Once more, with feeling: Conductors' use of multi-modal assessments and directives to shape the music in choir rehearsals
Thursday 8th June 2023, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (London Time)
In this workshop, Dr Kathryn Emerson will explore her research into how choral conductors interact with singers during choir rehearsals within the rehearsal process.
Her work uses the qualitative methodology conversation analysis to examine how multi-modal ways of communicating (talk, vocalisations, gestures, etc) are used by conductors to convey meaning to the choir. In particular, conductors use assessments and directives to create change and shape the music during the rehearsal.
The workshop is ideal for choral directors, singers, musicians, and anyone with an interest in deconstructing how we communicate through the medium of conversation analysis.
Dr Kathryn Emerson
Dr Kathryn Emerson is a Psychology Lecturer at City, University of London, where she teaches research methods...
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.
Tuesday 16th December 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)
Inspired Sound: Unlocking the Science of Choral Acoustics
Professor Helena Daffern
In this session, Professor Helena Daffern will explore the fascinating science behind choral sound, offering choir singers and directors valuable insights into achieving a cohesive and expressive ensemble, no matter what their standard. The concept of choral blend will be examined —what it is, how it can be cultivated, and the roles of intonation and vibrato will be analysed. The decisions that have to be made around intonation when tuning thirds or dealing with modulations over the course of an a cappella piece will be explained in the context of existing research and different singing styles such as barbershop singing and solo voice ensembles.
Tuesday 16th December 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Unclenching the Jaw: Options from the Physio Lens
Walt Fritz
“Jaw tension” is one of many potential problems facing the singer, and can cause a direct negative impact on the performance in both direct and indirect ways. The underlying cause of jaw issues is attributed to numerous factors (technique, posture, strength, range of motion, etc.), making it often difficult to identify common denominators. Join Walt Fritz as he examines the evidence supporting stretching, strengthening, and manual therapy interventions to address jaw-related concerns in vocal performers, taking into account their unique needs.
Thursday 18th December 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
(London Time)
Improving Lyric Italian Diction for Classical Singers
Professor Conroy Cupido
Join Professor Conroy Cupido as he offers an in-depth exploration of the most frequent pronunciation errors made by classical singers in Italian lyric diction. Designed for both emerging and advanced singers, the course provides a structured and practical approach to mastering Italian pronunciation as used in opera, oratorio, and art song.