Science vs Artistry: Key Issues in the Imagery Debate

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.