News / Student & Alumni News

Four MA Voice Pedagogy students to present together at upcoming ISME World Conference

Wednesday 21st February 2024

We are delighted to announce that MA Voice Pedagogy students Emily Bender, Heather Baker, Jenna Brown and Samyukta Ranganathan will be jointly presenting at the upcoming 36th ISME (International Symposium on Music Education) World Conference, which will be held in Helsinki, Finland from 28th July – 2nd August 2024.

Joint presentation at the ISME World Conference in Helsinki, Finland

The ladies' joint presentation is titled 'Exploring non-linear thinking for creating sustainable and inclusive research methods in music education' and will take place at the host venue, The University of the Arts Helsinki. This year’s theme is ‘Advocacy for Sustainability in Music Education’.

Our warmest congratulations to all four of you!

Emily Bender

Emily Bender is a community-based voice teacher, singer and choral director based in the San Francisco Bay Area who works with diverse students of all ages in lessons, classes, and choirs.

Jenna Brown

Jenna Brown is a mezzo-soprano performing as a soloist in concert and recital, as well as in choirs. She teaches singers of all ages 1:1 and in groups, working as teacher, vocal coach and conductor.

Samyukta Ranganathan

Samyukta is an award-winning singer of Indian Classical Music (ICM) with an active teaching and performance career in New York City.


Recent Posts

After The Session

After The Session: Games & Gadgets: Unlocking Vocal Skills Through Movement and Play🎤✨

Voice Study Centre
Tuesday 15th September 2026

Vocal technique isn't just about standing still in front of a piano and doing scales - it's an interactive, whole-body experience! In a fantastic workshop hosted by the Voice Study Centre today, Naomi Lewandoski (Northside Voice Studio, Australia) led us through an engaging session on how physical movement, somatic awareness, and everyday "gadgets" can transform vocal training.

Read More...
Student Interviews

Could a Harmonica Have a Place in the Voice Studio?

Voice Study Centre
Tuesday 8th September 2026

What does a harmonica have to do with the human voice? For harmonica performer and music educator Shima Melvin, this question became the starting point for her postgraduate research with the Voice Study Centre. While developing her approach to teaching harmonica, Shima found herself struggling to explain exactly what was happening inside the instrument when she played. The mechanics of the harmonica were, in a sense, invisible.

Read More...
After The Session

After The Session: Common Medical Diagnoses and Treatments in Voice Patients

Voice Study Centre
Friday 4th September 2026

Voice care extends far beyond opera stars! A voice professional includes anyone whose livelihood depends on an effective and pleasing voice - teachers, solicitors, sports coaches, secretaries, and sales personnel. Yesterday, we welcomed back Dr. Robert Sataloff MD, DMA, FACS, for a short course into the diagnosis, medical care, and surgical management of voice patients. Robert is the Director of Otolaryngology at the Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Voice, professional singer, and a conductor.. Read on for the key insights and takeaways every vocal professional, pedagogue, and performer should know!

Read More...