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
Student & Alumni News
Alumna Brunella Govetto Writes for Inspire the Mind on Singing and Motherhood
Voice Study Centre
Monday 28th September 2026Voice Study Centre alumna Brunella Govetto has written a new article for the Inspire the Mind blog, drawing on her thesis work and experience of working with singing and mothers.
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After The Session
After The Session: Doubles and Stacks, Reverbs and Effects: Teaching Vocal Production Skills
Voice Study Centre
Wednesday 23rd September 2026For many vocalists and voice teachers, the world of digital audio workstations (DAWs), hardware, and studio processing can feel like forbidden territory. Yesterday, Voice Study Centre hosted a hands-on, practical short course led by Kelly Hoppenjans (voice teacher, and PhD candidate in musicology at the University of Michigan), designed specifically to break down these technological barriers and empower singers to approach vocal production creatively, playfully, and confidently - so what did we learn?
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After The Session
After The Session: Games & Gadgets: Unlocking Vocal Skills Through Movement and Play🎤✨
Voice Study Centre
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