obtained in
their professional work with choirs within the context of voice ergonomics.
This study was qualitative research, where data were obtained by individual semistructured interviews. The research involved six well-known choir conductors with a long
professional experience conducting professional and non-professional choirs of different
ages and a broad pedagogical work experience in music. The method of thematic analysis
was employed for analysing interview outcomes.
Interview answers were structured and analysed in such thematic fields as use of voice and
a vocal load, vocal fatigue, body posture, knowledge and understanding about voice
ergonomics, organisation of rehearsal processes, and room environment. Conclusion: the
main factors affecting the quality of voice sounding were an increased vocal load, fatigue,
stress, body posture and air quality of rooms.
Keywords: voice ergonomics, choir conductors, vocal load, vocal fatigue, stress, physical
ergonomics, cognitive ergonomics, organisational ergonomics