A Season of Change: Female Voice during Midlife and the Menopausal Transition
Thursday 29th July 2021, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
A Season of Change: Female Voice during Midlife and the Menopausal Transition
Voice changes during the menopausal transition are frequently reported, but are under-studied in voice research and largely overlooked in pedagogical resources. For female singers of all genres, even subtle voice changes can be confusing and discouraging, and in some cases, may lead to career disruptions. To help with potential voice issues and the natural changes of midlife, female singers as well as their teachers and choral conductors need information about the underlying hormonal landscape of perimenopause, menopause and effects on voice. To compassionately and effectively work with women of this age, the larger context of midlife should be considered, and voice recalibration and balancing guidelines understood.
Part One (ca. 25 minutes)
- Introduction
- History of menopause; bias in medicine and voice research
- Midlife versus old age in voice pedagogy
- Singing Through Change: interviews and book
Part Two (ca. 45 minutes)
- Overview of perimenopause and menopause
- Midlife: psycho-social-physiologic context
- Sex steroid (reproductive) hormones and voice; review of research
- Potential voice changes and the menopausal transition
- Related emotional responses
- Phases of voice changes in the menopausal transition
- Role of genre
- Role of midlife aging and lifestyle
- Hormone replacement therapy in 2021
Break (5 minutes)
Part Three (ca. 45 minutes)
- Awareness for teachers and choral directors
- Technique guidelines and shop talk
- Ongoing and upcoming research
- Closing
- Questions
Joanne Bozeman
A graduate of the University of Arizona, Joanne Bozeman has been a singing teacher for 46 years. In 2019, she retired from Lawrence University’s Conservatory...
Sorry, this is an archived short course...
We have plenty of upcoming short courses coming soon. See details of some of them below or look at the full list of short courses.
Tuesday 22nd July 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 29th July 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 5th August 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 12th August 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 19th August 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 26th August 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Certificated Public Speaking Coach qualification - with John Henny
John Henny
Would you like to be a certified public speaking coach? Join the renowned John Henny for this exciting new online course! This six-week online certification course is designed to equip voice teachers with the specialised skills needed to work with public speakers, corporate trainers, educators, and presenters. Unlike a general public speaking course, this program is specifically tailored to train-the-trainer, giving voice professionals structured methodologies, coaching techniques, and applied skills to enhance vocal delivery, confidence, and influence in professional speakers.
Thursday 24th July 2025
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
(London Time)
Transitioning From Soprano To Mezzo-Soprano - Pedagogical Approaches!
Dr Caitlin Moore
This workshop will explore the considerations for transitioning from soprano to mezzo-soprano. We will examine the history and vocal science related to voice classification as well as interviews with singers and voice teachers. Interviews feature singers who have experienced this Fach change themselves, as well as voice teachers who have helped singers navigate this shift.
Tuesday 29th July 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Towards a Jazz Pedagogy: Lessons from Legends and Educators!
Dr Autumn Griffin
Join Dr Autumn Griffin as she explores the foundational tenets of jazz pedagogy as both a conceptual and practical framework for teaching, in this two-hour workshop. Drawing from her research in “Towards a Jazz Pedagogy: Learning with and from Jazz Greats and Great Educators,” she’ll investigate how jazz (its historical and cultural legacy, structure, improvisation, and relationality) can be mobilized to inform dynamic, liberatory educational practice!