Integration of a Medical Voice Program in the Performing Community: Establishing an Extended Voice Team Network

Abstract

This article will summarize the process of establishing and growing relationships with professional voice users and vocal organizations in the community, including educational institutions, large- and small-scale performing arts organizations, professional associations, individual professional voice users and teachers, and others. We will present a review of the literature and recommendations regarding integration of a voice program into the professional voice community. This will include identification of appropriate organizations and individuals for the extended voice network, methods of outreach, cultivation of relationships, and difficulties encountered. The idea of multidisciplinary treatment of voice disorders through a voice team has been well-established in the literature. Although many voice teams are further integrating themselves into their local communities, there has been little written about this. We hope that by sharing our process, we may provide information to others and learn more ourselves about how to better serve our professional voice communities.