Vocal distortion and extended vocal techniques have historically been viewed as dangerous or harmful by many voice teachers, clinicians, and vocal professionals.
But emerging evidence is helping reshape that conversation.
Many vocal distortions can be broken down into specific acoustic, respiratory, laryngeal, and physiological phenomena. When better understood, these sounds can be produced more intentionally and may have meaningful uses beyond performance alone. Join Geddy Warner, MM. PhD(c), and Katelyn Swiader, MS Ed, CCC-SLP, for a live webinar exploring vocal distortion as a misunderstood vocal color with acoustic, laryngeal, and respiratory components.
September 28, 2026 at 12 PM ET
Geddy Warner will demystify vocal distortion by giving an overview of what distortion is, how it can be identified, and what is happening anatomically, physiologically, and respiratory during various distortion sounds.
This discussion will also contextualize distortion across popular musical genres, extended vocal techniques, habilitative use, rehabilitative application, alternative methods of speech and communication, and the need for respiratory muscle training as it relates to some types of vocal distortions.
Whether you are a singing teacher, SLP, laryngologist, singer, actor, voice actor, student, or someone interested in extended vocal technique, this webinar will give you a clearer framework for understanding distortion.
WHO THIS DISCUSSION IS FOR
Singing teachers
Speech-language pathologists
Laryngologists
Singers
Actors
Voice actors
Voice teachers and vocal coaches
Vocologists
Performing voice professionals
Students and educators
Clinicians working with voice
Anyone interested in extended vocal techniques
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Participants will leave with:
A clearer understanding of what vocal distortion is and how it can be identified
A basic framework for understanding the anatomy and physiology behind different distortion sounds
Insight into how vocal tract posturing and airflow contribute to distortion
A clearer understanding of how respiratory components influence certain distortion sounds
Greater confidence discussing vocal distortion in performance, teaching, and clinical settings
A broader view of how distortion and extended vocal techniques may be used in rehabilitation, habilitation, and alternative communication contexts
A better understanding of why respiratory muscle training may be needed for some types of vocal distortions
WHY THIS MATTERS
Vocal distortion is often misunderstood because it can sound intense, rough, or extreme.
But sound alone does not tell the whole story.
When clinicians, teachers, and performers understand the mechanisms behind distortion, they can have a more informed conversation about what is happening in the voice, vocal tract, larynx, and respiratory system.
That matters for performers who want to use distortion more intentionally. It matters for teachers who want to guide students more responsibly. It matters for clinicians who want to better understand extended vocal techniques and their potential role in rehabilitation, habilitation, alternative communication, and respiratory training.
The goal is not to suggest that every distortion is automatically safe or appropriate for every voice.
The goal is to move beyond fear, guesswork, and oversimplified assumptions — and toward a clearer understanding of vocal distortion through voice science, physiology, respiratory control, performance practice, and clinical context.
Vocologist | Singer | Voice Teacher | NYU PhD Candidate in Voice Research
Geddy Warner, MM. PhD(c)
Geddy Warner is a vocologist, singer, voice teacher, and PhD candidate in Voice Research at New York University. He has served as Graduate Adjunct Voice Faculty at NYU Steinhardt and has managed a private voice studio since 2018. As a vocologist, he collaborates with otolaryngology teams at major New York voice clinics and other nationally recognized voice clinics to improve vocal quality in patients with a wide range of vocal pathologies.
His PhD research focuses on examining supraglottal phonation techniques as alternative methods for speech and communication. His work has recently explored vocal distortion and extended techniques as rehabilitative and habilitative tools, showing success in both studio and clinical practices. These findings have been presented at the 2024 ASHA Convention in Seattle, the 2024 PAVA Symposium in Houston, the 2024 Fall Voice Conference in Phoenix, and the 2025 and 2026 Voice Foundation Symposium in Philadelphia.
Learn more at geddywarner.com.
Master Coach / Chief Clinician, PN Medical
Katelyn Swiader, MS Ed, CCC-SLP
Katelyn Swiader is a speech-language pathologist specializing in voice, upper airway function, and respiratory muscle training. As Master Coach and Chief Clinician at PN Medical, she leads clinical education and training initiatives that help providers and users apply The Breather more effectively. With a background in vocal performance and more than 15 years of coaching experience, Katelyn brings both clinical expertise and practical real-world application to conversations around voice, breathing, performance, respiratory training, and functional outcomes.
