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.

Wednesday 7th May 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday 14th May 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday 21st May 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday 28th May 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday 4th June 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)
Advanced Certificate in Accents and Phonetics for Coaching Actors

Louisa Morgan
12 week course! Sharpen your coaching skills, discover new tools, and learn how to connect more deeply with your clients in our advanced certificate in accents and phonetics for coaching actors. The course provides an in-depth look at some of the key fundamental aspects of coaching accents, like phonetics and prosody, as well as introducing some theory and practice-based concepts relating to the complexities of this field, such as coaching for neurodiverse performers, English as an additional language (EAL) speakers and identity politics.

Monday 2nd June 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday 9th June 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday 16th June 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday 23rd June 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday 30th June 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Certificate in Foundations of Vocology with Adam Roberts

Adam Roberts
This fifteen week (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.


Tuesday 3rd June 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
THE MUSICAL BREATH : Singing for Lung Health – 2007-2025

Phoene Cave
This presentation will offer an overview of Singing for Lung Health in the UK and how it has developed over the past 17 years. Phoene Cave started the work at the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals in London and has gone on to train 320+ facilitators globally. Her personal experience is at hospital bedside with individuals and with groups of outpatients. The session will appeal to singing teachers, community choir leaders, respiratory nurse specialists, as well as allied health professionals (e.g. music therapists, respiratory physiotherapists and occupational therapists) and anyone challenged with breathlessness.