What We're Reading
AVA Board members regularly provide an insight into industry-related articles, books, podcasts, or shows they are consuming, and what it means to their profession.
Ajhriahna Henshaw
President
Unmasking Autism by Dr Devon Price
This book explores the phenomenon of 'masking' which is the practice of hiding neurodivergent traits—usually in response to social pressure or underdiagnosis of ASD in certain communities—to appear neurotypical. I am reading this to inform my research and teaching practice.
Jessica Ruhle
AVA Secretary
The Lived Experience of Phonotrauma: Discussions on Identity and Stigma
Reference: Ruhle, J., Whelan, B.-M., & Rumbach, A. (2026). “I Go but I Don’t Participate”: AScoping Review With Thematic Synthesis of the Experiences of Voice Disorders inAdulthood. Journal of Voice. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvoice.2026.06.013
“I Go but I Don’t Participate”: A Scoping Review With Thematic Synthesis of the Experiences of Voice Disorders in Adulthood
The first publication of my doctoral research, this paper synthesises patient-reported experiences and impacts of voice disorders in adulthood. Thematic synthesis of six qualitative papers revealed five themes surrounding the impact of voice disorders on vocal symptoms, wellbeing, life participation, social stigma, and the way in which these adults have learned to adapt.
As a speech pathologist, recurring themes surrounding psychosocial wellbeing and life participation restriction highlight the need for development of counselling skills and knowledge of when and how to refer for additional support. Furthermore, this paper encourages me to seek more holistic approaches to voice assessment and treatment, acknowledging that the impacts of voice disorders often extend well beyond the larynx.
Dr Heather Fletcher
AVA Board Member
Music Listening as Self-Enhancement
Elvers, P., Fischinger, T., & Steffens, J. (2018). Music listening as self-enhancement: Effects of empowering music on momentary explicit and implicit self-esteem. Psychology of Music, 46(3), 307-325.
This article examines how music listening can influence explicit and implicit self-esteem, taking into consideration the expressive properties of music and individual responses to them.
I’m interested in this research as I find the concept of music-listening and social surrogacy fascinating. Identifying with lyrics, mood, and vocal timbre can be strong motivations to engage with songs, and song selection can facilitate positive (inspiration) and non-positive (rumination) outcomes. Why do we listen to music, what do we want from it, and how do we feel during/afterwards?
Find the article here:
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00002/full
The Singing Athlete
Byrne, A. (2020). The singing athlete: brain-based training for your voice. Andrew Byrne Studio Inc.
This book addresses vocal pedagogy specific to physical development, the nervous and vestibular systems, and neuroscience. It includes comprehensive exercises to aid in vocal development.
I had a lesson with Andrew when he came out to Australia in 2019 and I really enjoyed his techniques. His pedagogy brings vocal training to the “gym” through targeting the synchronicity of muscle groups, nerve functions, and neurology. I value his exercises and the content he presents in his book and online.
Learn more here: https://www.andrewmbyrne.com/
Matthew Dubery
Student Liaison Officer
Teaching Singing in the 21st Century
I have been reading selections from Scott Harrison’s book called ‘Teaching Singing in the 21st Century’. This book covers many topics in voice, spanning across singing genres (Classical and CCM), vocal health and the role of the medical team, approaches to style, and pedagogical practice.
I have found the writing style really accessible and one of my ‘go to’ repeat chapters is Kim Chandler’s ‘teaching popular music styles’ which has been helpful for me who had a more Classical upbringing. This is alongside topics in voice science such as the vocal health and Speech Pathology chapters, within my interest area.
This book has been a ‘go to’ for me when wanting to refresh or look at voice work through a different lens and useful to get a scope of the voice field. With the volume of knowledge available today, this compendium is quick way to gaining valuable insights across a range of topics in singing and voice.
Here is the reference for anyone interested in knowing more: Harrison, S. D., & O'Bryan, J. (2014). Teaching singing in the 21st century. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-8851-9