What You’ll Learn
Voice teachers are often on the front lines of helping singers navigate the intense vocal demands of training, rehearsals, and performance. Yet many teachers are given little formal guidance on how to interpret the signs of vocal fatigue, identify early red flags, and support their singers in preventing injury. Vocal fold swelling is one of the most common challenges singers face, and it can appear in many forms—acute or chronic, focal or global—often related to heavy voice use, illness, or other medical factors.
This workshop equips voice teachers with tools to help their singers recognize the difference between muscular fatigue and mucosal (fold tissue) fatigue, monitor baseline vocal function, and interpret common warning signals in both body and voice. We’ll explore the basics of swelling—how it develops, what healing involves, and how to balance rest and exercise to support recovery. By understanding these processes, teachers can empower their singers to self-monitor, make healthy decisions about voice use, and stay resilient in the face of demanding vocal schedules.
About Lori
Lori Sonnenberg is a highly specialized Voice SLP and Singing Voice Specialist with over 25 years’ experience in the Singing and Speech Pathology fields having worked exclusively with voice, singing and upper airway disorders. In the last decade her work has become uniquely sub-specialized helping singers resolve issues around MTD type diagnoses, vocal pathologies, post-op recovery, and complex singing voice issues. Lori began her career in a busy full-time laryngology clinic and is now the owner of her private practice providing comprehensive voice care in Chicago. She is passionate about giving her clients the tools they need to get results that last and equipping them with a skill set for long-term success. She is a certified member of the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) holding the Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC-SLP) and is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS).
Please note: All times are in Pacific Time (PT)