Trauma and the Voice

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.

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.

Introduction Preface PART ONE: SCIENTIFIC FOUNDATIONS Chapter One: Fundamentals of Trauma by Emily Jaworski Koriath Chapter Two: The Polyvagal Theory by Heleen Grooten Chapter Three: Attachment Theory and Developmental Trauma by Emily Jaworski Koriath Chapter Four: Current Research by Elisa Monti PART TWO: THE ROLE OF THE VOICE PRACTITIONER Chapter Five: Singing in Co-Harmony: An Introduction to Trauma-Informed Voice Care by Chapter Six: Ethical Scope of Practice by Emily Jaworski Koriath Chapter Seven: When Music Makes the Wound by Emily Jaworski Koriath PART THREE: A NEW WAY FORWARD Chapter Eight: Finding Stable Ground by Emily Jaworski Koriath Chapter Nine: Studio Adaptations by Emily Jaworski Koriath and Lauren A. Cook Part Two: Our Bodies, Our Voices: Body Diversity as an Element of Inclusivity Chapter Ten: Vocal Dignity by Megan Durham and Emma Lynn Abrams Conclusion: Trauma Awareness as a Social Justice Practice by Emily Jaworski Koriath