Teaching and Refining Articulation through Speech
Presenter: Natalie Douglass

This presentation discusses the relationship between human speech and brass playing, and how speech patterns affect instrument tone and articulation.

I have spent the past year as both the researcher and case study subject undergoing speech therapy for a lifelong speech disorder that hindered my horn playing. The research project, Oral Musculation Patterns Affecting Speech, Voice, and Instrument Tone, was presented as a research poster at the 2014 International Association of Orofacial Myology Convention in Calgary, Alberta. Orofacial Myology, a branch of speech therapy, regulates the use of the tongue, lips, jaw, and face. The study, in collaboration with Patricia K. Fisher, M.A., CCC/SLP/COM and the University of Cincinnati Speech and Hearing Clinic, outlines the substantial improvements in my horn playing over the course of a year of speech therapy.

Continuing research currently works with horn and trumpet students referred to me by faculty at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. I have since investigated the ways in which speech and speech therapy can benefit horn playing and pedagogy.