Catching Up with Our Alumni: May Oskan’s 2025 Diaries

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!