VSC Lecturer and Alumna Named Finalists for the Van Lawrence BVA Award
Wednesday 10th December 2025
Voice Study Centre
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
Course Reviews
Demystifying Belting: High-Stakes Vocal Gymnastics for the Modern Vocal Athlete
Voice Study Centre
Friday 14th August 2026What does it take to belt safely, power through an eight-show week, and adapt to the ever-shifting aesthetic demands of Broadway and the West End? Last night, the Voice Study Centre hosted internationally renowned voice pathologist and co-author of The Vocal Athlete, Dr. Wendy LeBorgne, for a fascinating short course exploring evidence-based belt pedagogy, cross-training, and vocal fitness. Read on for a full recap of the key insights and practical takeaways from the session!
Read More...
Course Reviews
Redefining Ethical Practice in Voice Teaching
Voice Study Centre
Wednesday 12th August 2026When we think about ethics in voice teaching, our minds often jump to extreme scenarios - policy violations, conflicts of interest, or misconduct. But as Dr. Justin John Moniz (Associate Director of Vocal Performance and Coordinator of Vocal Pedagogy at NYU Steinhardt, and Vocal Arts Faculty at Manhattan School of Music) explained in last night's session, every single voice lesson is filled with subtle ethical decision-making... So what did we learn?
Read More...
Student & Alumni News
Grad Stories: Emily DenBleyker 🎓
Emily DenBleyker
Monday 10th August 2026One of our recent graduates Emily DenBleyker shares her journey with the Voice Study Centre, where she reflects on how the MA enabled her to pursue her own research interests and develop her practice as a voice teacher by exploring new approaches to supporting adult beginner singers.
Read More...