Cohort A, 2016
From Cohort Pioneer to Community Champion
Sophie was part of the first cohort at Voice Study Centre (VSC) and has tirelessly advocated for the welfare of others since her graduation.
Obtaining a distinction in the MA, she focused her work on the singing for health for brain injury survivors and stroke victims. She successfully secured funding from the National Lottery Community Fund for her Community Interest Company (CIC), which will facilitate a free, two-year weekly support group for brain injury survivors and their partners. Recently featured on BBC Counties, Sophie promoted her singing support group, emphasising the transformative power of "Finding their voices". Her efforts have bridged a crucial healthcare gap by providing music and community support, not only to survivors, but also their immediate family members. With extensive experience working with HeadWay, Sophie understands how to use community music appropriately and sensitively for this particular client group.
Inspired during her MA, Sophie’s research drew on brain injury knowledge to develop appropriate strategies for working with survivors of stroke. Stepping out of her comfort zone, she co-wrote a production where she facilitated and directed the singing group. Recognising the speech difficulties faced by many members, she incorporated voice-overs and visual aids.
With her song writing expertise, Sophie’s group even crafted their own songs.
Sophie Garner
Having started her professional career with the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain (1991-1992 Maggie May and Amphibias Spangulatos), a determination...
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?
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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.
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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.
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