Fully Online MA Professional Practice Voice Pedagogy

• Our full MA Professional Practice (Voice Pedagogy) enables singing teachers to apply theory to practice within the broad field of Voice Pedagogy (Vocal Pedagogy).
• This innovative postgraduate pathway facilitates the research of new areas of learning. The modules allow for the design and implementation of new initiatives that contribute to an individual’s practice, organisation, and professional network.
• The course exposes students to a vast range of academic and practitioner resources through pre-recorded and real-time online content.
• Assigned tutors mentor you to design an individualised programme relevant to your practice needs. It consists of six micro-projects that allow for the application of theory to practice.
• Tutors are readily available between 9:00am – 9:00pm UK time throughout the week.
• Live classes are available most weeks, these are all recorded and available to view after the event.
• This online pathway is for both International and UK students.
• The qualification is fully accredited and is a collaboration between the University of Wales Trinity St David and the Voice Study Centre.

Anatomy

With expert lectures by Kerrie Obert, Kate Cubley, and ENT consultant Declan Costello you will examine the complex vocal and human anatomy. You will explore how this applies to singing. You may even choose to explore further lectures on the vocal folds, larynx, and tongue.

Respiration

You will explore breathing anatomy with leading guest lecturers such as Dr. Ron Morris and become acquainted with different breathing methodologies. You will gain a rich and comprehensive research overview that can be adapted for practice.

Alignment

With an overview of research relating to posture, you will be able to explore modalities such as Feldenkrais/Alexander Technique with visiting lecturers such as the renowned Robert Sussuma.

Vocal Registers

You will explore the research on vocal registers with well-known guest lecturers such as Dr. Marco Guzman and Dr. Filipa La, leaders in their field.

Resonance and Acoustics

Acoustic pedagogy is a growth area for research. Kate Cubley provides a basic overview covering fundamental concepts for beginners. You will explore the research on acoustics and its relevance to voice pedagogy with Dr. Josh Glasner. The renowned Ken Bozeman will evaluate practical application. Dr. Chadley Ballantyne will explore acoustics in relation to CCM, and you will gain expert knowledge in the use and potential of Voce Vista.

Vocal Health

You will explore Voice disorders with renowned SLP specialist/published author Kerrie Obert before moving on to voice therapy. You will explore ethical boundaries and the role of the singing teacher with leading voice therapist Leda Scearce.
To deepen insight and further broaden your knowledge, endoscopic interpretation will develop your anatomical understanding. Dr. Marco Guzman explores water resistance and voice therapy and Dr. Filipa La examines flow phonation and the use of the flow ball.

Developing Voices

You will examine the developing voice from childhood to adolescence to adulthood with Dr. Karen Brunssen. We host world experts such as Dr. Patrick Freer on the adolescent male voices, Dr. Bridget Sweet on girls voices. Dr. Filipa La and Joanna Bozeman explore the voice during the menopause.

Neuroscience

You will explore Neuroscience and Pedagogy with Heidi Moss and Dr Michel Belyk, leaders in their field. You will understand how the brain works in relation to motor learning. Kitti Verdolini examines the evolution of motor learning research, and Jon Nix explores practical application. Neuroscience brings exciting developments in Voice Pedagogy, and you will gain a multi-lensed view and broad understanding of the latest areas of research and what it could mean for your practice.

Genre – Pop/MT/Classical

What do we know about these genres in terms of research? Where are the gaps?

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is increasingly used in voice for a host of reasons. You will gain a broad insight and deeper understanding of Mindfulness and its application. Dr. Czaijkowski gives an overview of Mindfulness research in relation to Music and Christina Shewell explores how it can be used in relation to spoken voice

Performance Coaching

We have a wealth of rich content on Performance Coaching delivered by leading specialists such as Teresa Shaw and Dr. Dave Juncos. You will learn different coaching methodologies, Acceptance and Commitment Coaching, the symptoms, causes of MPA. You will look at the Psychology of the Performer with Mel Toy and look at self-efficacy and motivational interviewing.

Spoken Voice

The research evidence for spoken voice is developing and we offer lectures on Accents with Dr. Sansom. Deborah Garvey explores Linklater and the renowned Barbara Houseman communicates her eclectic methodology drawn from a wide sphere including singing pedagogy.

Transgender Voices

You will explore Transgender voices with Dr. Bridget Sweet and we have live sessions scheduled to explore this emerging and fascinating area even further.

Voice and Emotion

Joanna Cazden examines Empathy and Voice Work Polyvagal theory. We also explore the Alba and Chekhov techniques with expert Kerrie Obert. In addition to this, we take a deep dive into Voice and Emotion with Mel Toy to give a broader understanding of this fascinating topic and how it could apply to your practice.

Singing for Health

This is a rich and varied area of research, and we have lectures from Stephen Clift and Emily Foulkes exploring voice and trauma, group singing and health benefits, singing and mental health, COPD and lung health as well as chronic pain.

Will I be able to fit it into my working commitments and family life?

The course is designed specifically for practitioners who combine a busy working life and family life. The course is designed to study one module at a time. The deadlines are set and students work in tandem with one another. The deadlines give a generous time allocation as your working life is factored into the calculation. Our retention rate is very high with the vast majority of our students completing the MA.

Tutorial support is pivotal to your development throughout the course.

You will be offered contact via Zoom, and you can book in for sessions as you need them. We can provide advanced support where necessary, and eligible students with registered disabilities receive additional one-to-one support from the university.

It is beneficial to discuss project ideas and to re-shape projects as they progress. We also offer group sessions on Zoom to ease isolation and share ideas with other students. We try to provide these at a time that suits everyone, although time differences and work commitments may make this problematic, and for this reason, we will record the sessions for you to access the content at a later date.

With regards to other support, you will have access to the UWTSD online library, as well as their support structures.

These include learning support, disability advice, and counselling services.

You will be able to access a tutor five days a week, between the hours of 9:00am-9:00pm UK time.

Eligibility

• The pre-requisite for the MA is a Degree or degree level equivalent.
• We do accept Trinity and ABRSM higher-level Diplomas providing there is an academic component to them.
• We will accept level 5 qualifications in some cases, and we do accept level 6 transcriptions where a degree level qualification has not been completed.
• Please do enquire as to your qualification status.
• Students without the requisite qualifications can undertake the foundation course at no extra cost and forms part of our inclusivity policy.

Applications

Our MA programme is moderated and accredited by our academic partner, the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Applicants will therefore go through a two-stage application process, with the first tier of application through the Voice Study Centre (formerly Voice Workshop) and the second tier of application through the University.

As part of the application process, you will meet with a Course Tutor for an interview. This is an excellent way for you to find out more about the programme and discuss your background and interests with one of our tutors. During this interview, a Course Tutor will assess your suitability for the programme and be able to answer any questions you may have.

Applicants must have a degree qualification, if you are not educated to degree level, you may wish to undertake our Foundation Course.

Applicants will be asked to provide the following:

• Two references (one of these must be academic) available upon request.
• A personal statement detailing your reasons for wishing to undertake this postgraduate programme of study. This should be between 500-1000 words and include your professional and academic experience, your interests, your motivation for undertaking this programme of study, and what you hope to gain for your career path and continuing professional development.
• Copies of your highest qualification (degree certificate and transcript).

During the formal University enrolment process, International students will be asked to provide a Personal Statement, ID, qualification certificates/transcripts, academic references and proof of English language level to UWTSD. This is in line with UK Government regulations for higher education institutions. Voice Study Centre (formerly Voice Workshop) will be supporting applicants and on hand to provide advice and guidance through this second tier of their application process with the University.

International Applicants

If an applicant has:

• Successfully completed a recognised undergraduate or postgraduate qualification, at a recognised institution based in one of the above majority English speaking countries (certificates, transcripts and/or other documents stating language of delivery and assessment may be required by the University prior to an offer being made).
• Successfully completed within the last five years a recognised undergraduate or postgraduate qualification at a recognised institution that has been certified as being taught in the medium of English (certificates, transcripts and / or other documents stating language of delivery and assessment may be required by the University prior to an offer being made).
• A UKVI recognised Secure English Language Test awarded within 2 years of applying for entry to the University.
• One of the following English Language Test documents awarded within 2 years of applying for entry to the University:

"I'm very proud to have been part of the very first cohort on this unique course graduating in 2019. It's led to a plethora of work opportunities and speaking engagements in one area of my specialism; working with brain injury sufferers and music. Last but not least I have become a published author of two books; creative songwriting journals which are both underpinned by my own academic research." - Sophie Garner