Choral Pedagogy and the Older Singer: Strategies for Lifelong Singing!

There is intrinsic value in lifelong singing. Singing with others is a noble deed that brings immeasurable satisfaction. Singing together involves teamwork and offers myriad rewards. It can enhance personal well-being, develop skill sets, and promote friendship. At any age, singing improves mental agility and calms an agitated mind. It is an activity everyone can include in daily life anywhere and at any time. Singing should have no expiration date. Lifelong singing should not be a lofty ambition, but rather a way of life. Those who wish to travel the road toward lifelong singing must, however, remain alert to the inherent changes and challenges of aging. They must be vocally “wise.” This workshop will help you gather the tools for healthy singing at any age and give you strategies for adapting to each season of life.

We did not always recognize that singing for a lifetime was possible. Beginning in the late 20th century, the medical and scientific communities joined with singers to investigate ways to help older voices mature healthfully. The study of the aging voice is a burgeoning field that includes anatomy, physiology, and acoustics as well as exercise physiology, nutritional studies, and neuroscience. We now know that the vocal instrument grows and changes incrementally from “cradle to grave.” The singing instrument is a fragile, finite one that is housed within the human body. It is a musical instrument that cannot be seen or touched by the singer or choral conductor. It functions as a response to mental signals and physical coordination. We will discuss the latest evidence-based choral pedagogy as it relates to singers over the age of 50.

Our interactive workshop will involve choral vocal exercises (warmups and cool downs) as well as skill building strategies for tone quality and range that are age and size appropriate for older singers. We will discuss ways to improve specific singing styles such as legato, coloratura, and dynamic changes. If you are a choral conductor, you will receive insight into repertoire choice, choral arranging, and rehearsal planning appropriate for older singers. If you are a choral singer, you will acquire useful skills and knowledge for your lifelong singing journey. As you consider the odyssey of the singing voice through the lens of the older singer, you will cultivate resilient, healthy voice practices for every age. Come celebrate the joys of lifelong singing!

🏷️ Price £30 (UK VAT inclusive)
🎥 Recording automatically sent to all who book (even if you cannot attend live)
▶️ Rewatch as many times as you like
📜 Certificate of attendance available