Short Courses & Events / Archive

Muscle Tension Dysphonia in the Singing Voice!

Friday 27th March 2026, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (London Time)

A specialist course for singing teachers and voice professionals!

Designed specifically for those working with singers, this in-depth course explores Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) through the lens of the singing voice - bridging clinical research and studio practice.

Based on a five-year investigative project, the course equips singing teachers with the knowledge and practical tools needed to confidently understand MTD, and support singers experiencing MTD beyond their initial therapeutic input.

What You’ll Gain

  • A clear understanding of the physiology and biomechanics underpinning MTD
  • Insight into primary MTD, including the patterns associated with 4 types
  • Recognition of key symptoms in both spoken and singing voice
  • Awareness of common causes and contributing factors (including stress, vocal load, posture, reflux, and anxiety)
  • Guidance on general diagnosis pathways and the roles of GP, ENT, and SLT
  • Exploration of evidence-informed treatment approaches, including: Accent Method, Estill Voice Training elements, Vocal Function Exercises, SOVT work (including Lax Vox) and tension-release strategies.

Practical, studio-based approaches to support recovery and prevent recurrence with consideration of the psychological impact of MTD will be included, with the aim of empowering singers through rehabilitation.

Why This Course Matters

MTD is increasingly prevalent, yet there remains a significant resource gap for singing teachers. Early recognition and informed support can reduce recurrence, improve rehabilitation outcomes, protect vocal longevity, strengthen collaborative relationships with clinical professionals, Keep the singer confidently at the centre of the process

This course provides both the theoretical framework and practical applications needed to integrate MTD awareness into your everyday teaching.

Whether you are encountering singers with persistent fatigue, range restriction, strain, breathiness, or unexplained vocal change, this training will enhance your support skills and expand your studio toolkit.

🏷️ Price £30 (UK VAT inclusive)
🎥 Recording automatically sent to all who book (even if you cannot attend live)
▶️ Rewatch as many times as you like
📜 Certificate of attendance available

Dr Claire Thomas

Claire is a singer, singing teacher and voice researcher. She currently lectures in singing on the Musical Theatre programmes at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and runs a private singing studio just outside Edinburgh.

CPD Course Logo

Attend this course for as little as £22 as part of the Voice Professional Training CPD Award Scheme.

Learn More

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.

Learning together: group singing and choral pedagogy
Friday 12th June 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
(London Time)

Learning together: group singing and choral pedagogy

Dr David Cane

The benefits of group singing are well documented and well known. Singing together can foster a sense of social connection and community as well enhancing wellbeing and mood.  However, group singing is not only a shared cultural and artistic experience, but can also be a powerful site of learning. While many of the developments in voice pedagogy have tended to centre around the one-to-one model of teaching, this course with Dr David Cane explores the pedagogical (and potentially the political) potential of teaching and learning to sing collectively.

Introduction to Postgraduate Academic Skills - Summer Bootcamp - Join Live!
Monday 15th June 2026
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Tuesday 16th June 2026
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Wednesday 17th June 2026
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Thursday 18th June 2026
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Friday 19th June 2026
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
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Introduction to Postgraduate Academic Skills - Summer Bootcamp - Join Live!

Debbie Winter

Hosted by our very own Director of Studies (Debbie Winter), join our comprehensive Introduction to Academic Skills course, designed to equip you with essential tools and strategies for success in higher education. Perfect for bridging the gap between undergraduate and postgraduate study, this course offers a pathway to our full MA for students without an existing degree. We offer both live, interactive sessions and standalone, pre-recorded content.

Body wisdom for vocal performers and educators: What the heart and lungs can teach us about sustainable and joyful vocal practice!
Thursday 18th June 2026
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
(London Time)

Body wisdom for vocal performers and educators: What the heart and lungs can teach us about sustainable and joyful vocal practice!

Dr Mark Seton

Join Dr Mark Seton as he discusses his recent research with creatives (260 participants) on how many are seeking to be more empowered in their personal and professional lives, as well as more embodied and enduring in the midst of rapidly changing life and work. This foundational and interactive workshop takes us on an embodied journey into how the actual heart functions and its crucial partnership with our lungs. In this course we’ll learn from their collective wisdom how to remain healthily ‘opened’ and ‘closed’ at the same time, to breath in and breath out, allowing time for both refreshment and recovery between each beat of our hearts, and each drawing of breath.