Singing and Stuttering: What We Know

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Jan. 28, 2013) — The recent success of American Idol hopeful Lazaro Arbos has the entire country talking about singing and stuttering.

"Understanding what dramatically reduces stuttering during singing may eventually help us understand stuttering better," explains Barry Guitar, Ph.D., of the University of Vermont, author of several Stuttering Foundation publications. He offers the following comments on singing and stuttering:

• There is now evidence that the brain functions differently for singing than it does for talking.

• In singing, we use our vocal chords, lips, and tongue differently than when we talk.

• There is no time pressure in singing nor is there any communicative pressure.

• When we sing, we generally know the words of the song by heart. "Word retrieval" or searching for the words may play a role in stuttering.

• Carly Simon, B.B. King, Bill Withers, Nancy Wilson and Mel Tillis are all famous examples of singers who stutter, according to the Stuttering Foundation, www.StutteringHelp.org, a nonprofit founded in 1947.

###

Editor’s Note: Jane Fraser and Barry Guitar, Ph.D., are available for interviews via Skype, telephone, or in person. For additional information, visit media resources on our website.
 
Foundation Spokesperson Jane Fraser
Jane Fraser is president of The Stuttering Foundation and co-author of If Your Child Stutters: A Guide for Parents, 8th edition. She is also vice president of the Association for Research into Stammering in Childhood, Michael Palin Centre, London. Ms. Fraser is available for interviews by contacting Greg Wilson, 571-239-7474 or email: gregwilsonpr@gmail.com. Download a picture of Jane Fraser.

Barry Guitar, Ph.D.
Barry Guitar, Ph.D., of the University of Vermont, is author of The Child Who Stutters: To the Pediatrician, now in its 4th edition as well as a seminal textbook on the topic, Stuttering: An Integrated Approach to Its Nature and Treatment (4th Ed.).

About the Foundation
Malcolm Fraser, a successful businessman and stutterer, went on to establish and endow the nonprofit Stuttering Foundation in 1947. The Stuttering Foundation provides a toll-free helpline, 800-992-9392, and free online resources on its Website, www.StutteringHelp.org, including services, referrals and support to people who stutter and their families, as well as support for research into the causes of stuttering. Please visit us at www.StutteringHelp.org.