Includes bibliographical references (p. 241-245) and index.

1. Introduction -- 2. Your instrument at a glance : Where is it? ; Bodymapping ; The basic mechanics ; The many functions of the larnyx -- 3. The singer as an athlete : Buff, with abs of steel ; Sleep ; Nutrition ; Foods to avoid and why ; Body movement ; Vocal maintenance ; Vocalizing ; Mouth breathing versus nose breathing ; Vocal hazards ; Vocal myths -- 4. Troubleshooting -- 5. Indirect culprits : Asthma ; Allergies ; Dehydration ; Obesity ; Premenstrual syndrome ; Pregnancy ; Menopause ; Old age ; Arthritis ; Reflux and heartburn ; Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome -- 6. What purpose does the ENT clinic serve and how will it serve you? : The ENT clinic ; The voice specialists ; Working as a team -- 7. A vocalist's guide to finding the right ENT : Why go? ; Whom to ask ; What to ask -- 8. The first visit and procedure : How long will it take? ; What they need to know about you and why ; Instruments used in the clinic ; Understanding hygiene in the clinic ; What they will do, where they will probe, and why -- 9. A partnership in performance : Diagnose with the doctor; don't be left out! ; How voice specialists see your instrument ; Semantics ; Synonyms: a Rosetta Stone for voice and medical professionals ; Misnomers ; Terms to avoid -- 10. Common pathologies and disorders in singers and possible treatments : Laryngeal edema and erythema ; Laryngitis ; Vocal fold hemorrhage ; Vocal fold varix ; Vocal fold nodules ; Vocal fold cyst ; Vocal fold polyp ; Polypoid corditis ; Vocal fold bowing ; Sulcus vergeture ; Laryngeal granuloma ; Laryngeal contact ulcers ; Laryngeal web ; Laryngeal papilloma ; Muscle tension dysphonia ; Unilateral vocal fold paralysis and paresis ; Arytenoid dislocation ; Laryngeal sicca ; Essential vocal tremor --

11. Vocally hazardous drugs : Allergy and cold medications ; Antibiotics ; Anxiety medications/antidepressants/mood stabilizers ; Asthma medications ; Blood pressure medications (antihypertensives) ; Blood thinners ; Cough suppressants (antitussives) ; Dermatologic drugs ; Diarrhea medications/antispasmodics ; Gastrointestinal/reflux medications ; Hormone therapy ; Nausea/motion sickness/antifizziness medications ; Mucolytics ; Pain relievers ; Sleep aids ; Steroids ; Herbal medications ; Vitamin supplements -- 12. Cautions to the singer undergoing surgery : Aspects of the surgical process that concerns singers ; Postoperation concerns ; Common problems where surgery could affect the voice mechanism ; Microlaryngeal surgery ; Common instruments and materials used in microlaryngeal surgery -- 13. A hypothetical microlaryngeal phonosurgery : Scheduling ; Check-in ; Preoperative care ; The operation ; Postoperative care ; At home -- 14. Common questions answered : What gives us each our own unique sound? ; Why does my recorded voice sound different? ; How are opera singers heard over an orchestra without amplification? ; How do I avoid getting nodules? ; What are the best/worst types of beverages for my voice around performances? ; Should I really avoid dairy products while in production? ; How much time should I spend warming up before a lesson? ; What exactly happens when my voice gets hoarse? ; What happens when I lose my voice? ; What causes vibrato? ; To what extent is a great voice determined by vocal physiology? ; What causes a tickle? ; My voice gets so tired when I'm trying to memorize music. What should I do? ; What do my vocal folds look like when I sing a whistle tone? ; Why do some singers find vocal agility easy and others find it more difficult? -- 15. Glossary : Acronyms and abbreviations ; Suffixes ; Vocabulary.