Inspired Sound: Unlocking the Science of Choral Acoustics
Thursday 2nd October 2025, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (London Time)
This session will explore the fascinating science behind choral sound, offering choir singers and directors valuable insights into achieving a cohesive and expressive ensemble, no matter what their standard. The concept of choral blend will be examined —what it is, how it can be cultivated, and the roles of intonation and vibrato will be analysed. The decisions that have to be made around intonation when tuning thirds or dealing with modulations over the course of an a cappella piece will be explained in the context of existing research and different singing styles such as barbershop singing and solo voice ensembles.
The session will consider timbre and loudness and how different vocal qualities influence overall ensemble colour, gaining practical strategies to enhance sound quality. The session will also address the importance of synchronization between singers, how it has been measured in recent research at different levels (from onsets and consonants to heart rate variability) including techniques for aligning vowel shapes, entrances, and dynamic gestures.
Additionally, the influence of room acoustics and spacing will be examined, demonstrating how physical environment and positioning can amplify or diminish choir balance and clarity. This course will deepen your understanding of choir acoustics, empowering participants to refine their individual and collective practice for a more resonant, expressive, and confident ensemble performance!
🏷️ 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
Professor Helena Daffern
Helena is currently a Professor in Music Technology in the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology. She completed her PhD in Music Technology in the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology at the University of York in 2008 and obtained a Masters degree in singing performance from the University of York before training as a postgraduate at Trinity College of Music.

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