Synthesizing the Literature on Stress Velopharyngeal Insufficiency in Musicians: Recommendations for Music Educators

Abstract

Many musicians experience performance-related health problems (PRHPs), most of which are preventable. Music educators play a primary role in the prevention of PRHPs in the music classroom. Stress velopharyngeal insufficiency (SVPI) in wind musicians is a condition affecting soft palate closure, causing air to escape through the nose while blowing through the mouth into the instrument. Although SVPI is serious and potentially career ending for wind instrumentalists, there are limited resources for music educators on SVPI prevalence, causes, management, and prevention. Therefore, this synthesis of existing literature on SVPI in musicians provides music educators with awareness and understanding of SVPI. Information on SVPI symptoms, treatment pathways, prevention, and recommendations for practical solutions to manage SVPI in the music studio are given. A comprehensive understanding of terminology, symptoms, prevalence, and solutions may equip music educators to intervene more effectively in identifying SVPI in their classroom or studio.