COVID-19: Impact on the Musician and Returning to Singing; A Literature Review

Vance, Dylan; Shah, Priyanka; Sataloff, Robert T.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to review current literature of the impact of COVID-19 on musicians and returning to singing. METHODS: A comprehensive search of peer-review articles was completed using PubMed, GoogleScholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. The search was completed using many key terms including voice, hoarseness, dysphonia, aphonia, cough, singers, and public speakers. The bibliography from each article found was searched to find additional articles. The search process revealed 56 peer-reviewed articles, 18 primary articles, ranging from the years 2019-2020. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 has had a major impact on singers and other musicians worldwide. It can of affect the voice and can lead to paresis/paralysis of laryngeal nerves to long-term changes in respiratory function. There is a risk from aerosolization/droplet formation transmission with singing, and with playing wind and brass instruments, that can be mitigated by following COVID-19 guidelines. Ways to reduce possible transmission during singing and instrument play include virtual rehearsals or performances, mask-wearing, instrument covers, smaller choirs, performing outside, excellent ventilation being socially-distanced, shorter rehearsals, regularly cleaning commonly-touched surfaces and washing hands, avoiding contact with others, and temperature screening.