Hyperadduction: A Preventative and Therapeutic Approach to Voice Teaching
Tuesday 9th January 2024, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (London Time)
“Hyperfunctional vocal behaviours are considered to be a primary cause of the most common voice disorders: throat discomfort, vocal fatigue, nodules, polyps, oedema, inflammation and haemorrhage of the vocal folds.” – Freeman and Fawcus
Speech pathology has long been the therapeutic route for treating hyperadductive speakers. Other practices like physical therapy, The Feldenkrais Method®, Alexander Technique and yoga practices have also assisted practitioners in the alleviation of hyperfunction in the body.
This workshop is designed to provide voice teachers and professionals with strategies to counter hyperfunctional vocal behaviours (such as constriction and overexertion of the muscles around the larynx) and thus enable ease of vocal fold functioning. Self-awareness, muscle-release lengthening and awareness stretches, laryngeal massage, neck-release and alignment, athletic-aspirated onset, silent inhalation, and SOVT exercises/practices are the chief tools for addressing this ongoing vocal trend.
As vocal pedagogy evolves, we must challenge ourselves to constantly grow and adjust to the modern expectations of the different genres we hope to be qualified to teach. Utilizing an approach that puts health and longevity before aesthetic is a good way to begin the journey of embracing diversity within our scope of instruction.
Dr John Seesholtz
Dr. John Seesholtz, baritone, is the cofounder of the Canciones project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of Latin American music throughout all stages of academia and former Director of Vocal Pedagogy at the University of Colorado.
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.

Tuesday 18th March 2025
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday 25th March 2025
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday 1st April 2025
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
(London Time)
Empowering Your Personal Brand and Expressing Identity: Practical Strategies for Voice Professionals

Joshua Lee-Cummins
This three-week course provides voice professionals with a structured and interactive approach to defining their identity, connecting with their audience, and implementing small but impactful changes to enhance their practice.


Tuesday 1st April 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Female Musical Theatre Belting in the 21st Century

Dr. Christianne Roll
In the almost 100 years since the origin of the female musical theatre belt voice, the sound has become almost synonymous with Broadway itself, and has continued to develop and evolve, based on the storytelling needs of the musical theatre artform...

Thursday 3rd April 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday 17th April 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Tongue Tie: The Hidden Limitation Destroying Singers’ Technique, Progress, and Potential

Jessica Luffey
It holds true that improving vocal technique creates better sound and vocal freedom. But what if I told you there’s a hidden physical issue preventing some singers from progressing—one that most pedagogues, teachers, and even medical professionals are unaware of…?