Barriers to Voice Therapy: A Report From Beginners, Performers, and Teachers of Carnatic Music

Aim: The study aimed to understand awareness, perceptions, and barriers to voice therapy among beginners, performers, and teachers of Carnatic music.

Method: Barriers from the literature were obtained, and the guide for the semistructured interview was developed. Twelve Carnatic singers (four each identified as beginners, performers, and teachers) were contacted and interviewed on an online platform. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcriptions were loaded and coded in the Qualitative Data Analysis Miner Lite software. The codes were grouped according to beginners, performers, and teachers. The codes were analyzed using a deductive-inductive approach, and thematic analysis was performed to report the findings.

Results and discussion: Overall, three themes emerged during thematic analysis. Beginners were familiar with the signs and symptoms of voice problems related to singing. The performers and teachers were able to identify causes related to posture and lifestyle that impacted singing. The need for seeking help differed with expertise and personal experience. Beginners believed in home remedies as their first choice and considered them sufficient to resolve voice problems. Performers and teachers believed in modifying singing techniques as a remedy to voice problems and considered medical intervention only as a second option. Mixed perceptions about the outcomes of voice therapy and the anticipation of quick results from voice therapy/therapists were major deterrents to seeking professional voice care. Beginners' views on perceptions of medical intervention for voice problems were strongly influenced by their singing teachers. Beginners also expressed limited access to voice therapy due to several logistical reasons and financial constraints as barriers to attending therapy. Performers and teachers sought medical help as a final resort since the presence of voice problems affected their livelihoods and careers.

Conclusion: This qualitative study highlights socioculturally relevant information deeply rooted in the belief systems of Carnatic musicians. These opinions from beginners, performers, and teachers are important to be addressed during counseling and awareness sessions to support vocal health in this sophisticated but vulnerable professional voice group.