Kari Ragan was recently annouced as recipient of the Van Lawrence Fellowship awarded to a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing by the Voice Foundation.  Her successful research proposal is entitled “The Parameters and Utility of Vocal Cool Down Exercises.” In her applications she states: “Exercises are considered essential for healthy singing technique and numerous treatises and articles have been written on this subject. However, cooling down the voice at the end of a lesson, rehearsal or performance is not the norm for singers. Athletic training typically includes the process of cooling down the body, yet vocal athletes neglect this important aspect of their training. Investigating the type of exercises (ie: semi-occluded vocal tract exercises) that would be appropriate to cooling down the laryngeal muscles may help singers reduce their recovery time. Is it more important to cool down the antagonistic muscle or the primary muscle of use when considering thyroarytenoid dominant or cricothyroid dominant genres? In other words, what is the most optimal approach to returning balance to the laryngeal muscles post heavy voice load? I would further like to investigate whether the process of icing particular muscles as one does when working with a physical therapist applies to the singer.”

Ragan holds degrees from Indiana University (BM, MM) and the University of Washington (DMA). Dr. Ragan was the 2009 recipient of the NATS Pedagogy Award and contributed at the 51st NATS National Conference on a Panel entitled “It Takes A Team: Managing Voice Disorders.” Two of her articles were published in 2010: “The Connected Voice Studio” in Journal of Singing and “Intubation Considerations for Singers” in New York Singing Teachers Association VOICEPrints. In 2010, she joined the University of Washington voice faculty where she teaches voice pedagogy and applied voice among other courses. Additionally, she has developed and maintained a thriving and collaborative independent voice studio for over twenty-five years. Her interest in voice science, vocal pedagogy and the interdisciplinary aspect of teaching grew exponentially after becoming a NATS member. She is a frequent performer, adjudicator and clinician throughout the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Ragan was on the organizing committee of the Northwest Chapter of the Voice Foundation, NYSTA, Northwest Artists and past board member of the Puget Sound NATS Chapter.  She currently serves as the coordinator of NATSChats.

Interested in applying for the next Van Lawrence Fellowship?  The next deadline will be November 15, 2012.  To be eligible, you must be a NATS member actively engaged in teaching with demonstrated excellence as a singing teacher. Do you have an interest in, and knowledge of, voice science? Your application consists simply of a letter of intent, stating your desire to receive the Van L. Lawrence Fellowship, sent to The Voice Foundation via Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by November 15, 2012. Your application letter should cover the following topics (as well as others which you believe will strengthen your application, being as succinct as possible) and include your curriculum vitae: current application of scientific knowledge in the studio; area of intended study and/or research project; how the Fellowship and research project will benefit your teaching; NATS chapter to which you belong.

The Van L. Lawrence Fellowship was created to honor Van L. Lawrence, M.D. for his outstanding contribution to voice, and particularly to recognize the importance of the interdisciplinary education he fostered among laryngologists and singing teachers. It is awarded jointly by The Voice Foundation and National Association of Teachers of Singing Foundation. For complete details about The Van L. Lawrence Fellowship, visit the NATS website. If you have additional questions, please contact The Voice Foundation.