The Vocal Tract and Singing: A Research Overview
Thursday 9th November 2023, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
Fine control of the vocal tract shape is important for producing acoustic characteristics that may be targeted in singing. The pattern of acoustic resonances generated by a given vocal tract shape influences vowel identity, voice quality (timbre), and, to some degree, the spectral characteristics of the voice excitation source itself.
This presentation will be focused on how the vocal tract shape can be tuned (i.e. modified) in both large and subtle ways to enhance the signal radiated from a singer to an audience. This will include the vocal tract shape contributions to the ‘singing formant’, enhancement of vibrato, and harmonic/formant alignment.
Dr Brad Story
Dr Story received his BS in Applied Physics from the University of Northern Iowa in 1987 and his PhD in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Iowa in 1995...

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 5th August 2025
1:00 PM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday 12th August 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday 19th August 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday 26th August 2025
1:00 PM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday 2nd September 2025
1:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday 9th September 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday 16th September 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday 23rd September 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
(London Time)
Certificate in Acting Approaches for Singing Teachers

Louisa Morgan
Are you a singing teacher looking to elevate your students’ performances? Join our very own Louisa Morgan, as she takes a deeper dive into acting approaches that singing teachers can use to integrate powerful acting techniques into singing lessons. This 8 session course is perfect for those who want to help their singers connect deeply with the story behind the song. Gain practical tools and techniques that you can immediately apply in your teaching! Come along live for an interactive experience, or watch on playback at your leisure.


Tuesday 16th September 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
The Science Underlying Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercises (SOVT)

Dr Ingo Titze

Karin Titze Cox
Semi-occluded vocal tract exercises have a long history. Humans and animals have discovered that aerodynamic and acoustic pressures above the larynx can position the vocal folds for better self-sustained oscillation. Join Dr Ingo Titze and Karin Titze Cox as they unpick this fascinating topic!


Thursday 18th September 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
The Cannabis Question: What Voice Practitioners Need to Know!

Dr Dann Mitton
As cannabis use has become more common, socially accepted, and legalized, voice professionals are increasingly fielding questions about its effects. This two-hour session with Dr Dann Mitton offers a clear, research-informed overview of what we currently know about cannabis and the singing voice. The session is built around real-world questions voice teachers and singers are asking: Does smoking cannabis dry out the vocal folds? Is vaping safer than smoking? What should I know if my student uses cannabis for anxiety or pain? Could some voice types be more at risk than others?