Professor Helena Daffern

Helena is a Professor of Music Science and Technology at the AudioLab in the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology at the University of York. She has a Masters degree in singing performance and completed her PhD, which explored vocal techniques in classical singing, in 2008 at the University of York, before training as a postgraduate at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Her research continues to focus on voice science and acoustics, particularly singing techniques and vocal pedagogy, drawing on her experiences as a singing teacher and performer.

Working at the intersection of music, science and technology, she also leads interdisciplinary initiatives and programmes of research that develop new solutions to tangible challenges facing society around accessing and measuring the benefits of musical activities. Helena is currently Co-Director of CoStar Live Lab, part of the £75.6 million national R&D network of laboratories delivered by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Arts and Humanities Research Council. With a focus on Live Performance, Live Lab will develop new technology to support innovations and experiences that will enrich the UK’s creative industries, economy, and culture.

Helena continues to sing professionally as a soloist and with various ensembles and opera companies including Opera Holland Park, Opéra de Baugé, Yorkshire Baroque Soloists, Northern Sinfonia, and has recorded for Warner Music UK, NMC records, and Oxford University Press.