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.
Tuesday 4th November 2025
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
(London Time)
The Belt Voice in R&B/Soul Singing: Vocal Characteristics & Physiology
Dr Matt Allen
The belt’s got soul! This course offers a deep dive into the vocal artistry and biomechanics of R&B/soul singing, with a particular focus on the belt voice—a powerful and expressive vocal technique central to the genre. Drawing from over 80 years of stylistic evolution, the course explores how R&B/soul singing has shaped contemporary commercial music and investigates the unique vocal traits that define its sound.
Tuesday 4th November 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
(London Time)
The Science of Sound: Optimizing Vocal Acoustics for Contemporary Styles!
Dr Ana Flavia Zuim
This course explores the scientific principles underpinning vocal production, acoustics, and the care of the singing voice, drawing from both foundational texts and contemporary research. Students will engage deeply with concepts from Titze’s Principles of Voice Production and Bozeman’s Practical Vocal Acoustics, including the nature of sound, pressure waveforms, harmonics, formants, and the spectral envelope. Emphasis is placed on understanding both linear and non-linear source-filter models, highlighting how the glottis produces sound and how the vocal tract selectively reinforces harmonics to enhance vocal power, timbre, and efficiency.
Tuesday 4th November 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday 11th November 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday 18th November 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday 25th November 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday 2nd December 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
(London Time)
Introduction to Postgraduate Academic Skills - Join Live!
Debbie Winter
Are you ready to elevate your academic journey? Hosted by our very own Debbie Winter, join our comprehensive Introduction to Academic Skills course, designed to equip you with essential tools and strategies for success in higher education. Perfect for bridging the gap between undergraduate and postgraduate study, this course offers a pathway to our full MA for students without an existing degree. We offer both live, interactive sessions and standalone, pre-recorded content.