Thinking Outside the Voice Box

<p>The changing adolescent voice counts among the most awkward of topics voice teachers and choir directors face. Adolescent voice students already find themselves at a volatile developmental time in their lives and the stresses and possible embarrassments of unpredictable vocal capabilities make participation in voice-based music an especially fraught event. In this practical teaching guide author Bridget Sweet encourages a holistic approach to female and male adolescent voice change. Sweet's approach takes full consideration of the body brain and auditory system; vocal anatomy and physiology in general as well as during male and female voice change; and the impact of hormones on the adolescent voice especially for female singers. Beyond the physical it also addresses the emotional and psychological components: ideas of resolve and perseverance that are essential to adolescent navigation of voice change; and exploration of portrayals and stereotypes in pop culture that influence how people anticipate voice change experiences for teens and 'tweens from <em>The Brady Bunch</em> to <em>The Wonder Years </em>to <em>The Simpsons</em>. As a whole <em>Teaching Outside the Voice Box</em> encourages music educators to more effectively and compassionately assist students through this developmental experience.</p>