Trauma and the Voice - (National Association of Teachers of Singing Books) by Emily Jaworski Koriath (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

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.

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.

Koriath explains that the book is intended for "the widest possible readership." This may include obvious groups--like singers, singing teachers, and speech-language pathologists--but also psychologists and other mental health professionals who work with singers. She admits that trauma is not a new phenomenon, though it is currently having "a cultural moment." As this moment and current interest in the topic extends to voice pedagogy, Trauma and the Voice is both a pioneering and essential resource.

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.

About the Author

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.
Contributing authors are members of the Voice and Trauma Research and Connection Group: https: //www.voiceandtrauma.com/site.