Short Courses & Events / Archive

'Mal canto' and the cultural politics of voice pedagogy: provocations from a critical disability studies (CDS) perspective

Thursday 14th November 2024, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)

‘Mal canto’ and the cultural politics of voice pedagogy: provocations from a critical disability studies perspective.

Critical disability studies (CDS) is a growing field of academic enquiry that has gained considerable traction over the past two decades.   Encouraging us to think beyond typical medical and legal definitions, CDS analyses disability as a complex cultural, historical, political and relational phenomenon.

In this short course, I apply the insights of CDS to voice pedagogy and the academic discipline of voice studies, more broadly. I suggest that disability is highly relevant to our field in significant (and potentially surprising) ways.

In his book, Shakin’ All Over: Popular Music and Disability (2013), Georgie McKay coins the phrase ‘mal canto’ in opposition to the historico-pedagogical notion of idealised singing, ‘bel canto’ (lit. beautiful singing). In this course, I use McKay’s critical concept as a starting point for identifying and disrupting the potentially ableist norms that are often sustained within the field of voice studies and vocal pedagogy.

Key topics:  Critical Disability Studies, access, inclusion, disability justice

🏷️ 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

David Cane

David is a lecturer, researcher, singer, singing teacher and choir director.  He is a former choral scholar of King’s College, Cambridge where he studied for a degree in Theology and Religious Studies.

CPD Course Logo

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

Learn More

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.

Certificate In Applied Neuroscience And Voice with Voice Scientist Heidi Moss
Tuesday 22nd April 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 23rd April 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 24th April 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Friday 25th April 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Monday 28th April 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 29th April 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
(London Time)

Certificate In Applied Neuroscience And Voice with Voice Scientist Heidi Moss

This six-day course is designed to provide an introduction to the neuroscience of vocalization. It aims to provide a foundation for those who are looking to fuse science with art and understand that the voice is so much more than an instrument.

A Critical Overview of Perceptual Motor Learning: Coaching Implications
Wednesday 23rd April 2025
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
(London Time)

A Critical Overview of Perceptual Motor Learning: Coaching Implications

Michele Capalbo

Perceptual motor learning (PML) theory is characterised by the convergence of perception and action. PML focuses on how we teach, not what we teach, in order to optimise learning and ultimately, performance! This short course will outline strategies for teaching and coaching with both long- and short-term goals in mind. These strategies have been adapted for the voice from motor learning theory and the Alexander Technique.

Singing and the Brain: A Harmonious Connection
Thursday 24th April 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Friday 25th April 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)

Singing and the Brain: A Harmonious Connection

Dr Patricia Izbicki

Unlock the transformative power of music with our two-part lecture series that delves deep into the fascinating intersection of neuroscience, music education, and music therapy. This course aims to achieve three distinct objectives: to demonstrate the multifaceted benefits of music training and therapy, to equip you with a neuroscience-informed perspective for teaching, practice, and research, and to provide a comprehensive understanding of the science of singing across all stages of life. Join Dr Patricia Izbicki on this captivating journey and unlock the secrets of music's impact on the brain and human development!