That’s What He Said: Gender Inequity in Sound Perception Research
Tuesday 30th July 2024, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
Did you know that women were not required to be included in clinical research in the western world until the 1990s? With many of the fundamental models of sound perception we still use today dating back to research conducted throughout the mid-1900s, it’s no surprise that gender inequities abound. This course will detail the historical roots of gender inequity and bias in sound perception research, contrast that against present day research methods, and explore cutting-edge research that highlights the many roles that gender may play in sound perception, as well as in singing, and why those roles may impact research outcomes.
Attendees will be encouraged to share their thoughts on: various sound examples, how they believe gender manifests in sound perception, and their experiences and observations of gender bias and inequities in the field. With a deeper understanding of what we know and what we don’t know regarding the role of gender in sound perception, attendees will be empowered to leave this course with a newfound curiosity and scrutiny of past and present sound perception models and a drive to push the field forward to be more inclusive and equitable.
Kristen Murdaugh
Kristen Murdaugh (she/they) is a voice pedagogue, voice scientist, singer, and activist. An evidence-based, identity-affirming, student-centered voice teacher, she believes in helping her students find their most authentic voices through the intersection of cutting-edge voice science and tried-and-true voice pedagogy.
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.
Thursday 11th December 2025
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
(London Time)
Picking Up Good Vibrations: Pedagogical and Clinical Voice Analysis!
Dr Calvin Baker
Voice teachers and clinicians strongly rely on auditory perceptual modes of voice evaluation. These are considered the gold standard for assessing voice quality and training effects (e.g., a singer’s progress from lesson to lesson or across voice therapy). Join Dr Calvin Baker as he explores techniques for instrumentally analysing the singing voice. Specific considerations for the challenges of obtaining reliable, robust, and comparable data will be presented, and practical recommendations for recording and analysing the singing voice in pedagogical and clinical contexts will be made.
Thursday 11th December 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
The Pedagogy of Vibrato: Integrating Science and Studio Practice
Dr Justin John Moniz
Vibrato is more than just a shimmer in the sound—it’s one of the voice’s most powerful tools for artistry and expression. In this dynamic course, Justin John Moniz—Associate Director of Vocal Performance and Coordinator of Vocal Pedagogy at NYU Steinhardt, and Associate Editor of the Journal of Singing—pulls back the curtain on vibrato, blending history, science, and studio know-how into an engaging exploration for singers and teachers alike.
Tuesday 16th December 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)
Inspired Sound: Unlocking the Science of Choral Acoustics
Professor Helena Daffern
In this session, Professor Helena Daffern will explore the fascinating science behind choral sound, offering choir singers and directors valuable insights into achieving a cohesive and expressive ensemble, no matter what their standard. The concept of choral blend will be examined —what it is, how it can be cultivated, and the roles of intonation and vibrato will be analysed. The decisions that have to be made around intonation when tuning thirds or dealing with modulations over the course of an a cappella piece will be explained in the context of existing research and different singing styles such as barbershop singing and solo voice ensembles.