A Critical Overview of Perceptual Motor Learning: Coaching Implications
Tuesday 13th January 2026, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (London Time)
Perceptual motor learning (PML) theory is characterised by the convergence of perception and action. PML focuses on how we teach, not what we teach, in order to optimise learning and ultimately, performance.
This short course will outline strategies for teaching and coaching with both long- and short-term goals in mind. These strategies have been adapted for the voice from motor learning theory and the Alexander Technique.
Specific topics discussed will include:
- How we learn: A quick overview
- Relevance of motivation
- Optimising practice strategies
- Perception and sensory feedback
- Tactics to interrupt and break injurious habits
- Developing customised practice guidelines
- Locus of attention
- Intrinsic and extrinsic feedback
- Matching extrinsic feedback to students’ level and goals
- Coaching modifications preceding performance
- Relevance of the Alexander Technique
Expert-level performance strategies discussed will include automaticity and attentional flexibility.
The goal of this course is to provide adaptive guidance for effective learning that includes PML research, coach or teacher expertise, and the viewpoint of the student.
🏷️ 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
Michele Capalbo
Michele Capalbo is a performer, adjudicator, lecturer, teacher and researcher. A Canadian singer with over two decades of international performance experience in opera and concert, her specialty is the music of Verdi and Puccini.
Attend this course for as little as £22 as part of the Voice Professional Training CPD Award Scheme.
Learn MoreSorry, 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.
Wednesday 4th March 2026
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday 11th March 2026
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday 18th March 2026
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday 25th March 2026
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday 1st April 2026
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday 8th April 2026
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
(London Time)
Learn to Coach RP and SSBE – a Certificate in Accent Coaching
Louisa Morgan
This six-week course is an opportunity to learn about both Received Pronunciation and Standard Southern British English. Rather than a course in learning how to speak RP/SSBE (there are many brilliant available courses for this already), this course is about learning how to coach it.
Wednesday 25th March 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Mastering the Art of "Marking": Vocal Longevity for the Modern Singer
Jacob Wright
Don’t just save your voice—optimize it! Join Jacob Wright as he explores marking technique in singing, a vocal conservation strategy used by singers during rehearsals and extended performance periods. Marking involves singing at reduced vocal intensity, altered pitch, or modified vocal quality to preserve vocal health while maintaining musical and dramatic engagement. Participants will gain practical tools for implementing marking in their own practice, teaching, or clinical work, supported by current research and voice science principles!
Friday 27th March 2026
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
(London Time)
Muscle Tension Dysphonia in the Singing Voice!
Dr Claire Thomas
A specialist course for singing teachers and voice professionals! Designed specifically for those working with singers, this in-depth course with Dr Claire Thomas explores Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) through the lens of the singing voice - bridging clinical research and studio practice.