Group Singing As A Complex Adaptive System (CAS)
Thursday 7th July 2022, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
In this short course, Dr Dave Camlin will outline some of the implications of understanding group singing as a complex adaptive system (CAS).
While perhaps hundreds of psychological, biological, social, and behavioural mechanisms might be implicated in the experience of singing together, how we understand such complex intra-actions presents an epistemological conundrum.
Participant reports of ‘magic moments’ point toward group singing as the experience of an ‘entangled state’, whereby our understanding of causality is radically altered.
As well as troubling our understanding of what we ‘know’ about it, thinking of group singing as a CAS also invites us to consider what we ‘do’ with it, and how we research it.
Drawing on perspectives as diverse as vitality dynamics (Stern, 2010) and quantum theory (Barad, 2007), the course will explore the complexity of issues surrounding group singing as it relates to health and (mutual) recovery; interpersonal attunement and entrainment; performance (of relationships and values as much as musical works), addressing such questions as:
- What does it mean to think of music (specifically group singing) as a complex adaptive system (CAS)?
- What human (or posthuman) values are ‘performed’ during group singing, and how might they be fostered?
- What is a ‘healthy public’, and how does group singing support such development?
- How might we connect the act of singing together to issues of sustainable global development?
Dr Dave Camlin
Dr Dave Camlin’s musical practice spans performance, composition, teaching, socially-engaged music practice and research. A singer / song-writer by trade...
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.
Monday 27th April 2026
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Tuesday 28th April 2026
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Wednesday 29th April 2026
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Thursday 30th April 2026
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
(London Time)
Certificate in Coaching Emotional Vocal Expression
Louisa Morgan
Understanding emotions is crucial for coaching performers towards more authentic and compelling performances. However, working with emotions can be challenging, both physiologically and mentally. This course will introduce you to theories of emotion and the connections between the brain, body, and voice. We will then discuss how to work effectively with emotions when coaching speakers or singers, considering the physical and mental demands.
Monday 27th April 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 28th April 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 29th April 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 30th April 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Friday 1st May 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 5th May 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
(London Time)
Certificate In Applied Neuroscience And Voice with Voice Scientist Heidi Moss
This six-day course is designed to provide an introduction to the neuroscience of vocalization. It aims to provide a foundation for those who are looking to fuse science with art and understand that the voice is so much more than an instrument.
Tuesday 28th April 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Teaching Children in Group Voice Settings: Structure, Pedagogy, and Practice!
Dana Lentini
Join Dana Lentini as she explores practical and pedagogical strategies for designing and teaching successful group singing classes for children. Drawing on principles of pediatric vocal pedagogy and classroom teaching practice, participants will learn how to structure classes that balance vocal development, musicianship, and creative engagement. Particular attention will be given to a five-stage teaching framework that progresses from mind–body awareness and breath coordination through musicianship, vocal technique, and repertoire study.