Samyukta Ranganathan

Since completing her MA in Voice Pedagogy for Indian Classical Voices (ICM), Samyukta presented her research project on vocal acoustics for ICM at the Pan-European Voice Conference in Estonia in August 2022. In 2023, her article, ‘Decolonising Voice Research: The Inclusion of Indian Classical Music’, was published in Australian Voice. In addition, she has recently been published in the VSR, comparing the obedience-authority dynamic of the ICM oral tradition with a more egalitarian, compassionate interpretation. Following her MA, Samyukta will soon be undertaking a PhD in Music Education at UCL, as of October 2024. She believes that advancements in technique can be effectively adapted and brought into the realm of Indian classical music, bringing singers increased longevity, stamina, quality, and vocal awareness.

Samyukta commented, “I have forged lifelong friendships with people I also love working with. Jenna Brown, another alumnus and I worked together to put together a forthcoming paper on group singing's role in inclusion and belonging. I have presented alongside so many alumni at VASTA's conference in 2023 (Jenna Brown, Emily Bender, Heather Baker, Tessa Smith) and ISME (Jenna Brown, Emily Bender, Heather Baker) in 2024. We are continuing to work together, long after this MA, on some really interesting things - watch this space!”

Mike Woodhams

You may recognise Mike from his appearance on Britain’s Got Talent last year, where he made it to the final due to his captivating medley of impressions. His act stood out, not just for the accuracy of his impressions, but for the humour and energy he brought to each persona. Mike’s talent is backed by solid credentials, earning a distinction in the MA in the early days of Cohort C, focusing on trans/ gender-expansive voices. Since his appearance on BGT, he has also been a guest on an episode of ‘Saturday Mash-up’ on CBBC.

Mike reflected “Appearing on BGT really was one of the best, albeit unexpected, moments in my career. All from something I thought I'd try out in my little back office a year prior. I must say though, I really do credit my time at VSC as a major contributing factor for propelling me forward. I think looking back on it now, I was perhaps a little scared of singing - even as a professional, working singer and vocal coach. Fear of the unknown perhaps! It was the first time that I not only felt the empowerment of understanding what is 'going on' when singing, but to taking a more holistic approach to singing and teaching; considering all those other factors that might throw us off our game. Being a bit kinder to ourselves.

A big turning point for me was actively engaging in my area of study. Whilst I was undertaking research in the area of trans gender/expansive voices I started to explore my own voice and sing a way that I never had. That said, I had to be so focused on changing my approach to teaching.”

Charlotte Mendley

“Whilst studying at Voice Study Centre, I was able to narrow my focus from singing and its impact on overall health to specific areas of study, including postnatal depression and the menopause. This area of study was of particular interest to my work as a choral leader as many of my choir members were experiencing voice changes symptomatic of Menopausal Vocal Syndrome (MVS). I’ve found a real passion for research and academic writing and have recently been accepted to start a PhD at the University of Birmingham in September. I’m looking forward to deepening my research on the impact of the menopause and the singing voice and how this could potentially impact other singers and teachers within the field. Since graduating I’ve also felt a new sense of confidence in my abilities as a singer and vocal pedagogue and I am now much more creative in my projects as a singing teacher, choral leader, singer and songwriter.”

Sophie Garner

“I’VE WANTED TO DO THIS SINCE HALF WAY THROUGH MY MA!”

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.

Jennifer Rhodes

“Studying at the Voice Study Centre has given me the platform to broaden my understanding and appreciation of research and apply this to my practice as a Singing and Spoken Voice/Accents teacher. The MA course itself gave me the tools to launch my own teaching strategy and ideas for potential publication. Since graduating I have enjoyed putting my ideas into practice, building a pedagogical bridge between spoken and sung text, particularly where accents and dialect are concerned. It was a real privilege to present my abstract: “Singing in Regional Accents- the cause for a teaching strategy” at the recent AOTOS Summer Conference. I am looking forward to continuing my journey in research and I will soon be adding academic tutoring to my otherwise more practical portfolio career combining teaching at Mountview and Bird College as well as private coaching.”

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Research Interviews & Testimonials