Back Where It All Began: Voice Study Centre Student Catherine Ogden’s Full Circle Moment at UCLan
Tuesday 3rd June 2025
Voice Study Centre
We'd like to congratulate our MA student, Catherine Ogden, on her new role as Associate Lecturer in Music Theatre at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)!
Catherine reflected on this full-circle moment, sharing:
During my undergraduate years, I discovered a deep passion for vocal pedagogy, inspired by outstanding mentors and opportunities like singing in the UCLan Chamber Choir (which needs a whole post of its own!). That journey eventually led me to postgraduate study and a deep dive into voice science and education. I’ve also spent a long time studying the benefits of singing for our wellbeing, and how to look after our voices. Teaching the voice brings me so much joy. It’s rarely ever felt like work because it is an utter privilege to help people understand/learn about their instrument!
I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been appointed as Lecturer in Music Theatre at UCLan, specialising in singing and leading the choir that once meant so much to me. It is a privilege to step into a role that shaped my own path, and I’m so grateful to be back - this time, helping others find their voices.
A true full circle moment and one I don’t take lightly! I cannot wait for this new chapter!"
Recent Posts
Student Interviews
Negotiating Authenticity: Tre Cooper Explores Cross-Genre Singing and Stylistic Decision-Making
Voice Study Centre
Friday 23rd October 2026What does it mean for a singer to sound authentic when performing in a genre outside their usual style? And how can voice teachers help singers develop stylistic versatility without losing their individual artistic identity?
Read More...
After The Session
After The Session: Practical Magic*: The Art & Science of Balancing Voices with SOVTs and VFEs with Melanie Tapson
Voice Study Centre
Thursday 22nd October 2026What makes a vocal exercise effective? Is it the tool itself, the way we use it, or our understanding of what happens when we put it into practice? In Practical Magic: The Art & Science of Balancing Voices with SOVTs and VFEs, voice teacher and professional singer Melanie Tapson explored the science behind two widely used approaches to voice training: Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercises (SOVTs) and Vocal Function Exercises (VFEs). Combining scientific explanations with practical demonstrations and interactive activities, the session examined how these techniques can support vocal efficiency, stamina and sustainable voice use. Rather than treating exercises as a one-size-fits-all solution, Melanie encouraged participants to understand what each exercise does, how individual voices respond and how to adapt techniques to achieve meaningful results.
Read More...
After The Session
After The Session: Introduction to Vocal Acoustics for Spoken and Sung Voice with Gökçe Kutsal
Voice Study Centre
Wednesday 21st October 2026How can understanding the science of sound help us become more effective voice teachers, singers and researchers? In our recent two-part course, Introduction to Vocal Acoustics for Spoken and Sung Voice, Gökçe Kutsal explored the fascinating relationship between the physics of sound and the way we produce, hear and understand the human voice.
Read More...