Short Courses & Events / Archive

Muscle Tension Dysphonia in the Singing Voice!

Friday 27th March 2026, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (London Time)

A specialist course for singing teachers and voice professionals!

Designed specifically for those working with singers, this in-depth course explores Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) through the lens of the singing voice - bridging clinical research and studio practice.

Based on a five-year investigative project, the course equips singing teachers with the knowledge and practical tools needed to confidently understand MTD, and support singers experiencing MTD beyond their initial therapeutic input.

What You’ll Gain

  • A clear understanding of the physiology and biomechanics underpinning MTD
  • Insight into primary MTD, including the patterns associated with 4 types
  • Recognition of key symptoms in both spoken and singing voice
  • Awareness of common causes and contributing factors (including stress, vocal load, posture, reflux, and anxiety)
  • Guidance on general diagnosis pathways and the roles of GP, ENT, and SLT
  • Exploration of evidence-informed treatment approaches, including: Accent Method, Estill Voice Training elements, Vocal Function Exercises, SOVT work (including Lax Vox) and tension-release strategies.

Practical, studio-based approaches to support recovery and prevent recurrence with consideration of the psychological impact of MTD will be included, with the aim of empowering singers through rehabilitation.

Why This Course Matters

MTD is increasingly prevalent, yet there remains a significant resource gap for singing teachers. Early recognition and informed support can reduce recurrence, improve rehabilitation outcomes, protect vocal longevity, strengthen collaborative relationships with clinical professionals, Keep the singer confidently at the centre of the process

This course provides both the theoretical framework and practical applications needed to integrate MTD awareness into your everyday teaching.

Whether you are encountering singers with persistent fatigue, range restriction, strain, breathiness, or unexplained vocal change, this training will enhance your support skills and expand your studio toolkit.

🏷️ 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 Claire Thomas

Claire is a singer, singing teacher and voice researcher. She currently lectures in singing on the Musical Theatre programmes at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and runs a private singing studio just outside Edinburgh.

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 Coaching Emotional Vocal Expression
Monday 27th April 2026
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Tuesday 28th April 2026
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Wednesday 29th April 2026
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Thursday 30th April 2026
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
(London Time)

Certificate in Coaching Emotional Vocal Expression

Louisa Morgan

Understanding emotions is crucial for coaching performers towards more authentic and compelling performances. However, working with emotions can be challenging, both physiologically and mentally. This course will introduce you to theories of emotion and the connections between the brain, body, and voice. We will then discuss how to work effectively with emotions when coaching speakers or singers, considering the physical and mental demands.

Certificate In Applied Neuroscience And Voice with Voice Scientist Heidi Moss
Monday 27th April 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 28th April 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 29th April 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 30th April 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Friday 1st May 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 5th May 2026
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.

Teaching Children in Group Voice Settings: Structure, Pedagogy, and Practice!
Tuesday 28th April 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)

Teaching Children in Group Voice Settings: Structure, Pedagogy, and Practice!

Dana Lentini

Join Dana Lentini as she explores practical and pedagogical strategies for designing and teaching successful group singing classes for children. Drawing on principles of pediatric vocal pedagogy and classroom teaching practice, participants will learn how to structure classes that balance vocal development, musicianship, and creative engagement. Particular attention will be given to a five-stage teaching framework that progresses from mind–body awareness and breath coordination through musicianship, vocal technique, and repertoire study.