Exploring the Role of Identity in Creating a Life with Music
Tuesday 21st November 2023, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
This session will explore the ways in which our identification with music influences the modes and impact of musical participation throughout the lifespan. The paper will draw on data from a series of studies with amateur and aspiring/established professional musicians in order to examine the extent to which musical identity interacts with psychological and environmental factors to influence the roles that people choose for music to play throughout their lives.
We will think about the implications of such insights for music education: how can conversations about musical calling and connection to music support students to make decisions about the role of music in their future working lives; how can such discussions help students to lead healthy lives with music, particularly given the precarious and rapidly changing nature of work in music (which has been heightened by socio-political responses to recent world events); and how can knowing about our music identities help us to navigate planned/unplanned transitions successfully and healthily?
This session will combine discussion of emerging research literature in this area, and provide a space for us to think together about what this means for us as musicians, educators, students (and the myriad other identities we all hold!).
Professor Karen Burland
Karen Burland is Professor of Applied Music Psychology at the University of Leeds and is currently the faculty and university academic lead for work relating to employability and student futures.
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.
Thursday 13th August 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
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Dr Wendy LeBorgne
In the fast-paced world of contemporary commercial music (CCM) and musical theatre, belting is no longer a niche vocal effect; it is an athletic requirement. This evidence-informed, interactive workshop bridges the gap between vocal science and studio application. Led by voice pathologist and author Dr. Wendy LeBorgne, participants will dissect the physiological, acoustic, and aerodynamic demands of healthy belting. From establishing baseline vocal fitness to navigating the subtle stylistic differences between Broadway and West End aesthetics, this session will provid an actionable blueprint to build powerful, injury-resistant voices.
Tuesday 18th August 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 25th August 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 1st September 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8th September 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 15th September 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 22nd September 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
(London Time)
Musical Theatre Vocal Pedagogy Certificate
Kevin Wilson
Join Kevin Wilson for this six-part certificated course, offering an in‑depth, practical exploration of contemporary voice teaching for musical theatre. Across six focused classes, participants develop a systematic approach to vocal technique, diagnosis, and repertoire selection that reflects the stylistic, physical, and emotional demands of the genre. The curriculum integrates vocal science, embodied voice work, registration theory, and stylistic awareness across the five major sub‑genres of musical theatre.
Thursday 20th August 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
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John Henny
Join John Henny as he builds on the foundations of AI for voice educators by focusing on practical applications for running and growing a teaching studio. Designed specifically for voice teachers, the session shows how AI can support studio operations, content creation, research, and business development, with one foundational skill at its core: training AI in your own teaching voice, pedagogy, and communication style.