Teaching the passaggio and high range of tenor, baritone and bass voices in Western Classical and contemporary genres
Thursday 8th August 2024, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
American pedagogue Berton Coffin referred to the passaggio of tenor, baritone, and bass voices as “the hole in the sky.” Coffin recognized that if the singer could master the passaggio area, range expansion above it would be possible, opening up exciting possibilities for the singer technically, expressively and perhaps professionally.
This course will explore strategies for successfully teaching tenor, baritone, and bass voices how to negotiate the passaggio and to access the extension above it for both Western Classical and Contemporary genres of singing.
The course will begin with a review of relevant anatomy, physiology, and acoustics, providing a framework for the science-informed pedagogical strategies that follow. Habilitative exercises and developmental repertoire selection will be included in the discussion. Similarities and differences in approach between Western Classical and Contemporary genres will be a particular focus of the course.
Throughout the course, time will be provided where attendees can ask questions.
Professor John Nix
John Nix is Professor of Voice and Voice Pedagogy and chair of the voice area at the University of Texas at San Antonio. His mentors include Barbara Doscher...
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
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Tuesday 28th April 2026
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Wednesday 29th April 2026
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Thursday 30th April 2026
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Tuesday 5th May 2026
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Tuesday 12th May 2026
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Tuesday 19th May 2026
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Voice pedagogy has advanced significantly in the last decades in relation to knowledge of the vocal apparatus (anatomy and mechanics), acoustics, and performance psychology (to name just a few subfields) – this is a wonderful thing! Nonetheless, musicianship and the foundations of music theory are still relevant to the teaching and coaching of singers and this course aims to empower voice teachers and coaches with skills to support the fundamental musicianship development of their students.
Thursday 7th May 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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