Psychological Influences on Voice Production: An Exploration of Emotional and Cognitive Processes
Tuesday 3rd September 2024, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
Voice Production is a complicated balance within the systems of respiration, phonation, resonation, and articulation. What we know about this balance can help create training and rehabilitation strategies in the voice studio and voice clinic. However, beyond these physiological factors, deeper psychological factors influence voice production and without a solid understanding of the psychosocial influences on voice production, even the best training tools can be rendered insufficient.
This workshop will cover the major psychological domains of emotion and cognition and how these domains interact with the physiological systems of voicing and speech.
The workshop will include a brief introduction to the domains of attention, working memory, self-regulation, interoception, effort, threat sensitivity, and reward seeking behaviours, providing solid theoretical foundations of each domain and how these domains interact with the systems of voice and speech.
Following theoretical instruction, the workshop will present how research investigates each domain, how specific research paradigms in the psychological sciences are modified to address the unique neurological underpinnings of motor behaviour in voice and speech, and why modifications are necessary.
Following a discussion on the research into each domain, the workshop will discuss how research findings can be applied to pedagogical and clinical practice.
Lastly, the workshop will discuss how these basic psychological domains contribute to higher level psychological processes such as the sense of self (including impression management), confidence, performance anxiety, and practice behaviours.
This workshop will include didactic presentations and topic directed discussions.
Miriam van Mersbergen
Miriam van Mersbergen is an Associate Professor in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Memphis where she teaches Anatomy & Physiology of the Speech Mechanism, Voice Disorders, Advanced Clinical Instrumentation for Voice, and Dysphagia.
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.
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.
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.
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.