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: 

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