176 | How to Maintain Vocal Health As A Music Teacher with Dr. Jennifer Whitehead

Send us Fan Mail As music teachers, we use our voices constantly —but are we taking care of them the way we should? In this episode of That Music Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Whitehead, a vocal health expert and professor at Ohio Wesleyan University, to talk about how teachers can protect their voices, avoid vocal fatigue, and develop habits that support long-term vocal wellness. We discuss everything from warmups and cool-downs to the hidden impact of stress and classroom acoustics. Plus, Dr. Whitehead shares practical tips for navigating high vocal loads, managing vocal strain when you’re sick, and knowing when it’s time to seek professional help. Whether you’re a trained vocalist or an instrumentalist who “fell into” teaching general music, this episode is packed with insights to help you keep your most important teaching tool—your voice—strong and healthy for years to come. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:23 Why Vocal Health Matters for Teachers 9:24 Understanding Vocal Fatigue and Strain 14:45 Daily Habits for a Healthier Voice 20:58 Hydration, Diet, and Your Voice 25:46 What to Do When You’re Sick 28:09 The Role of Stress in Vocal Health 38:58 When to Seek Professional Help 44:42 Final Tips for Protecting Your Voice 49:46 Takeaways Links and Resources: Elementary Newbie Guide Disabilities Guide Steady Beat Survival Guide Join That Music Teacher Community Alvoxcon Wireless Lapel Microphone *Note: The link for the microphone is an affiliate link Grab your free ticket to the Elementary Music Summit®: January Refresh -> www.thatmusicteacher.com/summit Have questions or want to share feedback? Reach out to us at hello@thatmusicteacher.com - we’d love to hear from you!

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