Carla Higgins is a singer and singing teacher, with a thriving private practice in Northern Ireland, specialising in musical theatre and contemporary commercial music. She is particularly passionate about inclusive practices in singing.
Carla holds a diploma in musical theatre performance from London College of Music and continuously expands her expertise through professional development in areas such as vocal health, anatomy, trauma-informed voice practice, inclusive music education, working with children with additional needs, and singing with Makaton.
Her research interests are diverse, encompassing breathing and alignment considerations for wheelchair users in singing, pedagogical approaches for teaching children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the voice studio, and the physiological and psychological impact of voice change on female adolescents.
Most notably, Carla recently published her significant work, "The Female Voice in Flux: Exploring the Psychological Constructs of Identity and Control in Relation to the Changing Female Voice During Puberty," in the journal Voice and Speech Review. This narrative review delves into the psychological consequences of voice maturation for adolescent females. It highlights how the inconsistent nature of the voice during puberty can lead to a perceived loss of control and impact on a singer's identity and self-esteem. Through her work, Carla aims to provide voice teachers with a deeper understanding of these challenges, enabling them to develop pedagogical strategies that effectively support adolescents through this difficult period and help them maintain confidence.
Research papers:
Higgins, C. (2025). The Female Voice in Flux: Exploring the Psychological Constructs of Identity and Control in Relation to the Changing Female Voice During Puberty. Voice and Speech Review, 1–14.https://doi.org/10.1080/23268263.2025.2506578