Episode 11 - The Art & Science of Caring for A Performer's Voice with Prof. Kittie Verdolini Abbott

Welcome to the second episode of our special series, The Artistic Voice! This is a sub-series of the UEP Voice Box exploring the care, challenges, and science behind the professional voice.

 

Today, we are joined by Professor Kittie Verdolini-Abbott, a world leader in voice science, vocal pedagogy, and a distinguished clinician-scientist. Drawing on her unique journey from professional singer to pioneering researcher, Professor Verdolini-Abbott offers a rare integration of artistry, physiology, and behavioural science.

 

The conversation explores how performers can safely approach vocal extremes, explaining why pushing pitch, loudness, or intensity places the voice at biomechanical boundaries—and how technique, training, and restraint are essential for vocal longevity.

 

She also challenges traditional ideas around voice rest, sharing compelling research showing how specific vocal exercises, particularly gentle high-pitch and resonant activation, can actively reduce inflammation and support vocal fold healing.

 

Moving beyond acute injury, the episode examines chronic vocal conditions.

She asks questions such as, how might behavioural voice therapy help prevent further damage while supporting healthier tissue remodelling over time?

 

This discussion challenges us to rethink vocal training through the lens of motor learning!

 

We hope you enjoy this episode of the UEP Voicebox, essential listening for performers, voice teachers, speech and language therapists, and clinicians interested in sustainable voice use grounded in the latest scientific research.