The Empathetic Voice Teacher
Tuesday 23rd January 2024, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (London Time)
Studies show that empathic voice teachers generate more successful singers. This is unsurprising as empathy is considered to be one of the most important emotional characteristics among teachers as it enables successful communication and connection with students. For voice teachers specifically, empathy is further considered essential for training students both physically and psychologically.
But how exactly do we demonstrate empathy in voice teaching?
Join Dr Heather Fletcher (The University of Melbourne) and Dr Amanda E. Krause (James Cook University) as they delve into the impact empathy has on voice teaching practices. In this session, you will learn how fostering empathy in one-to-one lessons can facilitate the voice teacher’s ability to:
- listen and communicate effectively;
- generate positive, moral, caring, and trustworthy relationships;
- support a student’s ability to cope in the performing arts industry; and
- assist in diagnosing vocal issues in students.
They will further draw on their research on expert voice teachers to discuss how successful empathic teaching facilitates student success. You will learn how to integrate these aspects into your own pedagogy and consider how such skills might benefit your teaching, your studio, and your students.
Dr Heather Fletcher
Dr Heather Fletcher is a lecturer and voice teacher at The University of Melbourne. Her PhD in music psychology focused on the practices of expert voice teachers in Australia and her research has been disseminated in both academic journals and conferences worldwide.
Dr Amanda E. Krause
Dr Amanda E. Krause is a Lecturer (Psychology) in the College of Healthcare Sciences at James Cook University (Queensland, Australia). She also currently serves as President of the Australian Music & Psychology Society.
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 11th August 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Redefining Ethical Practice in Voice Teaching!
Dr Justin John Moniz
Join Dr Justin John Moniz as he examines ethical practice in voice teaching through a structured, evidence-informed framework for sustainable, student-centered pedagogy. Although voice teaching operates outside formal licensure models common to allied professions, teachers hold significant responsibility for students’ vocal function, artistic development, and long-term well-being. This course addresses that gap through a five-part paradigm grounded in the NATS Code of Ethics, contemporary research, and applied studio practice.
Wednesday 12th August 2026
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
(London Time)
MA Voice Pedagogy: Online Information Session & Q&A
Debbie Winter
Considering our MA Voice Pedagogy? Join our Director for a focused online presentation and discussion to explore the course, ask questions, and discover whether postgraduate study at Voice Study Centre is right for you.
Thursday 13th August 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Training the Vocal Athlete: Strategies for Efficient Belting in the 21st Century Market!
Dr Wendy LeBorgne
In the fast-paced world of contemporary commercial music (CCM) and musical theatre, belting is no longer a niche vocal effect; it is an athletic requirement. This evidence-informed, interactive workshop bridges the gap between vocal science and studio application. Led by voice pathologist and author Dr. Wendy LeBorgne, participants will dissect the physiological, acoustic, and aerodynamic demands of healthy belting. From establishing baseline vocal fitness to navigating the subtle stylistic differences between Broadway and West End aesthetics, this session will provid an actionable blueprint to build powerful, injury-resistant voices.