Motor Learning In Singing: The Importance Of What, How, And When with Heidi Moss
Thursday 16th February 2023, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
When we learn to sing, we are engaging in very specific motor learning processes: we design exercises like scales and arpeggios, train on different vowels, and practice until we have a sense of automation.
However, much of the research in the motor learning field is derived from physical activities very different from singing.
Although the enthusiasm for the ideas is warranted, singers and teachers need to understand the uniqueness of the vocal motor system to best design learning strategies.
This short course will describe how the over 100 muscles are recruited in the brain when we sing. As the most complex behavior in humans, order and process are essential components to the system.
We will explore more efficient strategies for imprinting motor elements that will require less “undoing” and make singers feel progress and ease faster.
Heidi Moss Erickson
Heidi Moss, is a Bay Area performer, educator, and scientist. Noted for her “rich and radiant soprano” (Edward Oriz, Sacramento Bee) has performed on national and international stages...
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.
Tuesday 4th November 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday 11th November 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday 18th November 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday 25th November 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday 2nd December 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
(London Time)
Introduction to Postgraduate Academic Skills - Join Live!
Debbie Winter
Are you ready to elevate your academic journey? Hosted by our very own Debbie Winter, join our comprehensive Introduction to Academic Skills course, designed to equip you with essential tools and strategies for success in higher education. Perfect for bridging the gap between undergraduate and postgraduate study, this course offers a pathway to our full MA for students without an existing degree. We offer both live, interactive sessions and standalone, pre-recorded content.
Thursday 6th November 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
"Throaty Sounds": Cross-linguistics, Health, & Pedagogy!
Dayle Towarnicky
Glottal stops, vocal fry, creaky voice, and more! There are many types of “throaty sounds” that we make in spoken languages and simply in vocal expression. Many practitioners have historically expressed strong views about the health or use of throaty sounds: considering them risky or unhealthy, as well as displeasing. Join Dayle Towarnicky as she reconsiders the narrative around glottals and vocal fry to support our students' use of speech!
Tuesday 11th November 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
The Art of Teaching the Female Musical Theatre Voice!
Dr. Christianne Roll
The female musical theatre belt sound originated on the Broadway stage in 1930, mostly associated with Ethel Merman and her vocal performance of the song “I Got Rhythm,” in the Gershwin musical, Girl Crazy. In the almost 100 years since the origin of the female musical theatre belt voice, the sound has become almost synonymous with Broadway itself. Join Dr Christianne Roll as she discusses the up-to-date strategies and techniques to create this exciting vocal production for each specific singer.