News / Student & Alumni News

MA Student, Elizabeth Drwal, Invited To Present At SMEI Conference

Wednesday 8th January 2020

We are delighted to announce that our MA student, Elizabeth Drwal, has been invited to present her vocal pedagogy research at the 9th SMEI (Society for Music Education in Ireland) conference.

Elizabeth will be presenting her paper ‘Can imagery support the acquisition of vocal technique in Primary aged children?’ in Dublin at DCU St Patrick’s Campus in January 2020. 

To find out more information, check out the SMEI website here.

Elizabeth Drwal Stuttard

Elizabeth is a Vocal Coach and Choral Facilitator, Community Dance Facilitator and Researcher...


Recent Posts

Student Interviews

Negotiating Authenticity: Tre Cooper Explores Cross-Genre Singing and Stylistic Decision-Making

Voice Study Centre
Friday 23rd October 2026

What 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 2026

What 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 2026

How 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...