Short Courses & Events / Archive

It’s Personal: How Personality Impacts Perception and Symptoms of Voice Problems

Thursday 10th April 2025, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (London Time)

For over 25 years, researchers have investigated the intersection of personality traits and voice disorders, uncovering a predictive relationship between a person’s personality and their likelihood of experiencing certain voice issues. For instance, extraverts, who are naturally more talkative, often face problems like inflammation or nodules due to high vocal use. However, recent research aims to dig deeper, exploring whether there's more to this story than just "extraverts talk a lot, so they have voice problems."

This course takes you on an intriguing journey into the relationship between personality traits and voice fatigue, shedding light on how specific personality characteristics can predict the likelihood of experiencing voice disorders. Students will dive into cutting-edge research examining the correlation between the Big Five Personality traits—Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, and Openness—and various voice conditions.

Throughout the course, learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of how personality traits, especially extraversion, are linked to voice problems such as inflammation and nodules. They will explore current perspectives on personality science and the behaviours that underlie voice problems, providing a deeper insight into this complex relationship.

Join us to uncover the nuances of how our personalities can influence our vocal health and discover the latest findings that could revolutionize the way we understand and manage voice disorders.

🏷️ Price £20 (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

Lynn Maxfield

Lynn Maxfield is the director of the Utah Center for Vocology at the University of Utah where, in addition to research activities, he coordinates and teaches at the Summer Vocology Institute.

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.

Level Two Certificate in Accents and Phonetics with Louisa Morgan
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.

Sex Hormones and Voice: From Puberty to Gender-Affirming Therapy
Thursday 6th August 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)

Sex Hormones and Voice: From Puberty to Gender-Affirming Therapy

Dr Silvia Ciancia

How do sex hormones define the human voice? Join Dr Silvia Cianca as she offers a comprehensive exploration of the vocal apparatus as a hormone-sensitive organ, analysing the physiological changes occurring at puberty as well as the changes induced by gender-affirming hormones initiated during adolescence. This session is specifically about the fascinating research on the influence of sex hormones on the voice, and the physical outcomes of gender-affirming care delivered to adolescents; it does not focus on vocal training itself.

Redefining Ethical Practice in Voice Teaching!
Tuesday 11th August 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)

Redefining Ethical Practice in Voice Teaching!

Dr Justin John Moniz

Join Dr Justin John Moniz as he examines ethical practice in voice teaching through a structured, evidence-informed framework for sustainable, student-centered pedagogy. Although voice teaching operates outside formal licensure models common to allied professions, teachers hold significant responsibility for students’ vocal function, artistic development, and long-term well-being. This course addresses that gap through a five-part paradigm grounded in the NATS Code of Ethics, contemporary research, and applied studio practice.