Science vs Artistry: Key Issues in the Imagery Debate
Thursday 30th January 2025, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (London Time)
This practical and interactive course will introduce attendees to key issues surrounding imagery-use in singing pedagogy.
Imagery has been, and continues to be, a foundational strategy in the teaching of singing. With advances in understandings of voice science and wider educational theories, imagery strategies have developed to include a range of multi-modal approaches. However, despite these developments, there continues to be antagonism between imagery-based and science-based singing pedagogy.
This course will provide attendees with:
- An overview of imagery-use in the history of vocal pedagogy
- An outline of different imagery strategies available for singing teachers
- An evaluation of the effectiveness of different imagery strategies
- An introduction to the science vs artistry debate in relation to imagery-use
- Suggestions for further research and practice to address issues in the imagery debate
Through practical demonstration, theoretical discussion and peer-to-peer skill sharing, this course will give the audience an opportunity to consider the core issues and assess potential solutions to the imagery vs science debate. The central presentation will be followed by opportunity for Q&A, as well as sharing practical strategies that might be applicable to attendees current practice-based context.
Jenna Brown
Jenna has authored over 20 peer reviewed publications and conference proceedings, with recent publications on voice and choral pedagogy in the Journal of Voice, The Voice and Speech Review and Australian Voice.
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 28th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
“Too Much, Too Little, Just Right!” - The Balancing Act Model
Robert Edwin
The Balancing Act Model encourages singers to explore the extremes of singing, and from those extremes, establish their most efficient (balanced) voice and performance techniques. Join the renowned singer/actor and author Robert Edwin as he covers many aspects of the singing process including breathing, phonation, resonation, articulation, and attitude. If you’re involved in music theater or opera, you’ll find the Model to be especially helpful in developing character voices for roles such as Nathan and Adelaide in Guys and Dolls. If you’re just looking to find out what your body and voice can do, The Balancing Act Model can provide many answers!
Thursday 30th July 2026
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)
A VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS | Person-Centred Singing Teaching
William Leigh Knight
Only around 3% of the population fall into the category of amusia while over 17% consider themselves ‘tone-deaf’; and this does not account for non-singers, a wider group sometimes described as ‘tuneless’. So, who are ‘the voiceless’? Join William Leigh-Knight as he unpicks this question and considers the purpose of training a voice, when it is considered such a natural human attribute, and he expands on the principles that drive his own practice, which may be summarised as ‘person-centeredness’
Monday 3rd August 2026
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Tuesday 4th August 2026
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Wednesday 5th August 2026
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Thursday 6th August 2026
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Friday 7th August 2026
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
(London Time)
Level Two Certificate in Accents and Phonetics with Louisa Morgan
Louisa Morgan
Build on your foundational knowledge of accents and phonetics in this week‑long lunchtime course designed specifically for voice teachers. Whether you have completed our Level 1 Certificate or already possess a basic working knowledge of phonetics and accent work, this Level 2 course will help you deepen your skills, sharpen your analytical ear, and expand your practical toolkit for teaching.