We recently caught up with soon-to-be graduate May Oskan, whose 2025 has been full of milestones.
Let’s recap!
Kicking off the year with research recognition
Back in January, May started the year strong by presenting her MA thesis research at the APME Graduate Student Conference. Her research focused on using Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) to encourage creative flow state experiences among vocalists.
A spotlight moment on NATS Chat
Fast forward to April 13th: May joined co-hosts Kari Ragan and Blake Cline on NATS Chat for an episode titled Fear No Sound: Teaching Rough Vocal Effects in Popular Music. She shared insights from her independent research on vocal effects pedagogy—breaking down complex concepts for singers and teachers of all backgrounds. May even offered live demonstrations with a singer she’d never worked with before! You can find the episode below.
A return to Northwest Voice
Later in April, May was invited back to Northwest Voice: The Art and Science of the Performing Voice in Seattle. Building on the strong reception of her previous presentation, she delivered a follow-up talk and workshop on vocal effects—once again receiving enthusiastic feedback from attendees.
Graduation, travel, and international speaking gigs
Next on the horizon: graduation! This July, May will head to the UK to officially receive her Master’s Degree Voice Pedagogy with the Voice Study Centre and University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD). After the ceremony in Wales, she’ll enjoy a quick getaway to Edinburgh to reconnect with singers she met there last summer—before jetting off to Toronto, where she’ll present at the International Congress of Voice Teachers. There, she’ll share the latest developments in her constantly expanding approach to vocal effects pedagogy.
A personal discovery along the way
Amid all the academic and professional milestones, May also made time to invest in her own learning. She recently completed our short course on tongue tie with Jessica Luffey, aiming to broaden her knowledge for the benefit of future students. What she didn’t expect was that the course would lead to powerful self-discoveries—insights she candidly shares here.
We’re so proud of May and can’t wait to see what’s next for her!
May Oskan
May Oskan teaches voice, musicianship, and songwriting from her private studio in Oakland, California and has designed curriculum and workshops for several other vocal studios as well...
Recent Posts
Student & Alumni News
Alumna Success: Zulimar López-Hernández Appointed to Teach Vocal Pedagogy at the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico
Voice Study Centre
Thursday 21st August 2025"This course is deeply meaningful to me because I have been able to design the kind of Vocal Pedagogy class I wish I could have experienced during my undergraduate studies—now enriched by my experience as a professor at the University of Puerto Rico, my career as an opera singer, and my MA at the Voice Study Centre."
Read More...
Director & Team News
Congratulations to Senior Lecturer Claire Thomas on Passing her Doctoral Viva! 🎉
Voice Study Centre
Wednesday 13th August 2025We are thrilled to share some wonderful news from our Senior Lecturer, Claire Thomas. She has officially passed her doctoral viva! Claire has spent nearly five years dedicated to...
Read More...
Save the Date – 30th September: Ken Bozeman Unveils His New Edition of Practical Vocal Acoustics
Voice Study Centre
Monday 11th August 2025Free to attend! We’re thrilled to invite you to a special event celebrating the launch of Ken Bozeman’s new edition of Practical Vocal Acoustics: Pedagogic Applications for Teachers and Singers.
Read More...