The Race of Sound – Why Do We Think We Can Hear Race Vocally?
Thursday 24th October 2024, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
Why and how do we make assumptions about a person’s race, gender, or age based on the timbre of their voice? Within the context of the United States, we will examine historical precedents for racialized listening to voices as well as contemporary realities, utilizing a framework for critically interrogating the racializing processes embedded in vocal and listening practices. The case studies we will draw on range from classical voices (such as Marian Anderson’s) to jazz (Jimmy Scott) and voice technologies (the vocal synthesis software Vocaloid). In considering the physiological basis for voice, we learn that there are actually no racial markers. And in taking the power of formal and informal voice lessons seriously, we can begin to deconstruct how voices and listening strategies are shaped within a racialized world.
This session will draw from my book The Race of Sound: Listening, Timbre, and Vocality in African American Music (Duke University Press, 2019).
Nina Eidsheim
Nina Eidsheim is the author of Sensing Sound: Singing and Listening as Vibrational Practice and The Race of Sound: Listening, Timbre, and Vocality in African American Music, and co-editor of the Oxford Handbook of Voice Studies and Refiguring American Music.
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.
Monday 6th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday 10th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday 13th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday 17th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday 20th July 2026
7:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday 24th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
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Adam Roberts
This 30-hour Vocology Cohort Intensive provides a comprehensive overview of basic vocal anatomy, physiology, and theories of voice production & perception, fundamentals of vocal health, pathology, evaluation, performance, and habilitation of the speaking and singing voice, and a survey of research, resources, and professional opportunities. Each week, advanced students contribute to cohort-centred learning with additional resources, discussion facilitation, and critical analysis. The course assessment will also be useful for those who wish to prepare for the PAVA recognised designation.
Tuesday 21st July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Understanding and Working With Low Self-Esteem in Voice Users
Dr Luke Aldridge-Waddon
Join Dr Luke Aldridge-Waddon as he introduces a cognitive-behavioural approach to understanding and working with low self-esteem. Low self-esteem is associated with a range of psychological and physical health difficulties, including issues relevant to voice disorders and vocal performance. The presentation will first define low self-esteem before discussing psychological factors relevant to its development and maintenance. Luke will review existing research which characterises low self-esteem as a commonly reported experience across voice use and voice disorder groups, with some suggestions for how this might then be approached within a voice clinic and voice coaching context.
Friday 24th July 2026
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
(London Time)
In Conversation With… Dr Tracy Bourne
Dr Tracy Bourne
Join us for the next conversation in our public interview series exploring vocal health and sustainability in musical theatre performance, this time with music theatre voice specialist, Dr Tracy Bourne! Free and open to all!