'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
Dr 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.
Attend this course for as little as £22 as part of the Voice Professional Training CPD Award Scheme.
Learn MoreSorry, 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.
Monday 7th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday 8th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday 9th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Friday 11th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Monday 14th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday 15th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday 16th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Friday 18th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)
Introduction to statistics and working with quantitative data for Voice Professionals: 8-Session Online Bootcamp
Dr David Cane
This certificated statistics course is ideal for individuals interested in laying a solid foundation in quantitative research methods. By focusing on essential statistical principles, you will be equipped with the tools to understand and apply quantitative research techniques effectively. Statistics is a crucial component of quantitative research; mastering it will enable you to grasp quantitative methods more confidently and precisely.
Tuesday 8th July 2025
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
(London Time)
Oxygen Advantage for Vocal Educators • Empowering Vocalists Through Breath
Kate Cubley
Are you a singing teacher or trainee voice educator eager to expand your toolkit? Join Kate Cubley at Voice Study Centre for a dynamic 2-hour lecture exploring the role of functional breathing in supporting vocal performance, vocal health, and resilience—for both you and your students. This engaging session introduces the Oxygen Advantage® method: a science-backed approach to breathing that can transform how you teach, coach, and care for the voice.
Wednesday 9th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)
Accents in Musical Theatre Singing!
Colton Weiss
Colton Weiss (he/they) is a professional dialect coach, actor, and lecturer (Ohio State Univ.) based out of Columbus, Ohio. With the continued popularity and development of productions that call for more demanding voice, speech, and accent work, dialect coaches, music directors, and actors must collaborate across jobs. Inspired from the text, Voice and Speech for Musical Theatre by Chris Palmer, and ongoing production experience, this presentation by Colton explores the intersections of accent work, and the musical skills needed for actors to perform in Musical Theatre.