Short Courses & Events / Archive

Empowered Singing: Gender-Affirming Singing Voice Training

Thursday 20th March 2025, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)

As a vocal instructor, your ability to support your students in exploring and expressing their authentic voices is at the heart of transformative teaching. This comprehensive workshop is designed specifically for singing teachers who want to deepen their understanding of gender-affirming vocal techniques and create a more inclusive, supportive environment for all singers, regardless of gender identity.

Whether you're working with trans, non-binary, or gender-diverse individuals, or simply seeking to enrich your approach to vocal instruction, this course will equip you with the tools to navigate the complexities of gender-affirming singing voice training.

In this course, we will explore the physiological aspects of the singing voice in the context of gender identity. You’ll learn how to tailor vocal exercises to suit a variety of gender expressions, allowing you to address the unique needs of each student while fostering a sense of empowerment and self-expression.

Through this course, you will:

  • Understand the Science of Gender-Affirming Voice: Gain insight into the physiological changes in the voice and the effects of hormone therapy, voice training, and gender-related vocal shifts.
  • Master Tailored Vocal Techniques: Learn specific exercises that can help students navigate their vocal transitions, whether they are aiming to feminize, masculinize, or find a comfortable and authentic middle ground.
  • Create an Inclusive Teaching Environment: Learn how to cultivate an environment that makes all students feel seen, respected, and heard. Explore effective ways to address challenges like gender dysphoria and voice insecurity in a compassionate, non-judgmental way.
  • Develop Gender-Affirming Teaching Strategies: Discover practical strategies for assessing your students' vocal needs, communicating effectively about vocal goals, and adapting your teaching methods to meet those needs without assuming or imposing any specific gender expression.
  • Address Common Misconceptions: Learn how to break down myths around gender and voice, including concerns about vocal damage, and gain clarity on what vocal changes are possible and sustainable.

If you're ready to elevate your teaching practice and make a lasting, positive impact on your students' vocal journeys, this course will provide you with everything you need to start creating a more inclusive and gender-affirming approach to singing voice training.

🏷️ 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

Emerald Lessley

Emerald Lessley, soprano and voice educator, has a strong background in both performance and research, specializing in transgender voice training.

CPD Course Logo

Attend this course for as little as £22 as part of the Voice Professional Training CPD Award Scheme.

Learn More

Sorry, 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.

Introduction to Postgraduate Academic Skills - Join Live!
Tuesday 4th November 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday 11th November 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday 18th November 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday 25th November 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday 2nd December 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
(London Time)

Introduction to Postgraduate Academic Skills - Join Live!

Debbie Winter

Are you ready to elevate your academic journey? Hosted by our very own Debbie Winter, join our comprehensive Introduction to Academic Skills course, designed to equip you with essential tools and strategies for success in higher education. Perfect for bridging the gap between undergraduate and postgraduate study, this course offers a pathway to our full MA for students without an existing degree. We offer both live, interactive sessions and standalone, pre-recorded content.

The Art of Teaching the Female Musical Theatre Voice!
Tuesday 11th November 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)

The Art of Teaching the Female Musical Theatre Voice!

Dr. Christianne Roll

The female musical theatre belt sound originated on the Broadway stage in 1930, mostly associated with Ethel Merman and her vocal performance of the song “I Got Rhythm,” in the Gershwin musical, Girl Crazy. In the almost 100 years since the origin of the female musical theatre belt voice, the sound has become almost synonymous with Broadway itself. Join Dr Christianne Roll as she discusses the up-to-date strategies and techniques to create this exciting vocal production for each specific singer.

Demystifying and Utilizing Nasal Resonance in the Voice Studio
Wednesday 12th November 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)

Demystifying and Utilizing Nasal Resonance in the Voice Studio

Dr Melissa Treinkman

Nasal resonance, achieved by lowering the soft palate and allowing sound energy to resonate through the nasal passages, has recently gained attention for its potential benefits to singers. Join Dr Melissa Treinkman, as she explores the science and practical application of nasal resonance, taking participants through a step-by-step process of identification and utilization of nasal resonance in singing and speech!