Emerging and Developing Voice: Singing and Speech
Monday 12th January 2026, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (London Time)
During this short course we will consider the voice as we sing and as we speak. The acquisition of language is a very interesting journey from birth through old age. We will broach the topics of “lexical” which refers to learning words, and “semantic” which is how we use words in the context of language.
The development and changes in the oral and pharyngeal regions of the vocal tract is interesting. Magnetic resonance imaging measurements of the vocal tract for children at different ages shows when VT areas grow during childhood and youth year. It also shows sexual dimorphism between those assigned male at birth and those assigned female.
There is an order to the acquisition of various sounds, vowels, consonants, pacing, inflection, voiced and voiceless consonants throughout youngsters. We will look at this based on the English language. Throughout life we “remap” how we articulate different sounds due to variability of vibration, respiration, resonance, and the tongue’s pressure and flexibility. Dentition is an important factor in saying words and is more variable than we might think. It is understandable that sometimes, in the midst of growth and development, people may need help to formulate distinct sounds for vowels and consonants.
How does the singing voice influence the speaking voice? How does the speaking voice influence the singing voice? When is there a disparate relationship between the two? Can they help each other? Can one harm the other? How can we use them positively in the voice studio.
As each student comes into my studio, I instinctively first notice their voice as we greet one another. I notice the speed and volume they are talking, the range of their speaking, the suppleness or the lack thereof, and the energy they bring to these first moments.
Karen Brunssen
Mezzo-soprano, Karen Brunssen is Professor and Co-chair of the Department of Music Performance at Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University.
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 13th January 2026
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday 20th January 2026
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday 27th January 2026
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday 3rd February 2026
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday 10th February 2026
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.
Thursday 15th January 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday 22nd January 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday 29th January 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday 5th February 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday 12th February 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Trauma-Sensitive Voice Professional Certificate with Dr Elisa Monti
Dr Elisa Monti
Updated for 2026, this five-part certificate course is designed to help participants learn the theory and practice of trauma-sensitive approaches. The concepts and activities included are tailored to meet the needs of voice specialists who want to acquire more specific tools to navigate the space with their students and colleagues.
Thursday 29th January 2026
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Thursday 5th February 2026
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
(London Time)
The Emotional Voice: Past Theories, Present Practice
Louisa Morgan
From the Greek actor Polus of Aegina carrying an urn of his own dead son’s ashes onstage in Sophocles’ Electra (Konjin, 1997) to the so-called American Method acting of Hollywood in the 20th Century, how performers work with and express emotion has been a vital part of their craft and how they are perceived by audiences. Join Louisa Morgan for this two-part course, where she considers: How have theories of emotion developed over time? How could understanding theories of emotion help voice practitioners in their coaching of singers and speakers?