Practical Magic*: The Art & Science of Balancing Voices with SOVTs and VFEs
Wednesday 22nd January 2025, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercises (SOVTs) and Vocal Function Exercises (VFEs) are celebrated tools in voice care and training, combining science, artistry, and practicality to promote vocal health, efficiency, and resilience.
SOVTs, or Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercises, harness the power of back pressure and airflow efficiency to create an optimal environment for vocal fold vibration. By balancing the relationship between airflow and vocal fold closure, SOVTs are uniquely effective in promoting vocal efficiency, reducing strain, and enhancing resonance—laying the foundation for healthy and functional voice use. Building on this foundation, VFEs are often described as the perfect blend of semi-occlusion, resonant voice training (RVT), and thyroarytenoid (TA) engagement. They are uniquely effective in promoting strength, balance, and coordination across vocal subsystems.
To fully unlock the potential of these powerhouse techniques, we need more than theory—we need practical skills for teaching, adapting, and applying them in real-world contexts.
In this hands-on, interactive workshop, Melanie Tapson—a professional singer, interdisciplinary voice specialist, and clinical voice therapist—explores the intersection of art and science in using these techniques to rebalance and refine vocal function.
You’ll discover:
- the mechanics of SOVTs and VFEs and how they leverage airflow, back pressure, and engagement for vocal efficiency.
- how VFEs combine principles of SOVTs, RVT, and TA engagement to create a balanced, functional voice across a variety of styles.
- practical strategies for teaching and adapting these exercises for diverse needs, from singers and speakers to clinical voice therapy clients.
Through live demonstrations, group practice, and peer coaching, you’ll learn how to:
- teach SOVTs and VFEs with clarity and precision.
- integrate their principles to support vocal health, recovery, and stylistic flexibility.
- troubleshoot challenges and adapt exercises for individualized results.
Interactive breakout activities will give you the chance to brainstorm new approaches, practice techniques, and build confidence in applying these tools in your own practice. Whether you’re focused on artistry, therapy, or pedagogy, this workshop will equip you with the skills to help your clients and students achieve vocal balance and success.
Join us for an evidence-based, practical, and engaging deep dive into the magic of SOVTs and VFEs — and leave inspired to bring balance to every voice you work with.
🏷️ 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
Melanie Tapson
Melanie Tapson is a professional singer, Singing Voice Specialist, and speech-language pathologist whose practice specializes in voice assessment and therapy...
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 16th December 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)
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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.