Cohort A, 2016
From Cohort Pioneer to Community Champion
Sophie was part of the first cohort at Voice Study Centre (VSC) and has tirelessly advocated for the welfare of others since her graduation.
Obtaining a distinction in the MA, she focused her work on the singing for health for brain injury survivors and stroke victims. She successfully secured funding from the National Lottery Community Fund for her Community Interest Company (CIC), which will facilitate a free, two-year weekly support group for brain injury survivors and their partners. Recently featured on BBC Counties, Sophie promoted her singing support group, emphasising the transformative power of "Finding their voices". Her efforts have bridged a crucial healthcare gap by providing music and community support, not only to survivors, but also their immediate family members. With extensive experience working with HeadWay, Sophie understands how to use community music appropriately and sensitively for this particular client group.
Inspired during her MA, Sophie’s research drew on brain injury knowledge to develop appropriate strategies for working with survivors of stroke. Stepping out of her comfort zone, she co-wrote a production where she facilitated and directed the singing group. Recognising the speech difficulties faced by many members, she incorporated voice-overs and visual aids.
With her song writing expertise, Sophie’s group even crafted their own songs.
Sophie Garner
Having started her professional career with the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain (1991-1992 Maggie May and Amphibias Spangulatos), a determination...
Recent Posts
Blog
How MA Voice Pedagogy Student Aramat Arnheim-Sharon Contributed to Published Voice Research
Voice Study Centre
Wednesday 29th July 2026Watch our interview with MA Voice Pedagogy student Aramat Arnheim-Sharon as she discusses her contribution to a published research chapter exploring voice, vibration, wellbeing and emerging health research. Discover how postgraduate study supported her journey into academic research, and hear about her current MA research and the development of new tools for voice pedagogy.
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Course Reviews
Too Much, Too Little, Just Right! The Balancing Act Model
Voice Study Centre
Wednesday 29th July 2026Finding "balance" in singing and vocal pedagogy is often talked about, but what does it actually mean? During a recent Voice Study Centre short course session, renowned singer, author, and master teacher Robert Edwin shared insights into his Balancing Act Model (BAM). With over 50 years of experience as a performer and teacher, Robert unpacked how exploring vocal extremes - hyper (too much) and hypo (too little) - helps singers and pedagogues find a dynamic, adaptable "just right".
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On-Demand
In Conversation with Dr. Tracy Bourne: Vocal Health and Sustainability in Musical Theatre
Voice Study Centre
Friday 24th July 2026Watch the third conversation in the Musical Theatre Research Alliance (MTRA) and Voice Study Centre's In Conversation With series, part of Strand 1: Vocal Health and Sustainability in Musical Theatre. Drawing on her PhD research in voice science and pedagogy, Dr. Tracy Bourne explores vocal health and sustainability in musical theatre through her extensive experience working with emerging and professional performers.
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