Singing and Performing Voice Services
for Singers, Actors, and Other Vocal Performers
For More InformationDuke voice specialists provide the highest level of expert care to all vocal performers, from elite professionals to those who sing simply for enjoyment.
Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you.
Specialized Care for Singers at All Levels
Singers, actors, and other vocal performers are at increased risk for developing a vocal cord (or vocal fold) injury or vocal disorder, including vocal nodules and muscle tension dysphonia. Common voice problems that can occur with aging, surgery, or certain medical conditions can also affect your singing voice (for example, vocal cord atrophy, paralysis, and tremor).
We understand that your voice is an essential part of your identity, your creative expression, and your livelihood. Our advanced training and experience ensure we have the knowledge and expertise to help you achieve the best possible recovery of your voice.

We'll work with you to arrange a voice evaluation and expert voice care -- quickly, compassionately, and with discretion. Call 919-681-4984.
Tests
A thorough singing voice evaluation assesses your pitch/vocal range, loudness range, vocal stamina, breath support, resonance, and register transitions. Our singing voice specialists will identify any muscle tension that may be contributing to your voice problem and evaluate your vocal technique relative to your singing style. We also identify strategies to optimize your vocal hygiene and vocal pacing. If needed, we will advocate for your vocal health with directors, producers, tour managers, and other artistic personnel.
Videolaryngostroboscopy
This detailed visual exam helps us evaluate how your vocal cords vibrate while you make sounds. A tiny camera attached to a small tube called an endoscope is inserted through your nose and into your throat. This allows us to see your vocal cords and larynx (voice box). A flashing strobe light simulates slow motion video images of your vocal cords. The exam takes about a minute; your nose may be sprayed with topical anesthetic for your comfort. The exam allows your team to look for lesions, stiffness, paralysis, irregular movements, throat strain, or incomplete closure of the vocal cords. Videolaryngostroboscopy is essential to reach an accurate diagnosis and determine the best treatment for your voice.
Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why we are once again recognized as the best hospital in North Carolina, and nationally ranked in 11 adult and 9 pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report for 2020–2021.
Why Choose Duke
A Team of Experts
Your team includes laryngologists -- ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physicians who have advanced training in voice disorders. It also includes clinical singing voice specialists -- speech pathologists with additional training in vocal performance and singing instruction. Because our clinical singing voice specialists are also professional singers and voice teachers, we bring a performer's perspective to evaluating and improving your singing voice.
Personalized Approach to a Performer's Needs
Our clinical singing voice specialists will assess the role of vocal load in your vocal injury and provide therapy for the specific needs of your performing voice. We can also advocate for you regarding planned performances and help you with vocal pacing and scheduling decisions. If your condition calls for surgery, we'll collaborate with your surgeon on steps to protect your singing voice before, during, and after surgery.

Coordinated Care
If you have other medical conditions that may contribute to changes in your singing voice -- such as allergies, asthma, or acid reflux -- we will work with your other providers throughout Duke Health to ensure you receive the best care from an integrated team.
Ongoing Research to Advance Voice Care
Our research into the performing voice ensures you receive the most advanced care for your vocal disorder.