The Contemporary Classical Singer: Incorporating New Music into Vocal Pedagogy!
Thursday 26th June 2025, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
Tuesday 1st July 2025, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
Today, vocalists are expected to perform in a variety of styles from bel canto to contemporary classical, musical theater, experimental, pop, etc. This shift from specialized technique to pluralistic embrace has been compelled by a number of factors: increased social awareness and criticism of classical music’s elitist past, growth of minority populations, the reliance of non-profit performance organizations on selling tickets in large venues, habitual programming of canonic “favorites” that may resonate less with younger audiences, and the subsequent decline of audiences.
These factors have seemingly intensified since public performances have returned following the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to show that they are moving beyond the elitism of the past, composers and classical music organizations have begun to brand their projects as “anti-establishment,” more frequently embracing popular music styles, big tech, and more relevant or accessible sounds to draw in new audiences. Traditional approaches to vocal pedagogy in higher education have endured, and with few exceptions, sidelined contemporary classical repertoire or vocal techniques. Ultimately, I argue that voice teachers have an ethical obligation to incorporate contemporary repertoire and pedagogical tools into voice lessons early and often. Because some audiences are drawn to programs of familiar and beloved works, canonic works will continue to be performed. However, an obsession with repertoire of the past can limit the growth of singers in regard to expressivity, flexibility, economic opportunity, and the ability to engage with contemporary music. Performing new music that explores themes that are relevant today, reflect on contemporary social and political issues, and that incorporate a diverse array of styles and genres is not only beneficial to singers, but to contemporary audiences as well.
In this two-part course, I will discuss industry trends, cultural pressures to move beyond the canon, and economic opportunities singers could more widely enjoy if afforded not only pedagogical knowledge related to contemporary works, but also foundational tools for continued research and promotion of these works. Drawing on extended interviews with professional singers, composers, and conductors in the “new music” scene, I will discuss the vocal strengths and deficiencies that working artists in the field observe. In the second class I will provide learning tools for taking on compositional challenges of new music and offer some curricular strategies for incorporating new music into the curriculum for singers.
🏷️ Price £50 (UK VAT inclusive)
🎥 Recording automatically sent to all who book (even if you cannot attend live)
▶️ Rewatch as many times as you like
📜 Certificate of attendance available
Page Stephens
Page Stephens is a mezzo soprano, voice teacher and arts administrator based in Austin, TX with a soft spot for new music. Stephens has premiered works by Reena Esmail, Matthew Lyons, Donald Grantham, Thomas B. Yee, Katherine Pukinskis, Dana Lyn, Adrienne Inglis, Russell Podgorsek, Mark Kilstofte, and many others.
Sorry, 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 5th August 2025
1:00 PM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday 12th August 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday 19th August 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday 26th August 2025
1:00 PM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday 2nd September 2025
1:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday 9th September 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday 16th September 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday 23rd September 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
(London Time)
Certificate in Acting Approaches for Singing Teachers

Louisa Morgan
Are you a singing teacher looking to elevate your students’ performances? Join our very own Louisa Morgan, as she takes a deeper dive into acting approaches that singing teachers can use to integrate powerful acting techniques into singing lessons. This 8 session course is perfect for those who want to help their singers connect deeply with the story behind the song. Gain practical tools and techniques that you can immediately apply in your teaching! Come along live for an interactive experience, or watch on playback at your leisure.


Thursday 28th August 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
What Broadway Singers Wish You Knew About Mixing!

Regina McAllen
Despite countless studies on vocal technique, few have asked Broadway singers to speak for themselves! In this research-informed session, Regina McAllen presents findings from her two qualitative studies, which amplify the voices of Broadway performers as they reflect on how they experience, develop, and refine their vocal mix. Through selected excerpts from performer interviews and surveys, these investigations offer a rare insider perspective on how elite singers approach and experience their mix on the Broadway stage.


Tuesday 2nd September 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Soul-Training: Riffs, Runs, & R&B Singing

Lisa Popeil
In this interactive workshop, participants will have an opportunity to explore an extremely popular vocal style known as soul singing or R&B (Rhythm & Blues). Lisa Popeil will share with singers, voice teachers, and anyone interested in this powerful vocal style some little-known techniques in producing this rich, emotional, and satisfying sound!