from ‘hodgepodge’ to academic rigour
I entered the Voice Study Centre’s MA program in late 2020, intending to use the program to enhance my teaching curriculum. Before that time, my manual therapy coursework was an at-times hodgepodge of techniques, anecdotes, and evidence, but it lacked academic rigour. Recognizing this, I was able to tailor my MA program to meet my individual needs.
The VSC’s program, complete with tutors who helped guide my path,
provided the platform for me not only to complete my degree but also to place my teaching content directly at the centre of evidence-based practice.
Additionally, after being more deeply exposed to the academic process, I was able to publish a research article in a respected medical journal. The final piece of my work, a study set up to determine value gained by participants in my workshops, allowed me to reflect on my course content and adjust it to best meet the needs of future learners.
As I travel, teaching my manual therapy approach to others, I frequently share my experiences with the Voice Study Centre’s MA program, citing the ability to create a program tailored to the individual learner, without requiring the learner to fit into a pre-defined box. As far as what’s next for me, time will tell. Perhaps more research writing, a revision of my existing book, or simply the ability to flex future coursework revisions into what I now know to be plausible directions.
Walt Fritz
Walt Fritz, PT, has evolved traditionally taught tissue-based approaches into a unique interpretation of manual therapy. This approach advances views of causation and impact from historical tissue-specific models into a multifactorial narrative, leaning heavily on biopsychosocial influences.
Recent Posts
Course Reviews
Masterclass Insights: Applying the Meisner Technique to Singing with Jillian Paige
Voice Study Centre
Tuesday 4th August 2026Yesterday, the Voice Study Centre recently welcomed back Jillian Paige, founder of Meisner in Music, for an interactive workshop exploring how Sanford Meisner’s renowned acting methodology can be transformed into a practical framework for vocalists. While traditional acting approaches often prioritize internal character analysis or objective-driven choices, the Meisner Technique operates on a foundational principle: to sing freely and express fully, your focus must be directed outward. So what did we learn?
Read More...
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.
Read More...
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".
Read More...