Health and wellbeing column: protecting children's voices

Never before have so many wonderful musical theatre performances been so readily accessible to such diverse audiences. Barely a day goes by when a singing teacher isn't presented with a song from Wicked, Six, Dear Evan Hansen or similar by their young students keen to explore these modern classics. Television shows such as The Voice and Britain's Got Talent inspire children to mimic celebrity singers. It can be a delicate balance for teachers to navigate the line between encouragement and children doing too much, too soon.

Vocal health is especially important when working with children in the realms of musical theatre and Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM). Children's voices are still developing, which means that their vocal technique and overall vocal health need extra attention to ensure they sing safely. A child's larynx, like the rest of their body when compared to adults, is smaller and more delicate. Their lungs and breathing muscles are not as strong nor as coordinated as they will become with age. These factors, not to mention consideration of the appropriateness of some of the characterisation and narrative in these songs, suggest that singing contemporary music with children may need some careful thought.