While both can work with (re)habilitating the voice, there are some fundamental differences between singing-voice specialists (SVS) and speech-language therapists (SLT). An SLT is trained in a wide range of disorders, including swallowing, feeding, speech, and communication, and provides therapy for these. Although they have good training in voice, this training is often limited to basic vocal function for speech, and they may have little or no experience in working with the singing voice. In contrast, an SVS is highly trained in voice, particularly singing voice function. Their work focuses on fine-tuning the voice during or after a client has received diagnosis and care from an ENT or laryngologist.  

Not at all. Many clients Dr Baker sees are average voice users who also enjoy singing, whether in a choir, band, or just in the shower. If you feel that your singing voice has deteriorated or been affected by sickness or injury, you can see a singing-voice specialist for evaluation.

This is a common misconception! Growing evidence shows that genre does not predict voice injury but rather vocal demand, that is, how much and how hard someone uses their voice. So, if you sing or use your voice a lot and with very high demand (this could be loud and high voice production or even environmental factors such as competing noise or smoke), you might be at increased risk of injuring your voice. Even if you have perfect technique for your genre, the risk still increases with increased vocal demand. That is why working with a voice healthcare team who can monitor your vocal health and support you in maintaining healthy, effective, and efficient voice use is so important.

Yes! Even if you are not a singer, Dr Baker can work with you to improve your vocal function to increase vocal stamina, volume, resonance, flexibility, and efficiency.

While we do offer functional voice work sessions, these are not singing lessons per se. Our job is to get your voice back to a place where you feel confident using it and are ready to return to your regular voice teacher. If you are looking for a voice teacher, you may find some options on www.newzats.org.nz. After your initial consultations, Dr Baker will also discuss pathways for continued voice support with you.

In general, we expect that clients will first have an Initial Consultation. This is because we need the time to establish your voice history and concerns and examine the voice objectively (using specialist equipment). This will give Dr Baker a clearer picture of your voice and provide you with personalised recommendations.

No. Medical diagnoses of vocal injury or disorder are only made by medical professionals, such as an ENT or laryngologist. If during your sessions Dr Baker has reason to suspect there may be a vocal injury or disorder, he will refer you to a private practice for further medical investigation, should you wish. Alternatively, he can provide you with a letter to your GP describing his findings and will suggest next steps to ensure you receive the appropriate medical care.