Author(s)
Baiba TRINITE, Olga BLAUZDE, Mirdza PAIPARE, Ilze VALCE, Dina BARUTE, Madara IVANE, Dina SLEZE
Abstract
Conductors are professional voice users who need a good voice, and knowledge of voice
ergonomics may help prevent voice disorders.
The aim of the study was to investigate the knowledge of voice ergonomics and factors that
impact on the voice among choir and ensemble conductors.
An online survey was sent to Latvian choir and ensemble conductors. The survey was
operationalised through a Questionnaire of voice ergonomics risk factors, included
questions concerning the conductors’ working practice and vocal self-assessment scales. The
questionnaire was completed by 155 choir and ensemble conductors.
The data concerning general and vocal health, workload, noise, air quality, body and head
posture, vocal load, stress, and fatigue during and after rehearsals were obtained and
analysed.
The survey outcomes provided valuable information about factors of voice ergonomics
amongst choir and ensemble conductors and it highlighted ways for improving vocal health
in this group of professional voice users.
Keywords: voice ergonomics, conductors, vocal symptoms, working practice, online survey