This dynamic full day seminar brings together a team of speech pathologists to discuss diagnosis and treatment of voice problems among Indian Classical singers and music teachers. The objective of this workshop is to present comprehensive information in understanding and treating voice issues among singers-Indian Classical musicians (Carnatic and Hindustani) as well as non- classical singers, based on advances in emergent and successful clinical practices. The morning session will consist of a focused lecture format devoted to complete description of the science behind voice production, mechanics of voice production, voice care/hygienic voice therapy. The afternoon session will focus Video and discussion about the functions of larynx and gaining knowledge about voice disorders among singers using stroboscopic video images. The highlight of the day will include demonstration as well as learning of breathing and vocal function exercises for singers. The workshop structure is predominantly interactive and participants are encouraged to ask questions pertaining to voice care and seek answers from the experts. The workshop aims at bringing awareness about voice care among singers and music teachers while emphasizing the role of speech pathologists in provision of voice care and management of voice disorders.

THIS COURSE TARGETS PROFESSIONAL INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSICIANS (CARNATIC AND HINDUSTANISTYLES, LIGHT MUSIC SINGERS, MUSICIANS WITH INTERMEDIATE TRAINING. THIS COURSE IS NOT FOR BEGINNERS AND THOSE UNDER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS. THOSE SEEKING INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATIONS SHOULD CALL IN ADVANCE TO OBTAIN APPOINTMENT FOR THE FOLLOWING DAY.

Professional and Amateur Singers often manage their voice problems with limited success. A team of speech pathologists will discuss mechanics of voice production and management of voice issues among singers based on their experience across the age spectrum. Attending this workshop will enable music professionals to impart essentials of voice care to their students as well as provide ever lasting musical entertainment with their enriched voice.

Dr.Prakash Boominathan is a well known speech pathologist among the community of Indian classical singers in India working with them to improve their voice care and manage their vocal cords. He was instrumental in the establishment and development of clinical, academic and research activities at Sri.Ramachandra University, Chennai, from where he obtained his Ph.D. in 2008. Dr.Boominathan's clinical focus and research is in fluency and voice with an emphasis on vocal care for professional singers and public speakers. Dr.Boominathan has over 51 presentations to his credit, 7 international publications, and 25 national publications to his credit. During 2005- 06, he visited the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, and other voice centers in the United States using the prestigious Fulbright Research Fellowship. In 2004 as well as in 2009, he received the Manohar Memorial Young Scientist award and Abrol's best paper in Voice award from the Indian Speech and Hearing Association and numerous other awards at various national conferences. During his visit here, he is also presenting papers such as Effect of Breathing and Vocal Function Exercises (Adapted)in the Practice Regimen of Trained Carnatic (South Indian Classical) Singers- A Pilot Investigation ; Gastro esophageal Reflux Disorder-Lifestyle, Symptomatology & Voice Profile: Findings from India; Voice Characteristics in Indian Adult Males after Vocal Loading Task.

Dr.Shailashree Nanjundiah is the founder and Director of Audiopedics, LLC, an outpatient clinic offering speech and hearing services. Board certified with dual certifications in Speech and Hearing she has over fifteen years of experience working as a Manager at Warren Hospital in Phillipsburg, NJ and as the Director of Hearing Aid Services at Columbia Street Acquisitions Company, Norwalk, CT. She specializes in hearing evaluation and fitting hearing aids, Central Auditory Processing Disorders, Swallowing, Voice Disorders, Language and Neurological based disorders. Her experience also includes use of instrumentation for treatment of voice and swallowing disorders.

Ms.Akila Rajappa currently works as a Speech Pathologist at Genesis Healthcare Inc. and is an alumnus of Sri Ramachandra University. She has Masters in Speech Language Pathology. Akila Rajappa specializes in management of Voice, Swallowing and Cognitive disorders among adults and geriatric population. She taught undergraduate students in speech and hearing and medical students at Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute. Mrs.Rajappa has more than 13 years of experience in the field of speech and hearing with specialties such as Neuro-Audiology, Voice disorders, Aphasia, Childhood language disorders, Electrical Stimulation for Swallowing disorders and in provision of Lee Silverman Voice treatment for people with Parkinson's disease.