Understanding and Applying Singing Voice Acoustics in Applied Teaching (two-part course)
Wednesday 9th October 2024, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (London Time)
Thursday 10th October 2024, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (London Time)
Many voice teachers have a firm grasp on the anatomy and physiology of voice production. However, voice acoustics still mystifies much of the singing and teaching population, and for those who do have a working understanding of the scientific principles, applying this knowledge in teaching remains difficult. These two sessions on 9-10 October are designed to meet the needs of both groups of teachers, exploring essential elements of singing voice acoustics across multiple genres. The course will be structured so that attendees not only understand the scientific principles of acoustics as they relate to singing voice production, but also understand the practical, “how can I apply this information in an actionable way in my teaching” usage of acoustics.
This “principles first, application immediately afterward” approach will be built into the structure of the course. In a systematic and cyclical fashion, topics will be introduced, the scientific underpinnings will be discussed (answering the question, “what do I need to know”), the relevance of the science to teaching will be described (answering “why should I bother to learn this?”), and application of the science to voice teaching (answering “how will I use this in my teaching?”) will follow before moving on to the next topic. Suggestions will be given on designing voice exercises, developing corrective techniques, and assigning/coaching repertoire. Topics will be sequenced from the general to the more specific level. Care will be taken to consider application options for multiple genres of singing. Ample time will be left for questions during the two sessions.
Professor Nix, the instructor for the course, has been a university pedagogy professor for 20 years as well as an active researcher, and he will bring his extensive experience in relating science to pedagogy to the VSC course.
This is a two part course!
Course Dates & Times:
Wednesday 9th October 2024
Thursday 10th October 2024
Both at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Professor John Nix
John Nix is Professor of Voice and Voice Pedagogy and chair of the voice area at the University of Texas at San Antonio. His mentors include Barbara Doscher...
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 14th October 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Musical Theatre Singing Pedagogy: A Framework for Teaching Musical Theatre Singers
Amanda Flynn
This class will look at the pedagogy of teaching musical theatre singing. We will begin by exploring the flexibility needed for musical theatre singing through definitions, listening exercises, and some historical context.
Wednesday 15th October 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)
Congruent Ideologies of the Bel Canto Pedagogues
Dr John Seesholtz
This presentation and discussion highlights the qualities held in common between the major pedagogues of the era, including elements of alignment, inspiration, vowel purity, legato, and pedagogic progression from exercises to repertoire.
Wednesday 15th October 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)
The Alexander Technique: Principles, Application, and Voice Integration!
Michele Capalbo
Developed by Australian actor F.M. Alexander in the late 19th century, the Alexander Technique evolved from Alexander’s voice loss during performance. Voice teachers have long recommended the Alexander Technique to improve posture and vocal function. Studies have shown alterations to vocal quality and reductions in performance anxiety following Alexander Technique intervention. This short course will emphasize universal aims considered beneficial to voice users, including mitigating excess tension and breaking harmful habits!