Short Courses & Events / Archive

The Evolving Singing Voice: The Senior Years

Thursday 6th October 2022, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)

This short course draws information from Chapter 6 of Karen’s Book, The Evolving Singing Voice: Changes Across the Life Span – The Senescent Singer.

Vocal changes and their impact on singing sometimes prompt singers in their fifth, sixth, and even seventh decade of life to seek help with their voices.

At this point, a teacher well-equipped with explanations and solutions can be a great help.

Karen has worked with many aging amateur and professional singers one-on-one and within the ensemble setting. She is also an older singer herself.

This course will address the impact of aging factors on “the senescent singer?”

Are there specific exercises that can address changing issues?

What are reasonable healthy expectations for singing?

What causes these changes? What changes in our sensations and why?

At the end of the course, you will have a depth of understanding and many ways to help our beloved senior singers.

Karen Brunssen

Mezzo-soprano, Karen Brunssen is Professor and Co-chair of the Department of Music Performance at Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University. 

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.

Learn to Coach RP and SSBE – a Certificate in Accent Coaching
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Wednesday 11th March 2026
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Wednesday 18th March 2026
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Wednesday 25th March 2026
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Wednesday 1st April 2026
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday 8th April 2026
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Learn to Coach RP and SSBE – a Certificate in Accent Coaching

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This six-week course is an opportunity to learn about both Received Pronunciation and Standard Southern British English. Rather than a course in learning how to speak RP/SSBE (there are many brilliant available courses for this already), this course is about learning how to coach it.

Muscle Tension Dysphonia in the Singing Voice!
Friday 27th March 2026
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
(London Time)

Muscle Tension Dysphonia in the Singing Voice!

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A specialist course for singing teachers and voice professionals! Designed specifically for those working with singers, this in-depth course with Dr Claire Thomas explores Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) through the lens of the singing voice - bridging clinical research and studio practice.

Leaning Into Discomfort: Supporting Regulation and Resilience in Voice Care
Tuesday 7th April 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)

Leaning Into Discomfort: Supporting Regulation and Resilience in Voice Care

Dr Carol Krusemark

Working with the singing body and nervous system, whether in teaching, coaching, therapy, or performance, often means navigating moments of stress, vulnerability, and uncertainty. In these moments, both teachers and clients can find themselves operating from a heightened autonomic stress response that affects communication, learning, and vocal function. Join Dr Carol Krusemark as she explores how an understanding of the autonomic nervous system can inform more effective and compassionate voice work!