News / Director & Team News

VSC Lecturer and Alumna Named Finalists for the Van Lawrence BVA Award

Wednesday 10th December 2025

Congratulations to our much-loved Senior Lecturer, Dr Claire Thomas, who has been selected as a finalist for the Van Lawrence British Voice Association Award. Claire will be presenting her research, Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) in Singers: Developing Tools to Bridge Therapy and Performance.

We would also like to extend our congratulations to our wonderful alumna Jenna Brown, who has likewise been selected as one of the four finalists. Jenna will present her research, Female Voices After Laryngectomy: Vulnerability, Stigma, and Psychosocial Impact.

All four finalists will share their research at the online BVA Research Forum 2026 on Saturday 24th January, where the prize winner will be chosen.

Good luck to you both!

Dr Claire Thomas

Claire is a singer, singing teacher and voice researcher. She currently lectures in singing on the Musical Theatre programmes at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and runs a private singing studio just outside Edinburgh.

Jenna Brown

Jenna Brown is a mezzo-soprano performing as a soloist in concert and recital, as well as in choirs. She teaches singers of all ages 1:1 and in groups, working as teacher, vocal coach and conductor.


Recent Posts

On-Demand

In Conversation with Amanda Flynn: Vocal Health and Sustainability in Musical Theatre

Voice Study Centre
Thursday 11th June 2026

Watch the first 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. Broadway Vocal Coach Amanda Flynn shares her insights on vocal health, rehearsal strategies, recovery, and sustaining a healthy voice in the demanding world of professional musical theatre.

Read More...

MA Voice Pedagogy Student Secures Assistant Professor Position at MacEwan University

Voice Study Centre
Friday 5th June 2026

We are delighted to celebrate MA Voice Pedagogy student Renée Brad on her appointment as Assistant Professor in Voice at MacEwan University.

Read More...
Student & Alumni News

How Olivia Sparkhall Built an Award-Nominated Career in Vocal Health and Composition

Voice Study Centre
Friday 22nd May 2026

After describing her MA studies as “lifechanging”, Olivia Sparkhall has gone on to build a thriving career spanning vocal health, composition, publishing, and education.

Read More...