Habilitation for the Aging Avocational Singer
Tuesday 6th August 2024, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
As our population ages, the demand for voice teachers who can adeptly support the unique needs of aging singers is steadily increasing. This course, based on my paper “Habilitation for the Aging Avocational Singer” (Journal of Singing, January/February 2022 Volume 78, No. 3, pp. 347–354) explores voice pedagogy principles tailored specifically to the aging population. It equips voice teachers with the knowledge and tools to address challenges and maximize the potential of their aging singer clientele.
Course Objectives:
- Understanding Aging and Its Impact on the Voice:
- Examine physiological changes and their effects on the singing voice.
- Discuss challenges like loss of range, intonation issues, slower vibrato, and vocal fatigue.
- Pedagogical Interventions:
- Learn strategies for addressing challenges faced by aging singers: onset, power, intonation, vibrato, noise, and vowel production.
- Engage with exercises designed to strengthen and stabilize the aging voice, drawing from traditional methods and recent therapeutic advances.
- Accommodating Diverse Needs:
- Address the specific needs of various aging singer profiles, including avocational singers, retired professionals, and true adult beginners.
- Consider gender and age-related changes, with a focus on recent research concerning female singers and those navigating menopause.
- Promoting Lifelong Vocal Health:
- Emphasize the importance of daily vocal exercise, proper nutrition, hydration, and an active lifestyle in maintaining vocal health.
- Encourage a positive and proactive approach to aging, celebrating the unique advantages and experiences that older singers bring to their performances.
Course Features:
- Case Studies and Peer Feedback: Analyze your real-world scenarios and benefit from the collective experience of fellow participants.
- Resource Compilation: Receive curated resources, including recommended readings, exercise protocols, and referral guidelines for healthcare professionals.
Join us to enhance your skills as a voice teacher and make a meaningful impact on the lives of aging singers. Equip yourself with the expertise to support their vocal journey and ensure they continue to enjoy singing with confidence and joy.
This course is ideal for voice teachers, choir directors, and vocal coaches looking to deepen their understanding of the aging voice and expand their pedagogical toolkit.
🏷️ 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
Dr Dann Mitton
Independent voice teacher and researcher Dann Mitton earned his Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance (Voice) degree with a specialization in voice pedagogy...
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.
Tuesday 28th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
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Robert Edwin
The Balancing Act Model encourages singers to explore the extremes of singing, and from those extremes, establish their most efficient (balanced) voice and performance techniques. Join the renowned singer/actor and author Robert Edwin as he covers many aspects of the singing process including breathing, phonation, resonation, articulation, and attitude. If you’re involved in music theater or opera, you’ll find the Model to be especially helpful in developing character voices for roles such as Nathan and Adelaide in Guys and Dolls. If you’re just looking to find out what your body and voice can do, The Balancing Act Model can provide many answers!
Thursday 30th July 2026
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)
A VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS | Person-Centred Singing Teaching
William Leigh Knight
Only around 3% of the population fall into the category of amusia while over 17% consider themselves ‘tone-deaf’; and this does not account for non-singers, a wider group sometimes described as ‘tuneless’. So, who are ‘the voiceless’? Join William Leigh-Knight as he unpicks this question and considers the purpose of training a voice, when it is considered such a natural human attribute, and he expands on the principles that drive his own practice, which may be summarised as ‘person-centeredness’
Monday 3rd August 2026
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Tuesday 4th August 2026
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Wednesday 5th August 2026
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Thursday 6th August 2026
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Friday 7th August 2026
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
(London Time)
Level Two Certificate in Accents and Phonetics with Louisa Morgan
Louisa Morgan
Build on your foundational knowledge of accents and phonetics in this week‑long lunchtime course designed specifically for voice teachers. Whether you have completed our Level 1 Certificate or already possess a basic working knowledge of phonetics and accent work, this Level 2 course will help you deepen your skills, sharpen your analytical ear, and expand your practical toolkit for teaching.