"Throaty Sounds": Cross-linguistics, Health, & Pedagogy!
Thursday 6th November 2025, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
Glottal stops, vocal fry, creaky voice, and more! There are many types of “throaty sounds” that we make in spoken languages and simply in vocal expression. Many practitioners have historically expressed strong views about the health or use of throaty sounds: considering them risky or unhealthy, as well as displeasing.
Yet -- throaty sounds appear in many languages and language families worldwide! Speakers use them every day to communicate. A cross-linguistic comparison of throaty sounds in languages can yield new insights for voice and speech professionals to consider. Some beliefs about throaty sounds can be re-examined, which can affect approaches for voice training and voice care. Together we can reconsider the narrative around glottals and vocal fry, find new language to discuss the sounds, and support our students' use of speech!
This course will explore:
(1) which sounds are produced and articulated in the throat,
(2) where do we hear these sounds in various languages, and
(3) how to reconsider previous negative assumptions about the health of sounds themselves.
Dayle Towarnicky
Dayle Towarnicky (she/her) is an Assistant Professor with the FSU School of Theatre in Tallahassee, Florida, where she teaches and coaches voice, speech, and accent. Dayle researches intersections between voice and speech practice and linguistics.
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.
Monday 3rd August 2026
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Tuesday 4th August 2026
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Wednesday 5th August 2026
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Thursday 6th August 2026
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Friday 7th August 2026
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
(London Time)
Level Two Certificate in Accents and Phonetics with Louisa Morgan
Louisa Morgan
Build on your foundational knowledge of accents and phonetics in this week‑long lunchtime course designed specifically for voice teachers. Whether you have completed our Level 1 Certificate or already possess a basic working knowledge of phonetics and accent work, this Level 2 course will help you deepen your skills, sharpen your analytical ear, and expand your practical toolkit for teaching.
Tuesday 11th August 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Redefining Ethical Practice in Voice Teaching!
Dr Justin John Moniz
Join Dr Justin John Moniz as he examines ethical practice in voice teaching through a structured, evidence-informed framework for sustainable, student-centered pedagogy. Although voice teaching operates outside formal licensure models common to allied professions, teachers hold significant responsibility for students’ vocal function, artistic development, and long-term well-being. This course addresses that gap through a five-part paradigm grounded in the NATS Code of Ethics, contemporary research, and applied studio practice.
Wednesday 12th August 2026
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
(London Time)
MA Voice Pedagogy: Online Information Session & Q&A
Debbie Winter
Considering our MA Voice Pedagogy? Join our Director for a focused online presentation and discussion to explore the course, ask questions, and discover whether postgraduate study at Voice Study Centre is right for you.