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.
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
7:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday 24th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Certificate in Foundations of Vocology with Adam Roberts
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.
Tuesday 21st July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Understanding and Working With Low Self-Esteem in Voice Users
Dr Luke Aldridge-Waddon
Join Dr Luke Aldridge-Waddon as he introduces a cognitive-behavioural approach to understanding and working with low self-esteem. Low self-esteem is associated with a range of psychological and physical health difficulties, including issues relevant to voice disorders and vocal performance. The presentation will first define low self-esteem before discussing psychological factors relevant to its development and maintenance. Luke will review existing research which characterises low self-esteem as a commonly reported experience across voice use and voice disorder groups, with some suggestions for how this might then be approached within a voice clinic and voice coaching context.
Friday 24th July 2026
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
(London Time)
In Conversation With… Dr Tracy Bourne
Dr Tracy Bourne
Join us for the next conversation in our public interview series exploring vocal health and sustainability in musical theatre performance, this time with music theatre voice specialist, Dr Tracy Bourne! Free and open to all!