Helena is a Professor of Music Science and Technology at the AudioLab in the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology at the University of York. She has a Masters degree in singing performance and completed her PhD, which explored vocal techniques in classical singing, in 2008 at the University of York, before training as a postgraduate at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Her research continues to focus on voice science and acoustics, particularly singing techniques and vocal pedagogy, drawing on her experiences as a singing teacher and performer.
Working at the intersection of music, science and technology, she also leads interdisciplinary initiatives and programmes of research that develop new solutions to tangible challenges facing society around accessing and measuring the benefits of musical activities. Helena is currently Co-Director of CoStar Live Lab, part of the £75.6 million national R&D network of laboratories delivered by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Arts and Humanities Research Council. With a focus on Live Performance, Live Lab will develop new technology to support innovations and experiences that will enrich the UK’s creative industries, economy, and culture.
Helena continues to sing professionally as a soloist and with various ensembles and opera companies including Opera Holland Park, Opéra de Baugé, Yorkshire Baroque Soloists, Northern Sinfonia, and has recorded for Warner Music UK, NMC records, and Oxford University Press.
Upcoming Short Courses
Thursday 2nd October 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
(London Time)
Inspired Sound: Unlocking the Science of Choral Acoustics
Professor Helena Daffern
In this session, Professor Helena Daffern will explore the fascinating science behind choral sound, offering choir singers and directors valuable insights into achieving a cohesive and expressive ensemble, no matter what their standard. The concept of choral blend will be examined —what it is, how it can be cultivated, and the roles of intonation and vibrato will be analysed. The decisions that have to be made around intonation when tuning thirds or dealing with modulations over the course of an a cappella piece will be explained in the context of existing research and different singing styles such as barbershop singing and solo voice ensembles.
Past Short Courses
Tuesday 24th June 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Mastering Vocal Vibrato: The Science of Production and Perception
Professor Helena Daffern
Is vocal vibrato something that can and should be consciously controlled? What makes a ‘good vibrato’ and is there such a thing as ‘healthy’ and ‘unhealthy’ vibrato? Vibrato is a common musical feature, and yet it remains a controversial topic amongst pedagogues and singers. Join Professor Helena Daffern where she will dive into these and other aspects vibrato!