“Singing-it-Safe”: Using the Behavior Change (COM-B) Model to Understand Australian Conservatorium Singing Students’ Vocal Health Behaviors

Musicians are a high-risk population susceptible to various occupation-related health issues. Conservatorium singing students' risk of vocal injury increases as more time is spent practising and performing. Singers are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of social and recreational voice use. Conservatorium singing students have demonstrated little awareness on vocal health and well-being. Understanding the barriers to good vocal health will allow for targeted strategies to minimize the development and continuation of negative vocal health habits. The aim of this study is to investigate students' current vocal health behaviors. A qualitative design was used. Vocal teachers, voice students, and independent accredited practising speech pathologists who specialized in voice participated in iterative semi-structured interviews. Data were transcribed verbatim, analyzed thematically, and interpreted through the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behavior (COM-B) Model for Behavior Change. Students' limited knowledge in vocal anatomy and physiology hindered their engagement in vocal hygiene practices and articulate their concerns. This contributed to hesitation in seeking professional help and passive vocal health behaviors. Voice teachers were committed to student well-being but struggled to make vocal health concepts accessible in their teaching. Both voice teachers and students reported that more formal support is needed within conservatoria to aid students in accessing relevant health professionals. This study provided the foundation for a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to vocal health education from health professionals and vocal teachers. Results will inform the design of a vocal health education program for conservatorium singers to provide students with the skills to manage their vocal health.