New Approaches to Overcoming Performance Anxiety and Building Resilience
Thursday 23rd November 2023, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
'Chairwork' represents a collection of experiential methods that use drama, movement and dialogue to bring about change. Central to Chairwork is the transformational power of action and the benefits of working with different ‘parts’ of self, including problematic subselves (e.g. critical or demanding parts) and vulnerable subselves (e.g. fearful or self-conscious parts).
Chairwork has been used within psychotherapy for over a century and has recently been incorporated into a growing number of coaching approaches. Research also supports the use of Chairwork: individuals who participate in these methods often describe them as deeply memorable, emotional and effective.
This experiential workshop will introduce you to the basic ideas or ‘pillars’ underlying Chairwork. Using a combination of didactic teaching, interactive exercises, practical examples and live demonstrations, we will demonstrate how Chairwork can be used to overcome different aspects of performance anxiety, including self-criticism and fear of negative evaluation. We will also explore how Chairwork can help students develop and nurture their own compassionate inner coach.
By the end of the workshop, you will feel confident experimenting with Chairwork in your practice and adapting it to different contexts, including ‘online’ settings.
Matthew Pugh
Matthew Pugh is a clinical psychologist, researcher, international trainer and Chairwork practitioner. He has worked in mental health settings for over 15 years...
Tobyn Bell
Tobyn Bell is a psychotherapist, researcher, lecturer and Chairwork practitioner. He has worked within mental health settings for over 15 years, including NHS and private organisations.

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.


Thursday 3rd July 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Vocal “Decathletes” – inside the hidden world of Session Singing!

Kim Chandler
What is a session singer? Officially it’s a freelance, short-term “singer for hire” brought in to be part of a live or recorded musical project. However, it’s more generally understood to be the “behind-the-scenes” singer who is regularly booked for paid recording work. The type of work (and pay) varies a lot. Session singing is a side of the music industry that is largely hidden from the public and isn’t easy to find out much about, even online. Join Kim Chandler as she unpicks this topic, based on 35 years of session singing!

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.