Aparna Ramachandran

Overview

Aparna is a full time PhD student who is a HCPC registered Speech and Language Therapist (SLT). Her research focuses on identifying self-reported voice problems and coping strategies in Western classical and Carnatic (Indian classical) singers. She received the coveted and highly competitive studentship from City University of London in 2018.

Prior to undertaking her PhD, she has worked as an SLT in the Netherlands and India. She is also an Indian classical singer which piqued her interest in studying classical singing voices and motivating her to specialise as a voice SLT.

Qualifications

• Introductory Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education, City, University of London, United Kingdom, May 2020
• Master in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (MASLP), Sri Ramachandra University, India, Jul 2007 – Jun 2009
• BSc Speech and Hearing, JSS institute of Speech and Hearing, India, Jul 2003 – Apr 2007
• PG Cert. Performance Arts Medicine, University College London, United Kingdom

Languages

English (can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review), Hindi (can read, write, speak and understand spoken), Kannada (can speak and understand spoken), Malayalam (can read, write, speak and understand spoken), Tamil (can read, write, speak and understand spoken) and Telugu (can understand spoken).

Title of thesis: SELF-REPORTED VOICE PROBLEMS AND COPING STYLES IN WESTERN CLASSICAL AND CARNATIC SINGERS: A MIXED METHODS STUDY

Feb 2019

Summary of research

My research aims to identify and compare self-reported voice problems and coping strategies in Western Classical and Carnatic (Indian classical) singers. The study has two phases-a qualitative study to explore perceptions of singers, singing teachers and Speech and Language Therapists regarding voice problems and coping strategies in singers using interviews and a quantitative survey to further explore these in a larger population of singers. This mixed methods study has implications in vocal pedagogy and maintenance of vocal health in classical singers. Additionally, it will inform Speech and Language Therapists to develop assessment protocols and management strategies to cater to the specific needs of singers with vocal problems. The cross-cultural element of this research will also ascertain the role of culture in the context of voice problems and coping in singers.

External supervisor

• Epstein, R. Royal National Throat Nose and Ear Hospital.

Research students

1^st supervisor

• Dr Shashi Hirani, Reader

2^nd supervisor

• Professor Katerina Hilari, Professor of Acquired Communication Disorders

Publications by category