EASE-NL: Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Dutch Version of the Evaluation of Ability to Sing Easily

Vocal Fatigue Experiences and Mitigation Strategies in the Sacred Harp Singing Community

OBJECTIVES

Sacred Harp singers sing at a high volume for sustained periods of time without collective warm-up or cool-down exercises, ostensibly putting them at elevated risk for vocal fatigue (VF) and associated vocal pathologies. Participants are also likely to lack formal vocal training. The purpose of this study was to (1) assess singers' experiences with VF, (2) document singers' strategies for mitigating VF, and (3) determine whether vocal training was associated with decreased vocal difficulties.

STUDY DESIGN

Self-reporting via online questionnaire containing quantitative and qualitative items.

METHODS

This study employed an online questionnaire that combined demographic items, open-ended questions, and the Evaluation of the Ability to Sing Easily (EASE). Participants were recruited at one in-person event and via social media and a mailing list.

RESULTS

This study returned 134 valid responses. Singers with formal choral experience scored lower on the EASE and two subscales, but length of experience had no impact. There were no correlations between vocal training and EASE scores. Women scored higher on the EASE than men and nonbinary individuals, while age, length of experience with Sacred Harp singing, and frequency of attendance at annual singing events were all negatively correlated with EASE score. Singers reported a wide range of mitigation strategies, most of which are unique to the Sacred Harp context.

CONCLUSIONS

Sacred Harp singers do not appear to struggle more with VF than other populations of singers. However, a few characteristics of their practice put them at risk, and many singers would benefit from professional guidance concerning vocal health.