Short Courses & Events / Archive

Warming Up And Cooling Down: A Guide To Their Use And Impact On Function

Thursday 3rd November 2022, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)

  • There are exercises designed to facilitate a particular change in vocal function – the potential for a given exercise to work is contingent on the intention of the exercise, the instruction provided, and the singer’s understanding and implementation.
  • A teacher should select vocal exercises supported by either quantifiable research or validated by anecdotal practice-based evidence – this is true whether discussing vocal warm-ups or cool-downs.
  • The benefits of cool-down exercises following strenuous exercises have been well established – while voice pedagogy typically emphasizes the use of vocal warm up exercises, the efficacy of cool-down exercises has not been demonstrated.
  • Traditionally, exercise science includes a great deal of research on cooling down exercises after working out the body – cool-down exercises for singers have not yet been thoroughly examined even though vocalizes (warm-ups) for the voice have long been accepted as beneficial.  As a result, there remains varying opinions in the voice community as to the efficacy of cooling down after a period of strenuous singing.

This workshop will present information on strategizing a vocal warm-up and cool-down routine, how and why to choose particular exercises, the difference between a vocal warm-up and vocal exercises focused on function.

The workshop will also include research, supported in part by the 2012 Van L. Lawrence Fellowship, that examined the efficacy of cool-down exercises for the voice at the end of a heavy voice load

Dr Kari Ragan

Singer, author, and voice pedagogue Kari Ragan holds degrees from the University of Washington (DMA) and Indiana University (MM, BM). She was the recipient of the prestigious Van L. Lawrence Award (2012), the NATS Foundation Pedagogy Award (2009), and the Wicklund Singing Voice Specialist Certificate (2010), and she was selected as a Master Teacher for the NATS Intern Program in 2021.

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.

Introduction to statistics and working with quantitative data for Voice Professionals: 8-Session Online Bootcamp
Monday 7th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday 8th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday 9th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Friday 11th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Monday 14th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday 15th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday 16th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Friday 18th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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Introduction to statistics and working with quantitative data for Voice Professionals: 8-Session Online Bootcamp

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This certificated statistics course is ideal for individuals interested in laying a solid foundation in quantitative research methods. By focusing on essential statistical principles, you will be equipped with the tools to understand and apply quantitative research techniques effectively. Statistics is a crucial component of quantitative research; mastering it will enable you to grasp quantitative methods more confidently and precisely.

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Tuesday 8th July 2025
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
(London Time)

Oxygen Advantage for Vocal Educators • Empowering Vocalists Through Breath

Kate Cubley

Are you a singing teacher or trainee voice educator eager to expand your toolkit? Join Kate Cubley at Voice Study Centre for a dynamic 2-hour lecture exploring the role of functional breathing in supporting vocal performance, vocal health, and resilience—for both you and your students. This engaging session introduces the Oxygen Advantage® method: a science-backed approach to breathing that can transform how you teach, coach, and care for the voice.

 Accents in Musical Theatre Singing!
Wednesday 9th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)

Accents in Musical Theatre Singing!

Colton Weiss

Colton Weiss (he/they) is a professional dialect coach, actor, and lecturer (Ohio State Univ.) based out of Columbus, Ohio. With the continued popularity and development of productions that call for more demanding voice, speech, and accent work, dialect coaches, music directors, and actors must collaborate across jobs. Inspired from the text, Voice and Speech for Musical Theatre by Chris Palmer, and ongoing production experience, this presentation by Colton explores the intersections of accent work, and the musical skills needed for actors to perform in Musical Theatre.