BFA, BEd, MSc, SLP (C), CCC-SLP, PAVA-RV, Reg. CASLPO
Professional Singer | Singing Voice Specialist | Clinical Singing Voice Therapist
Melanie Tapson (she/her) is an interdisciplinary voice expert with a unique blend of performance, pedagogy, and clinical expertise. A professional singer, Singing Voice Specialist, and speech-language pathologist, Melanie brings a wealth of experience to her busy hybrid clinical voice practice in Toronto. She holds a BFA in jazz performance (voice and drums), a BEd in senior vocal music and drama, and an MSc in speech- language pathology.
As a performer, Melanie has graced international stages with Disney Cruise Line and Juno Award-winning groups and continues to share her artistry when time allows. She was among the first designated PAVA-Recognized Vocologists and has held leadership positions with organizations such as PAMA (Performing Arts Medicine Association) and PAVA (Pan American Vocology Association). She co-created the Certificate in Performing Arts Health and Medicine voice track (PAMA/ACSM), appeared in the CBC’s The Nature of Things documentary A User’s Guide to the Voice, and is featured in forthcoming editions of The Vocal Athlete and Voice Work: Art & Science in Changing Voices.
Melanie is passionate about advancing the fields of voice pedagogy and health. She mentors voice teachers and clinicians in MVP: Masterclass for Voice Professionals, hosts the annual Power of Voice symposium in celebration of World Voice Day, and teaches voice disorders and singing voice rehabilitation to SLP graduate students at the university level. Known for her evidence-based, practical, and creative approach, Melanie is a sought-after educator, regularly invited to teach and present worldwide.
Upcoming Short Courses
Wednesday 22nd January 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Practical Magic*: The Art & Science of Balancing Voices with SOVTs and VFEs
Melanie Tapson
Through live demonstrations, group practice, and peer coaching, you’ll learn how to teach SOVTs and VFEs with clarity and precision, integrate their principles to support vocal health, recovery, and stylistic flexibility and troubleshoot challenges and adapt exercises for individualized results.
Tuesday 21st January 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
From Broadway to the West End: Teaching Musical Theatre in a Modern Era
Melanie Tapson
In this engaging two-hour workshop, Melanie Tapson—a professional performer, interdisciplinary voice specialist and clinical voice therapist— focuses on equipping voice educators with practical tools to help their students thrive at every stage of their career, all the way to Broadway, the West End, and beyond.
Past Short Courses
Tuesday 6th June 2023
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
(London Time)
The Magic* of Vocal Function Exercises!
Melanie Tapson
This workshop will demystify the four VFEs, explain how they address rebalancing each of the voice subsystems, and help you determine what’s most important about both modeling and explaining them to help your client succeed.
Thursday 7th April 2022
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
(London Time)
Free Your Voice: Learn To Do Self Laryngeal Massage
Melanie Tapson
This workshop will offer an introduction to laryngeal massage, a technique designed to help release tension for a clearer, more comfortable voice.
Thursday 2nd December 2021
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)
Staying In Lane: Exploring The Boundary Line Between Teaching Singing And Therapeutic Practice
Kate Cubley
Pippa Anderson
Natalie Eastwood
(+ 5 more hosts)
Our open-access symposium will explore the ethical codes of teaching singing and engaging in therapeutic practice. It will form the first of a series of symposia examining the tensions between teaching/coaching and therapy.