The Dog’s Meow: The Countertenor Voice in the 21st Century
Tuesday 2nd July 2024, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
Dr. Lawrence Zazzo, an accomplished operatic countertenor and Handel scholar, will give an overview on the reception of the countertenor voice, reflecting on early modern views on the erotics of the castrato and contextualising the modern reception of countertenor performances of both Baroque and new music within the context of his own 30 year career as a performer, teacher and scholar, with some reflection on his ongoing creative practice research projects.
His talk will be followed by a Q&A session.
Dr. Lawrence Zazzo
Dr. Lawrence Zazzo is an internationally recognised countertenor as well as historical musicologist. Currently Head of Performance and Senior Lecturer at Newcastle University, he was formerly a vocal professor at both the Royal College and Royal Academy of Music in London and continues to perform in concert halls and opera houses throughout the world.
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 28th October 2025
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
(London Time)
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Professor John Nix
“Best practices.” “Practice makes perfect.” “Practice what you preach.” There are many popular phrases about practice that people toss about in conversation – but what is practice anyway, how does it work, and what is the relationship between practicing, learning, and performance? This course will examine current evidence from motor learning research on how we learn motor skills like singing. We’ll define practice, learning, and performance, and the importance of distinguishing learning from performance in how we practice.
Wednesday 29th October 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
A neurodiversity-affirmative approach to the voice!
Hilary Davies
In recent years, the music therapy profession has begun to consider the application of the neurodiversity paradigm to music therapy practice, in particular In relation to autism, and an increasing amount of literature embracing this perspective has been published. This lecture, delivered from a lived experience perspective, will provide an explanation of the key concepts around neurodiversity - particular consideration will be given to the use of the voice, both one's own but also to the neurodivergent individual’s particular ways of using language, song and vocal sounds.
Thursday 30th October 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday 6th November 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 13th November 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 20th November 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 27th November 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
(London Time)
Certificate in Gender-Affirming Voice & Communication with Gillie Stoneham
Gillie Stoneham
In this five-part course, join Gillie for a deep dive into coaching transgender voices, drawing on her specialist knowledge to deliver introductory and orientation material right through to professional competence and vocal coaching implications – and everything in between!