Therapeutic Tools for Performance and Living: Mind/Body Connection, Safety and the Vagus Nerve
Tuesday 30th January 2024, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
This workshop looks at the role of the Autonomic Nervous System in performance and in vocalisation; the importance of developing an internally validated source of motivation for our work; the relationship with our inner critic, perfectionism and acceptance; and how our interpersonal interactions affect our feelings of safety.
We’ll experience together some exercises around the vagus nerve, visualisation and breathing, and look at how our relationship with self, others and the world and the ‘three flows of compassion’ can help us to vocalise with ease and live fulfilled, creative lives of safety and connection.
Ed Lyon
Ed Lyon is a classical tenor and therapist specialising in anxiety conditions. He studied at St John’s College, Cambridge as a choral scholar, then at the Royal Academy of Music and the National Opera Studio. For the past 20 years, he has been involved in the world of classical music at the highest level, performing major roles internationally on the opera stage and concert platform.
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 16th December 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)
Inspired Sound: Unlocking the Science of Choral Acoustics
Professor Helena Daffern
In this session, Professor Helena Daffern will explore the fascinating science behind choral sound, offering choir singers and directors valuable insights into achieving a cohesive and expressive ensemble, no matter what their standard. The concept of choral blend will be examined —what it is, how it can be cultivated, and the roles of intonation and vibrato will be analysed. The decisions that have to be made around intonation when tuning thirds or dealing with modulations over the course of an a cappella piece will be explained in the context of existing research and different singing styles such as barbershop singing and solo voice ensembles.
Tuesday 16th December 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Unclenching the Jaw: Options from the Physio Lens
Walt Fritz
“Jaw tension” is one of many potential problems facing the singer, and can cause a direct negative impact on the performance in both direct and indirect ways. The underlying cause of jaw issues is attributed to numerous factors (technique, posture, strength, range of motion, etc.), making it often difficult to identify common denominators. Join Walt Fritz as he examines the evidence supporting stretching, strengthening, and manual therapy interventions to address jaw-related concerns in vocal performers, taking into account their unique needs.
Thursday 18th December 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
(London Time)
Improving Lyric Italian Diction for Classical Singers
Professor Conroy Cupido
Join Professor Conroy Cupido as he offers an in-depth exploration of the most frequent pronunciation errors made by classical singers in Italian lyric diction. Designed for both emerging and advanced singers, the course provides a structured and practical approach to mastering Italian pronunciation as used in opera, oratorio, and art song.