Respiratory Aging and Its Effects on the Voice: Mechanisms and Training Approaches
Tuesday 17th December 2024, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
As the larynx undergoes physiological changes with aging, vocal performance is often affected. Older adults may for example notice shifts in the quality of their voice or experience increased effort when speaking or singing. Additionally, age-related or disease-related changes in the lower respiratory system can reduce the amount of airflow and pressure needed for voicing, further compounding the vocal challenges faced by older speakers and singers.
With aging, some individuals may therefore benefit from approaches directly targeting the respiratory system – as a complement to more traditional vocal exercises – to enhance their voice quality and voice-related quality of life. In order to identify the most effective respiratory approaches, it is important to first understand how respiratory function impacts voice production in aging, and the mechanisms of action through which targeted respiratory exercises may improve voicing.
During this course, we will (1) describe the principal respiratory changes occurring with aging and their effects on voice production; (2) explain the different mechanisms by which some respiratory exercises may impact voice outcomes, with an emphasis on those that are particularly relevant in aging; and (3) provide a concrete example of a respiratory exercise that can be used to improve respiratory and voice outcomes, inspiratory muscle strength training.
By the end of this course, you will have a deeper understanding of the intricate interactions between the respiratory system and the larynx, and how these interactions can be enhanced to help mitigate some of the effects of aging on the voice.
🏷️ Price £30 (UK VAT inclusive)
🎥 Recording automatically sent to all who book (even if you cannot attend live)
▶️ Rewatch as many times as you like
📜 Certificate of attendance available
Maude Desjardins
Maude Desjardins is an assistant professor at University Laval and researcher at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Rehabilitation and Social Inclusion (Quebec, Canada).
Attend this course for as little as £22 as part of the Voice Professional Training CPD Award Scheme.
Learn MoreSorry, this is an archived short course...
We have plenty of upcoming short courses coming soon. See details of some of them below or look at the full list of short courses.
Monday 27th April 2026
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Tuesday 28th April 2026
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Wednesday 29th April 2026
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Thursday 30th April 2026
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
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Understanding emotions is crucial for coaching performers towards more authentic and compelling performances. However, working with emotions can be challenging, both physiologically and mentally. This course will introduce you to theories of emotion and the connections between the brain, body, and voice. We will then discuss how to work effectively with emotions when coaching speakers or singers, considering the physical and mental demands.
Monday 27th April 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 28th April 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 29th April 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 30th April 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Friday 1st May 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 5th May 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
(London Time)
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This six-day course is designed to provide an introduction to the neuroscience of vocalization. It aims to provide a foundation for those who are looking to fuse science with art and understand that the voice is so much more than an instrument.
Tuesday 28th April 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
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Dana Lentini
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