Singing Through Change 45 minute talk
The 75‑minute live presentation, delivered by Nancy Bos and co‑authors, educates singing teachers, voice professionals, and mid‑life female singers about how perimenopause, menopause and aging affect women’s voices. The talk blends warm‑up activities, personal anecdotes (Hope, the presenter, Shirley Verrett, Elaine, Mickie, Anna, Betty, Evelyn), scientific explanations of hormonal impacts, and practical pedagogical guidance. It emphasizes that while many women experience few or no vocal issues, a substantial minority encounter problems such as pitch insecurity, vocal‑fold dryness, reduced range, and hemorrhage, often compounded by stress, health conditions, and medication. The presenters urge participants to avoid a nocebo effect, to give grace to singers, to collaborate with medical professionals, and to adapt technique (accept change, don’t stop trying). Community resources—including the Singing Through Change book, website, and Facebook group—are highlighted for further learning and support. Interactive chat breaks invite participants to reflect on hormone effects, surprising insights, and actionable ideas, culminating in a Q&A.
Topics
Hormonal Physiology and Vocal Mechanisms
How declining estrogen and progesterone alter vocal‑fold hydration, tissue mass, respiratory support, and susceptibility to hemorrhage.
Hope’s Story – Unilateral Vocal‑Fold Paresis After Birth‑Control Cessation
A 66‑year‑old former teacher’s journey from severe gravelly speech to gradual recovery, highlighting medical diagnosis, lifestyle factors, and emotional grief.
Presenter’s Personal Narrative – Pitch Insecurity and Hormone‑Triggered Voice Collapse
Nancy Bos recounts her own perimenopausal pitch‑insecurity, sudden loss of volume in 2018, and recovery after hormone therapy.