MA Voice Pedagogy - Specialising in Performance Coaching

Our MA Professional Practice (Voice Pedagogy): Specialising in Performance Coaching is a unique pathway aimed at musicians, dancers, singing teachers, voice coaches, and actors who wish to develop a career in performance coaching.

It is the only programme in the world that:

• Provides a solid theoretical foundation exploring the social and psychological needs of the performer
• Draws together up to date empirical evidence to deepen understanding of the pressures experienced by the performing artist
• Treats performers as unique and avoids a direct comparison to sports athletes or leadership and managers. Although some of the theories can be cross-applied, we recognise the individual needs of the performing artist. The course fuses relevant multidisciplinary approaches to provide a bedrock for further research and development
• Explores artistic-sensitive coaching and mentoring theory
• Applies theory to practice through the development of relevant coaching strategies for many artist-related purposes such as career coaching, dealing with stress, burnout, and coaching Performance Anxiety
• Builds valuable coaching hours to kick-start a career in performance coaching

This course is ideal for music teachers, singing teachers, acting coaches, and dance teachers who wish to embed coaching and mentoring singers, dancers, and actors within their practical sessions.

We have tailored content, designed to explore the core issues in Performance Coaching. These include the following:

The Psychology of the Performer
Identity, Self Efficacy, Self Conscious Emotions, Perfectionism, Self Criticism, Self-doubt and Procrastination, Occupational Relationships, Working Conditions, Financial Concerns, Career Progression and Burnout.

The Social Psychology of the Performer
Social Identity and Self Categorisation, Social Comparison, Group Norms and Social Exclusion, Social Cohesion, Social Facilitation and Self Presentation.

Coaching and Mentoring
Coaching and Mentoring definitions, Values and Ethics, Person-Centred Coaching, Solution-Based Coaching, Acceptance and Commitment Coaching, Narrative Coaching, Psychodynamic Coaching, Existential Coaching, Ontological Coaching, Positive Psychology Coaching, Somatic Coaching, Coaching Models, Active Listening and Coaching Skills

Music Performance Anxiety
Symptoms and causes of MPA, Kenny Attachment Theory, Triple Threat Vulnerability, Coaching strategies including Acceptance and Commitment Coaching and Mindfulness and other relevant coaching strategies

Sports Psychology and Peak Performance
You will examine two critical approaches; Psychological Skills Training and The Mindfulness Acceptance and Commitment approach. You will examine its efficacy in terms of performance enhancement and explore how to incorporate aspects into your coaching.

Motivational Interviewing
You will examine the Transtheoretical Model of Change, the general principles of motivational interviewing, alongside the research to support its application.

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: