Singing for Lung Health: The Basics
Tuesday 2nd April 2024, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
According to a 2016 study, nearly 1 in 5 people living in the UK have received a diagnosis of lung disease, making it highly likely that clinicians and voice teachers will encounter a singer living with a lung disease such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary fibrosis.
Dysfunctional breathing patterns can result from attempts to compensate for underlying pathology. Mounting evidence touts the benefits of better breathing patterns for patients with obstructive and restrictive lung diseases, however learning to sing may impact other systems.
Reduced respiratory capacity is associated with dysphonia and patients with lung disease are at a higher risk of developing complications due to swallowing problems. Singing can strengthen the muscle associated with phonation and swallowing, bring awareness to the oral motor mechanism, and assist in coordinating multiple physiological components critical to the management of lung disease.
In this presentation, we will explore the current available research and theories about why singing is beneficial to people living with impairments in the respiratory system.
Dr Rachel B. Goldenberg
Dr Rachel B. Goldenberg is a leading authority on singing and lung disease. Dr Goldenberg’s doctoral dissertation focused on the use of singing lessons as an adjunctive airway clearance technique for cystic fibrosis, and...
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 25th November 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)
Singing In Regional Accents: Introducing a Strategy!
Jennifer Rhodes
Do you find your students lean towards a particular accent when they sing? Is there a discrepancy between their spoken and sung accent, or have they have been instructed to change their accent when they sing? Changing an accent can change the way a song is sung, and may unearth unforeseen technical vocal challenges. Join Jennifer Rhodes as she unpicks the latest research on this topic!
Wednesday 26th November 2025
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
(London Time)
Voice Study Centre Online Symposium 2025
Join us for our very first online symposium, dedicated to bridging the gap between artistic training and athletic conditioning for performers! Bridging the gap between artistic training and athletic conditioning, a diverse group of speakers and researchers will be delivering presentations and papers, focusing on promoting longevity and health of musical theatre performers. This symposium aims to elevate awareness surrounding the unique demands of performers, define best practices for training and care, and bridge the gap between different disciplines.
Tuesday 2nd December 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)
Vocal Health, Well-being and Hindustani Classical Music
Dr Sunny Sandhu
Join Dr Sunny Sandhu for a 2-hour course that introduces participants to the ancient practice of kharaj exercises in the Dhrupad tradition, focusing on the deep and resonant lower octave of the voice. Through guided breathing, slow tonal exploration, and sustained notes, students will learn techniques that strengthen the vocal cords, expand range, and develop clarity and stability in sound production!