A Voice Teacher’s Guide to Temporomandibular Disorders
Tuesday 4th February 2025, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
Have you or your singing students ever experienced jaw pain or tension during or after singing? This class is for you!
Temporomandibular Disorders are characterized by pain and functional limitations affecting the temporomandibular joints and surrounding structures. While this group of disorders is prevalent, conversations with voice teachers, voice pedagogy literature, and social media all suggest an incomplete understanding of TMDs among voice teachers and singers.
The purpose of this class is to outline a practical, science-based guide to Temporomandibular Disorders that would be relevant to singing and applicable for the voice teaching studio.
The class will begin with an overview of the anatomy and pathophysiology of the TMJ from the perspective of the biopsychosocial medical model and a summary of the literature describing the relationship between TMDs and the voice. How do TMDs affect the voice? What causes TMDs in singers? Does singing make TMDs worse? How can the singer mitigate the impact of TMDs?
We will then continue the discussion from the perspective of what to do as a voice teacher if you suspect your student may have a TMD. Topics include how to screen for a TMD, the voice teacher's role in diagnosis and management of TMDs, considerations for voice teacher response, and recommendations for adaptations in the voice studio.
The lecture portion of the class will conclude with a summary of major takeaways for voice teachers and a discussion of possible areas for future research.
There will also be a hands-on portion of the class, during which we will learn and practice an array of possible functional and vocal exercises that the voice teacher may offer for management of TMDs in singing. 10 minutes at the end of class will be reserved for question and answer.
Dr. Jane Clukey
Dr. Jane Clukey, mezzo soprano, is an active performer and teacher of classical and commercial singing styles from Maine, USA. She appears frequently throughout Maine as a presenter, adjudicator, lecturer, music director, and workshop facilitator.
Attend this course for as little as £22 as part of the Voice Professional Training CPD Award Scheme.
Learn MoreSorry, 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.
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This presentation draws on the methods and techniques of Vocal Psychotherapy, a new in-depth model of music psychotherapy developed by Dr. Austin, that incorporates breath work, natural sounds, vocal improvisation, and songs and dialogue within a client and therapist relationship to facilitate intrapsychic and interpersonal change and growth.
Thursday 2nd July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
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Unclenching the Jaw: Options from the Physio Lens
Walt Fritz
“Jaw tension” is one of many potential problems facing the singer, and can cause a direct negative impact on the performance in both direct and indirect ways. The underlying cause of jaw issues is attributed to numerous factors (technique, posture, strength, range of motion, etc.), making it often difficult to identify common denominators. Join Walt Fritz as he examines the evidence supporting stretching, strengthening, and manual therapy interventions to address jaw-related concerns in vocal performers, taking into account their unique needs.
Monday 6th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday 10th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday 13th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday 17th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday 20th July 2026
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Friday 24th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
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Adam Roberts
This 30-hour Vocology Cohort Intensive provides a comprehensive overview of basic vocal anatomy, physiology, and theories of voice production & perception, fundamentals of vocal health, pathology, evaluation, performance, and habilitation of the speaking and singing voice, and a survey of research, resources, and professional opportunities. Each week, advanced students contribute to cohort-centred learning with additional resources, discussion facilitation, and critical analysis. The course assessment will also be useful for those who wish to prepare for the PAVA recognised designation.