The Use of Music in the Speech Recovery and Confidence Rebuilding After Laryngectomy

Laryngectomy is the surgical removal of the voice box, a life changing operation mostly indicated by throat cancer. The post-operative anatomical changes affect voice, swallow, smell and taste. As a result up to 30% of the affected population suffer from anxiety, depression and/or social isolation.

We explore the use of singing, acting and beatboxing techniques in the speech recovery after laryngectomy. We showcase how laryngectomy choir activities including performances and writing poetry help to rebuild confidence and inform, even inspire, the laryngectomy, healthcare, science and broader communities.

We will discuss the rationale behind the introduction of music and writing poetry into the alaryngeal speech recovery, demonstrate audio-samples before and after the use of singing techniques and learn from feedback from audience and participants. The talk will include examples of poetry and performance by the laryngectomy choir. At the end of the lecture there will be room for Q&A.

The talk will be structured as follows:

1. introduction to laryngectomy and its post-operative anatomical changes.
2. The importance of respiratory function and breathing techniques.
3. How Singing techniques can improve the quality of the laryngectomy voice.
4. Music as a motivational tool in rehabilitation.
5. Beatboxing: every sound counts.
6. A choir: group activity on steroids.
7. The importance of multiplural co-creation.
8. The healing and educational effect of putting things to paper.
9. The power of performance.

🏷️ Price £30 (UK VAT inclusive)
🎥 Recording automatically sent to all who book (even if you cannot attend live)
▶️ Rewatch as many times as you like
📜 Certificate of attendance available