Students on the Voice Study Centre MA Voice Pedagogy often ask if there's any research relating to Musical Theatre performers and breathing methodology.
The answer to this question is there isn't a great deal of research available.
Joan Melton looked at this closely and her books are certainly worth a look at.
A 2016 study by Sliiden et al. (2016), looked at the impact of breathing for Musical Theatre performers mid-performance.
What they found was that MT performers experienced a staggering 62.5% drop in their mpg then Maximum Phonation Time, and this really is probably what we would expect.
When we see that figure in black and white it really does bring home the extent to which these performers are compromised.
They also discovered that the performers themselves felt that they were inadequately trained, often receiving different instructions from perhaps their singing teacher and their dance teacher.
So, we really are crying out for more research.
If you're interested in voice research, why not take a look at the Vocal Pedagogy courses we offer?
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.
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...
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.
Read More...