Fully Online MA Professional Practice Voice Pedagogy
Our fully online open pathway enables singing teachers, choral directors, instrumental teachers, voice coaches and speech and language therapists/pathologists to apply theory to practice within the broad field of voice. You can draw on a range of pre-recorded videos and live classes to tailor the course to your needs and design projects to enhance your practice. There’s content available that explores the recent research into all aspects of Voice Pedagogy, and it is rapidly expanding to encompass emerging areas such as singing for health, vocal habilitation, acoustic pedagogy, neuroscience and performance coaching.
Apply now for October 2023!
- Fully online and available to study internationally.
- Part-time to accommodate students with busy working lives.
- You can choose your own areas of research to tailor your own flexible pathway.
- Enroled students get additional free full access to all our online short courses.
- You’ll receive as much 1:1 tutorial support as you need.
- Student finance is available for UK students and US students can apply for a Federal loan.
Overview
- Our full MA Professional Practice (Voice Pedagogy) enables voice professionals 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 7:00am – 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.
Accredited by the University of Wales Trinity St David
Structure & Content
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.
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 adolescent male voices, Dr. Bridget Sweet on female adolescent voices. Dr.Filipa La and Joanna Bozeman explore the voice during menopause.
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 and Elizabeth Blades.
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. You will examine 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. The Timbron Theory of Transient voice production is analysed by Dr. Julian Chen.
Vocal Health
You will explore Voice disorders with renowned SLP specialist/published author Kerrie Obert and Dr. Robert Sataloff before moving on to voice therapy. You will consider ethical boundaries and the role of the singing teacher with leading voice therapists Leda Scearce and Peggy Baroody. 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..
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. Dr. 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.
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 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. Rockford Sansom. Deborah Garvey explores Linklater and the renowned Barbara Houseman communicates her eclectic methodology drawn from a wide sphere including singing pedagogy. We are at the forefront of examining the impact of Conversation Analysis on voice coaching with Dr. Elizabeth Stokoe and Sophie Scott.
Transgender Voices
You will explore Transgender voices with Dr. Bridget Sweet and Gillie Stoneham. 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.
The course consists of one non-assessed assignment and six micro-projects, allowing you to explore different aspects of your practice.
You will also receive step-by-step guidance on how to complete the assignments and engage in research.
| Formative Assignment | Open Choice |
|---|---|
Module 1: Introductory Module – 4,500 words |
This module facilitates the exploration of theory in part 1 with direct application to practice in part 2 |
Module 2: Research Methods – 4,500 words |
Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods |
Module 3: Work-Based Research Report – 7,200 words |
Open Choice: Choose an area of your practice to investigate. You can develop strategies for implementation and then test them out. Or you can deepen understanding by examining and analysing existing methods. |
Module 4: Independent Study – 9,000 words |
Open Choice: This is an opportunity to carry out a detailed literature review to strengthen your practice. Evidence of practice application can take the form of a curriculum, strategy design, tools, workbooks, etc. |
Module 5: Design an Artefact – 9,000 words |
This module provides an opportunity to design teaching tools and workbooks. It enables you to be creative and even compose or generate valuable digital content. |
Module 6: Final dissertation – 15,000 words |
The final piece will consist of primary research in an area of your choice. |
This course is highly flexible and self-determined, and this freedom is appealing to practitioners. That said, carving an independent pathway can be daunting. We, therefore, offer a blended learning approach combining taught lectures with independent research. The classes are diverse and act as a stimulus rather than a rigid syllabus. They provide a framework, sparking areas of interest and exploration.
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.
Tutor Support
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 7:00am-9:00pm UK time.
Applications
Our application process:
If you're interested in being part of our next cohort, please register your interest using the form at the bottom of this page and we'll send you an application form.
International Applicants
International candidates will need to demonstrate their English Language proficiency in line with the university admission requirements. The following list of countries are considered 'majority English speaking' countries:
Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Jamaica
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
United Kingdom
United States of America
An applicant may be considered to be a native English speaker through citizenship of one of the above countries - however, those applicants for which English is not their first language will need to satisfy at least one of the following before being able to undertake the programme:
- Successfully completed a recognised undergraduate or postgraduate qualification, at a recognised institution based in a majority English speaking country (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:
| NAME OF QUALIFICATION | LEVEL / SCORE REQUIRED |
|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) |
Minimum overall score of 6.0 with no lower than 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Listening or Speaking |
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) |
Minimum score of 169 or above with no lower than 162 in Reading, Writing, Listening or Speaking |
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) |
C1 |
Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) |
Benchmark Score of 56 with a Minimum Score of 51 in Communicative Skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking). Scores may fall below the Benchmark Score in the Communicative Skills by no more than the specified Minimum Score and in no more than two Communicative Skills. |
University of Wales Trinity Saint David: Wales Academic Language Test |
Minimum overall score of 6.0 with no lower than 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking |
Trinity Integrated Skills in English (ISE) ll |
Distinction in each component |
Trinity Integrated Skills in English (ISE) lll |
Pass or above overall, with Passes or above in each component |
International Baccalaureate |
Higher Level 5 or Standard Level 5 Language A or Higher Level 5 or Standard Level 5 Language B |
Cambridge IGCSE |
Minimum Grade C (grade 4) in IGCSE in English as a first language, Grade C (grade 4) in IGCSE in English as a Second Language satisfy the English language proficiency requirements for undergraduate study |
Fees & Timescales
| Programme of study | Credits | Length of course |
|---|---|---|
Full MA |
180 |
36 months |
The MA consists of 180 credits in total. There is an opportunity to exit with 60 credits and a Post Graduate Certificate (PGCert), though the majority of our students continue on to the full MA pathway. Please be aware that the PGCert is part of the MA as it forms the first 60 credits; it is NOT a separate course.
We’re now taking applications for our October 2023 cohort.
October 2023 Fees
| Programme of study | UK students | International students |
|---|---|---|
MA |
£9,995 (VAT inclusive) total cost $15,000 total cost |
£12,995 total cost |
| Programme of study | US Students |
|---|---|
Full MA |
$16,000 |
At the time of writing, the UK Student Loan Company (SLC) will offer up to £11,836 towards postgraduate tuition fees, which will be paid in instalments. Please note that once you have enrolled on to the MA with Voice Study Centre, you are contractually bound even if you do not complete it.
For student loan enquiries, please follow this link.
For UK based MA students, do be aware that student finance instalments may not align with the Voice Study Centre tuition fee schedule, though we do try an be flexible where possible. In this case, you will still have to abide by the tuition fee deadlines. This is due to differences in student loan schedules that individual applicants receive and it is not possible to facilitate differing agreements. Therefore there may be a requirement for temporary borrowing, and we would advise you to make sure that you are able to financially commit to this before your application.
Course fees are all non-refundable (apart from the initial £800 deposit which has the refundable 14-day cooling off period) and must be paid in accordance with the instalment schedule below.
Students from Northern Ireland are eligible for finance for the fees payable to the university only. Students from Scotland are currently not eligible for student finance - however, as policies do change please consult Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)
ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
October 2023 – MA Fee Payment Schedule
* discount of 5% applicable if full MA fee is paid up front
Please note that once you have enrolled on to the MA, you are contractually bound even if you do not complete it.
Students who require US Federal Student Aid funding will need to apply for the MA to access the loan.
Course fees are all non-refundable (apart from the initial $1000 deposit which has the refundable 14-day cooling off period) and must be paid in accordance with the instalment schedule below.
ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
October 2023 – MA Fee Payment Schedule
* discount of 5% applicable if full MA fee is paid up front
| UK £9,995* | INTERNATIONAL £12,995* |
|---|---|
£800 – Deposit |
£800 – Deposit |
£1,000 – 1st October 2023 |
£1,800 – 1st October 2023 |
£1,500 – 1st May 2024 |
£2,100 – 1st May 2024 |
£1,500 – 1st November 2024 |
£2,100 – 1st November 2024 |
£1,500 – 1st May 2025 |
£2,100 – 1st May 2025 |
£1,625 - 1st November 2025 |
£2,025 - 1st November 2025 |
£2,070 - UWTSD |
£2,070 - UWTSD |
| $16,000 USD* |
|---|
$1,000 – Deposit |
$3,466 – 1st November 2023 |
$4,467 – 1st November 2024 |
$4,467 – 1st May 2025 |
$2,600 – UWTSD |
UWTSD FEES ARE PAYABLE IN INSTALMENTS UPON REQUEST
Our Students
We currently have 230 students enrolled on our MA programme, across 32 countries!
