Growl, Scream, Distortion: What MRI and High-Speed Imaging Reveal About Rough Vocals!
Thursday 5th February 2026, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (London Time)
The terminology used to describe rough vocal qualities remains far less standardized and considerably less researched than the concepts established in Western classical singing pedagogy. Terms such as vocal fry, fry scream, grunt, death growl, distortion, rattle, and undertone are widely used in contemporary and extreme vocal styles, yet their underlying physiological mechanisms are often inconsistently defined in both pedagogical and scientific contexts.
From an acoustic and voice-physiological perspective, the voice production mechanisms grouped under the umbrella term rough vocals represent a particularly fascinating field of study. Many of these vocal qualities involve double oscillation mechanisms, in which the true vocal folds oscillate in interaction with additional anatomical structures of the vocal tract, such as the ventricular folds or aryepiglottic tissues. These interactions result in complex vibratory patterns that strongly influence perceived sound quality.
This course examines a range of rough vocal mechanisms from a scientific yet practice-oriented perspective. The analysis is based on data from high-speed videoendoscopy as well as three-dimensional vocal tract configurations obtained through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). By integrating physiological imaging with acoustic analysis, the course provides insight into how different rough vocal qualities are produced and how they differ in terms of vibratory behavior, laryngeal configuration, and vocal tract shaping.
Based on these data, a functional classification of rough vocal mechanisms into distinct groups is proposed. Particular emphasis is placed on distinguishing mechanisms that allow for efficient and sustainable voice production from those that may increase vocal load if applied without appropriate technical control.
Throughout the course, scientific findings are directly linked to vocal pedagogy and clinical practice, supporting informed artistic expression while promoting long-term vocal health.
Dr Louisa Traser
Dr. Louisa Traser is a senior consultant, voice scientist, and trained singer at the Freiburg Institute for Musicians’ Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg. Her clinical work focuses on phoniatrics, with particular expertise in the care of professional voice users and phonosurgery.
Attend this course for as little as £22 as part of the Voice Professional Training CPD Award Scheme.
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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 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 10th September 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Dalcroze Eurhythmics in the Voice Studio
Dr Tish Oney
The Dalcroze Method taught by Swiss music teacher Émile Jaques-Dalcroze (1865-1950) has long been valued as a tool for teaching music in group settings (ensembles, choirs, music classes, etc.) But what about its one-on-one use in the applied voice studio? Join Dr. Tish Oney for this interactive short course and learn about the history and principles of this important method of music education. Through the employ of Dalcroze movements and concepts, singers and teachers explore music in ways that can reduce tension and increase the fun of music making, while encouraging discovery of technical and theoretical skill-building practices.
Tuesday 15th September 2026
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Games & Gadgets: Building Vocal Skills Through Movement & Play!
Naomi Lewandoski
How can simple tools such as exercise balls, bubbles, stretchy bands, straws, ribbons and even toilet rolls transform the way singers learn? Naomi Lewandoski is a singing teacher, voice educator, performer and workshop presenter with a passion for helping singers explore the voice through movement, curiosity and evidence-informed practice. In this interactive course she explores how games, gadgets, movement and play can help build vocal skills by creating greater awareness of how the body coordinates for singing.