The Art and Science of the Performing Voice Conference
April 25-26, 2025
Seattle, Washington (in-person only)
Extra-early bird registration open now until January 15th
Early bird registration open now until March 15th
Reflux Gourmet is a Platinum Sponsor of ASPV 2025
Join us for an exciting weekend of in-depth exploration of the art and science of the performing voice at the Northwest Voice Conference!
This dynamic event held on the University of Washington campus in Seattle, WA, brings together voice professionals, singers, teachers, researchers, laryngologists, speech-language pathologists, and anyone interested in the voice to dive into the latest developments in voice science, vocal pedagogy & performance, and the assessment and treatment of voice disorders.
With a focus on bridging artistic practice with scientific understanding, this conference offers a unique opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills. Through engaging presentations, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops, you’ll learn from leading experts about topics such as vocal health, technique, pedagogy, voice rehabilitation, and innovative research on the performing voice.
Conference Highlights
Expert presentations on the science of vocal health and performance
Sessions on voice disorders and rehabilitation
Masterclasses and workshops on vocal technique across various styles
Cutting-edge research on the performing voice
Networking opportunities with voice professionals from around the nation and region
Learning Outcomes
As a result of this activity the participant will be able to:
1. Identify and describe the scientific, physiologic, clinical and pedagogical perspectives associated with the training, assessment, and treatment of the performing voice.
2. List the common characteristics and symptoms of the injured performer.
3. Summarize the medical/surgical versus behavioral treatment of voice disorders in performers.
4. Identify the characteristics of safe and efficient voice use by, and the appropriate voice training of performers.
5. Describe the appropriate professionals involved in working with the injured performing voice and each professional’s responsibilities.
Whether you’re a singer, teacher, choral director, actor, speech-language pathologist, MD, researcher, or anyone interested in the voice, this conference is designed to provide valuable insights and practical tools for improving vocal performance and care. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other voice professionals and deepen your understanding of the performing voice.
Please note: no partial CEUs are provided for this conference.
This program is offered for 1.25 ASHA CEUs (intermediate level, professional area). ASHA CEU Provider approval does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products or clinical procedures.
2025 Program
Click on presenter names for biographies and presentation descriptions.
Friday, April 25, 2025
8:00 Registration (coffee/tea available)
8:30-8:45 Welcome and Opening Remarks (Albert Merati, MD, Kari Ragan, DMA, and Marty Nevdahl, CCC-SLP)
8:45-9:15 Intro to Stroboscopy (Neel Bhatt, MD)
9:15-9:45 SLP Fundamentals of Clinical Evaluation
Reception
A 10th anniversary reception celebration will be held at Walker Ames Room in Kane Hall on the UW campus, a short walk from Alder Hall where the conference is held. Join us for a buffet, drinks (cash bar available) and music performed by conference registrants from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, April 25. Tickets are only $15. Please come celebrate with us!
*Due to limited seating, the conference reception is exclusively available to conference registrants. We kindly ask that you only purchase a ticket for the reception if you are certain you can attend. Thank you for your understanding as we aim to accommodate all registrants who wish to participate.
While registering, add reception tickets, $15 per ticket.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
9:45-10:15 Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercises (Ingo Titze, PhD)
10:15-10:30 Q&A with Ingo Titze
10:30-11:00 Break (Light snack, coffee/tea available.)
PAPER PRESENTATIONS
11:00-11:15 TMD in Trained Singers & Singing as TMD Therapy (Theodora Nestorova, PhD)
11:15-11:30 Quantitative Analysis of Aperiodic Voicing: A Case Study of Quantifying Ten Extreme Vocalizations used in Deathcore Music (Lynn Maxfield, PhD)
11:30-11:50 Application of Vocal Effects in Popular Music Styles (May Oskan, MA)
11:50-12:05 Q&A with presenters
12:05-1:30 LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
1:30-2:30 Customizing Vocal Exercises: Case Studies in Singing Voice Rehabilitation (Leda Scearce, MM, MS, CCC-SLP)
GUEST SPEAKER
2:30-3:00 Jay Rubinstein, MD, PhD audiology
3:00-3:30 ASPV at 10 Years, 20 Years, and Beyond: Imagining Future Program Topics (Al Merati, MD & Ingo Titze, PhD)
SVS PANEL
3:30-4:30 Bridging Art and Science: The Role of the Singing Voice Specialist in Vocal Health and Performance (Moderator, Kari Ragan, DMA; Panelists, Leda Scearce, MM, MS, CCC-SLP, Joan Lader, MA, Marci Rosenberg, BM, MS, CCC-SLP, Andrew Lee, MS, CCC-SLP, Lynn Maxfield, PhD)
5:00-7:00 Reception at Walker Ames Room in Kane Hall (Separate Registration needed for this event)
*Due to limited seating, the conference reception is exclusively available to conference registrants. We kindly ask that you only purchase a ticket for the reception if you are certain you can attend. Thank you for your understanding as we aim to accommodate all registrants who wish to participate.
Saturday, April 26, 2025
8:00 Registration (coffee/tea available)
8:25-8:30 Overview/Questions (Al Merati, MD & Kari Ragan, DMA)
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
8:30-9:30 Care of the Performing Voice - Less Art, More Science (Lucian Sulica, MD)
MD PANEL
9:30-10:30 (Moderator, Al Merati, MD; Panelists: Lucian Sulica, MD, Grace Wandell, MD, Neel Bhatt, MD, Brandon Kim, MD)
10:30-11:00 BREAK (Light snack, coffee/tea available.)
KEYNOTE WORKSHOP
11:00-11:45 TITLE TBD (Leda Scearce, MM, MS, CCC-SLP)
PAPER PRESENTATIONS
11:45-12:00 Reflux, Regurgitation, and Vocal Performance - What do we know? (Grace Wandell, MD)
12:00-12:15 Enhancing Well-Being Through Vocal Techniques Post Total Laryngectomy (Trish Rooney, DME)
12:15-12:30 Tools for the Assessment of Breathing Pattern Disorders (Rachel Goldenberg, DMA, MS, CCC-SLP)
12:30-12:45 Q&A with Paper Presenters
12:45-2:00 LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
2:00-2:30 Differences between Classical and Theatre Belt Singing Techniques (Ingo Titze, PhD)
2:30-2:45 Q&A with Ingo Titze
2:45-3:15 Potpourri Q/A (Al Merati, MD & Kari Ragan, DMA)
KEYNOTE MASTERCLASS
3:15-4:45 Joan Lader, MA
4:45-5:00 Wrap up: What Did We Learn the Past Two Days? (Al Merati, MD, Lucian Sulica, MD, Leda Scearce, MM, MS, CCC-SLP & Joan Lader, MA)
We will follow the University of Washington’s guidelines for COVID-19. Masks are optional outside of health-care settings, and we ask that you respect individuals’ choices regarding mask wearing. For the safety and health of all attendees we ask that you not attend the conference if you are exhibiting any symptoms associated with COVID.
Extra-Early Bird Registration: now until January 15, 2025.
Early Bird Registration: now until March 15, 2025.
Registration
Register early to be eligible to win prizes drawn at the conference!
**TICKET ADD-ON**
A 10th anniversary reception celebration will be held at Walker Ames Room in Kane Hall on the UW campus, a short walk from Alder Hall where the conference is held. Join us for a buffet, drinks (cash bar available) and music performed by conference registrants from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, April 25. Tickets are only $15. Please come celebrate with us!
*Due to limited seating, the conference reception is exclusively available to conference registrants. We kindly ask that you only purchase a ticket for the reception if you are certain you can attend. Thank you for your understanding as we aim to accommodate all registrants who wish to participate.
Transportation
SeaTac Airport (SEA)
19 miles south of University of Washington campus
14.5 south of downtown Seattle
$75 for an average Uber/Lyft to Silver Cloud Hotel U-District.
Link Light Rail
Take directly from SEA to the University of Washington campus
UW campus stops:
University of Washington Station
U District Station
You can then take a 1-mile Uber/Lyft to the Silver Cloud Hotel.
Find Link Light Rail schedules and fee info
More logistical information (including campus maps, parking, and lunch locations) will be sent to registrants with two weeks before the conference.
Lodging
Silver Cloud Hotel
You can now book discounted hotel rooms ($165/night) at the University District Silver Cloud Hotel.
Call for Abstracts: Northwest Voice Conference, The Art and Science of the Performing Voice
Submission deadline: December 15, 2024
Submitters will be notified by: February 15, 2025
Conference date: April 25-26, 2025
We invite you to submit abstracts for presentations at the 10th annual Northwest Voice: The Art and Science of the Performing Voice Conference. This conference is a unique opportunity for voice professionals, researchers, teachers, speech-language pathologists, MDs, and performers to share their insights and innovations in vocal performance, pedagogy, vocal health, and science.
We welcome abstracts related to:
Vocal performance and technique
Voice pedagogy and education
Vocal health and rehabilitation
Scientific research on the performing voice
Innovations in voice technology and training
Abstract Submission
Selected presentations will include 15-minute oral sessions and workshops. Some considerations may be given to expand an abstract to a larger presentation or workshop.
Additional information
The length of your abstract must not exceed 250 words and should include a title (in subject line). All accepted presenters must register for the conference.
Submission instructions
Enter your full name and email address into the form.
Enter "Abstract Title: (insert title)” into the Subject box.
In the body of the message, include your name, degrees, affiliation, and any other information you might want us to know.
Upload your abstract and bio, as well as a professional headshot.