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 22nd July 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 29th July 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 5th August 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 12th August 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 19th August 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 26th August 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Certificated Public Speaking Coach qualification - with John Henny

John Henny
Would you like to be a certified public speaking coach? Join the renowned John Henny for this exciting new online course! This six-week online certification course is designed to equip voice teachers with the specialised skills needed to work with public speakers, corporate trainers, educators, and presenters. Unlike a general public speaking course, this program is specifically tailored to train-the-trainer, giving voice professionals structured methodologies, coaching techniques, and applied skills to enhance vocal delivery, confidence, and influence in professional speakers.

Monday 4th August 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 5th August 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Monday 11th August 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 12th August 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Monday 18th August 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
(London Time)
Disability and Neurodivergence within the Voice Teaching Studio

Dr David Cane
This 5-part course, hosted by our very own David Cane, offers a timely and reflective opportunity to explore disability and neurodivergence within the voice teaching studio. Grounded in the field of critical disability studies, it will be of particular interest to voice professionals who wish to foster a more inclusive, reflexive and accessible practice.

Monday 4th August 2025
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday 5th August 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday 6th August 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Thursday 7th August 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Friday 8th August 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
(London Time)
Introduction to Postgraduate Academic Skills - Join Live!

Debbie Winter
Are you ready to elevate your academic journey? Hosted by our very own Debbie Winter, join our comprehensive Introduction to Academic Skills course, designed to equip you with essential tools and strategies for success in higher education. Perfect for bridging the gap between undergraduate and postgraduate study, this course offers a pathway to our full MA for students without an existing degree. We offer both live, interactive sessions and standalone, pre-recorded content.