Recognizing Vocal Problems & Pathologies in Students: A Practical Guide for Voice Teachers
Workshop & Masterclass from Radina Veliova, MS, CCC-SLP, founder of the Voice & Speech Therapy Center and Vocals on Stage™ in Los Angeles
Date: Saturday January 24, 2026
Time: 8-9AM PST, 9-10am MST, 10–11 AM CST, 11AM-12PM EST, 4-5PM UK, 5-6PM CET, 6-7PM EEST
Can’t attend at the scheduled time? Register, and you can watch the recording afterward!
Voice teachers are often the first line of defense when a singer begins to struggle, but identifying when something is simply a technical issue versus a potential medical concern can feel overwhelming.
This masterclass provides teachers with a clear, practical framework to recognize early signs of vocal problems, respond appropriately, and support their students with confidence.
In this session, participants will learn:
- The key red flags that may indicate vocal fold pathology or emerging injury
- How to differentiate unhealthy patterns from typical learning challenges
- When and how to refer a student to an ENT or voice-specialized SLP
- The most common diagnoses seen in singers (nodules, polyps, cysts, hemorrhage, muscle tension dysphonia, etc.)
- Typical treatment pathways, including behavioral voice therapy, medical management, and—when needed—surgical intervention
- Practical tools teachers can use immediately, such as vocal load tracking, fatigue indicators, and healthy warm-up strategies
- What NOT to do when a student presents with symptoms (and why)
Why this masterclass matters:
Vocal injuries are highly preventable when caught early. By learning what to look for, and what steps to take. Vocal coaches can protect their students’ long-term vocal health, build trust with families and performers, and strengthen their own professional expertise.
About Radina
Radina Veliova, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist and vocal coach specializing in vocal health and technique. She is the founder of the Voice & Speech Therapy Center and Vocals on Stage™ in Los Angeles. With more than 20 years of experience, Radina bridges contemporary singing with evidence-based voice therapy. An IVTOM mentor, she is dedicated to helping singers and teachers build strong, healthy, and sustainable voices.
