Short Courses & Events / Archive

From Broadway to the West End: Teaching Musical Theatre in a Modern Era

Tuesday 21st January 2025, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)

As the world of musical theatre evolves, voice professionals face the unique challenge of preparing singers for an industry that demands not only vocal excellence but also stylistic versatility and resilience. In this engaging two-hour workshop, Melanie Tapson - a professional performer, interdisciplinary voice specialist and clinical voice therapist - focuses on equipping voice educators with practical tools to help their students thrive at every stage of their career, all the way to Broadway, the West End, and beyond.

Through a voice-centred lens, this workshop will explore:

  • the essential vocal techniques shaping contemporary musical theatre, from belting and pop/rock mixing to strategies for vocal conditioning (and re-conditioning, too)
  • current trends in vocal styles and sound preferences across genres, and what they reveal about industry shifts
  • practical approaches for bridging the gap between classical and contemporary musical theatre training, helping singers build versatility with a priority focus on vocal health

Melanie will blend practical pedagogy with voice science, sharing research-backed insights into anatomy, physiology, and acoustics. You’ll discover:

  • how to teach singers to connect technical choices with emotional storytelling in song analysis and acting through song.
  • how to prepare students for real-world challenges, such as adapting quickly to new material, managing vocal demands during long contracts, and auditioning with confidence.
  • tools you can use to help analyse resonance and optimize vocal production.

Interactive exercises and case-based discussions will guide participants in developing actionable teaching strategies tailored to the needs of today’s performers. Whether you’re helping singers identify their “hit” roles, expand their stylistic range, or sustain vocal excellence under pressure, this workshop will provide the insights and tools to make your teaching more effective and impactful.

Join us for a practical, research-driven exploration of musical theatre pedagogy designed specifically for voice professionals, and leave inspired to help vocalists take centre stage!

🏷️ 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

Melanie Tapson

Melanie Tapson is a professional singer, Singing Voice Specialist and clinical voice pathologist with a busy hybrid voice practice in Toronto. She holds a BFA (jazz performance, voice/drums), a BEd (senior vocal music/drama), and an MSc in speech pathology. She has performed on international stages including for Disney Cruise Line and touring with Juno Award winning groups, and she continues to sing and do voiceover work when time permits.

CPD Course Logo

Attend this course for as little as £22 as part of the Voice Professional Training CPD Award Scheme.

Learn More

Sorry, 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.

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Friday 10th July 2026
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Monday 13th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday 17th July 2026
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Monday 20th July 2026
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Friday 24th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)

Certificate in Foundations of Vocology with Adam Roberts

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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.

Understanding and Working With Low Self-Esteem in Voice Users
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

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In Conversation With… Dr Tracy Bourne
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!