Short Courses & Events / Archive

How Teachers Can Utilize Motor Learning Feedback to Accelerate Learning

Thursday 12th December 2024, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)

Communication is possibly the most important single aspect of training a singer. Feedback is an essential and quantifiable aspect of instructor-student communication. The research in the emerging field of evidence-based voice pedagogy has been directed primarily to the technical aspects of voice training, i.e. respiratory management, registration, and resonance. However vital these elements of teaching are, the method in which these are taught is as essential to the process of the student’s ability to learn and retain skills. Singing is a motor skill which involves the coordination of respiratory, laryngeal, pharyngeal, and articulatory muscles. Motor learning is a process that leads to a relatively permanent change in coordinated and skilled muscle movement. This change is an increased proficiency for skilful movement. Feedback is essential to improve the efficiency of skilled acquisition of motor skills. The timing, frequency, and content of feedback can allow a student to acquire skills more proficiently.

In this course, we look at how the mind and body acquire the skills to become proficient in singing and how teachers, through their communication, can best facilitate the rate and retention of motor skill acquisition.

🏷️ 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 Colin Johnson

Dr. Colin B. Johnson, bass-baritone, is a dynamic educator, performer, and researcher. Dr. Johnson enthusiastically teaches private voice lessons in a variety of genres including both classical and contemporary commercial music.

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

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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.

Introduction to Vocal Psychotherapy: Songs of the Self
Tuesday 23rd June 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)

Introduction to Vocal Psychotherapy: Songs of the Self

Dr. Diane Austin

This presentation draws on the methods and techniques of Vocal Psychotherapy, a new in-depth model of music psychotherapy developed by Dr. Austin, that incorporates breath work, natural sounds, vocal improvisation, and songs and dialogue within a client and therapist relationship to facilitate intrapsychic and interpersonal change and growth.

Unclenching the Jaw: Options from the Physio Lens
Thursday 2nd July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)

Unclenching the Jaw: Options from the Physio Lens

Walt Fritz

“Jaw tension” is one of many potential problems facing the singer, and can cause a direct negative impact on the performance in both direct and indirect ways. The underlying cause of jaw issues is attributed to numerous factors (technique, posture, strength, range of motion, etc.), making it often difficult to identify common denominators. Join Walt Fritz as he examines the evidence supporting stretching, strengthening, and manual therapy interventions to address jaw-related concerns in vocal performers, taking into account their unique needs.

Certificate in Foundations of Vocology with Adam Roberts
Monday 6th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday 10th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday 13th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday 17th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday 20th July 2026
7:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday 24th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)

Certificate in Foundations of Vocology with Adam Roberts

Adam Roberts

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.