Summer Vocal Pedagogy Intensive

Uniting the worlds of voice science and practical application, this dynamic and interactive six-day intensive is geared towards educators and performers who are searching for detailed information about vocal production as it relates to singing performance.  Courses will be taught by NYU faculty and the world-renowned voice scientist, Johan Sundberg.

The program is specifically geared for:

• Voice Teachers
• Singers
• Choral Conductors
• Singing Voice Specialists
• Music Teachers (K-12)

Over the course of 6 days, participants will:

• Learn to apply the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and acoustics of the voice in both singing and voice training.
• Explore specific training tools that elicit healthy, sustainable voice production.
• Observe and/or participate in open masterclasses where the rationale for the adjustments is discussed in real-time, including the ties between technique and expressivity.
• Discover the criteria for the selection of basic and advanced repertoire.  Multiple voice types and genres will be discussed.
• Hone their teaching skills through observation and/or participation in guided hands-on training of vocalises & repertoire.
• Experience the benefits of laryngeal massage and learn about the most common vocal injuries and their diagnoses.

• Dr. Brian Gill, Director of Vocal Pedagogy (NYU Steinhardt & NYU Langone: Otolaryngology)
• Dr. Johan Sundberg, Professor of Music Acoustics (retired) (KTH, Stockholm)
• Prof. Jeremy Aye, Adjunct Professor of Voice (NYU Steinhardt)
• Joan Lader, Estill Voice Training Master Teacher & Private Voice Teacher/Therapist
• Dr. Milan Amin, Director of The NYU Voice Center & Associate Professor of Otolaryngology (NYU Langone)
• Prof. Shirley Gherson, Speech Language Pathologist (Rusk Rehabilitation Center)

• Early Registration:  $849 (before April 1st)
• Standard Registration:  $899 (starting April 1st)
• NYU Students & Alumni:  $799
• Cancellation Fee:  $100 (before May 1st); $250 (starting May 1st)

• Single Occupancy Bedroom:  $85 per night per resident (plus 3.15% processing fee)
• Double Occupancy Bedroom:  $57 per night per resident (plus 3.15% processing fee)
• Shared bathroom for all bedroom types
• NYU Housing Deadline:  April 15th (but may be extended if space permits)
• Cancellation Fee:  $50 (After April 15th)

Click on FAQ for Founders Hall for those participants who have registered for NYU Housing.

Click on NYU Housing & Local Accommodations for more detailed information.

Click on Schedule of Events for a detailed time table.

Click on Course Descriptions for a pdf version of the information below.

TOPICS:  ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY & ACOUSTICS

Anatomy of the Larynx (Dr. Sundberg)
This session will involve a detailed discussion of the important structures of the larynx, including intrinsic and extrinsic musculature and vocal fold morphology.

Principle Aspects of Breathing (Dr. Gill)
How do we breathe?  This talk will provide a detailed explanation of the breath cycle, including the most effective techniques employed to enhance the use of the respiratory system as it relates to vocal performance.

Workshop for Exploring Breathing * (Drs. Gill & Sundberg)
This workshop will demonstrate the use of tools to improve respiration for the purpose of singing.  Tools employed will include respitrace, resistance breaths and the balance board.

Principle Aspects of Phonation (Dr. Sundberg)
How do the vocal folds vibrate?  This session will highlight the cause of vocal fold vibration and will include a discussion of different phonation types (pressed, neutral, flow, breathy).  Special attention will be given to sub-glottal pressure, tracheal pull and the effects of different types of breathing on phonation.

Workshop for Exploring Phonation * (Drs. Gill & Sundberg)
This workshop will demonstrate how a singer can manipulate both airflow and vocal fold adduction using an oscilloscope, flow mask and various voice training tools.

Principle Aspects of Resonance & Articulation (Drs. Gill & Sundberg)
What is resonance?  This session will explain resonance and how articulation factors into the acoustics of the vocal tract.

Workshop for Exploring Resonance * (Drs. Gill & Sundberg)
Using computer programs (Voce Vista, Madde Voice Synthesizer, RTSect) along with voice training tools, this workshop will show how to elicit changes in resonance.

TOPICS:  VOCALISES & REPERTOIRE

Vocalises: Design & Purpose (Dr. Gill)
Well-designed vocal exercises are critical to establishing and reinforcing efficient, healthy voice use. The focus of this session will be on the process of designing effective exercises for singing.  We will examine the elements of designing new vocalises to fit the specific needs of an individual (e.g., unstable register transitions, excessive throat strain, or weak, hypofunctional voice).

Criteria for Repertoire Selection (Prof. Aye)
This session will focus on the different aspects of vocal repertoire that teachers should consider when assigning pieces to a student, including range, tessitura, accompaniment texture, language, vowels, dramatic circumstance, level of musicianship required, etc.

Repertoire Suggestions (Prof. Aye)
Suggestions for assigning specific repertoire will be offered for varied genres, voice types & skill levels.

TOPIC:  APPLICATION IN STUDIO & PERFORMANCE

Open Masterclass: Application in Performance * (Dr. Gill) & (Joan Lader – Wednesday only)
This session will be an “open” masterclass whereby the changes made to a singer’s technique and/or musicality and expression will be discussed in detail using a vocabulary born of the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and acoustics as well as music perception.

Hone your Teaching Skills * (Dr. Gill)
During the week, the course attendees will observe, while select participants work to sharpen their application skills in the studio with realtime feedback.  The “teacher” participant will take a “singer” participant through vocalises or repertoire guided by Dr. Gill, who will provide a detailed explanation of how to get the fastest and most effective results.

Final Recital *
Masterclass participants will have the opportunity to integrate the learned concepts into a final singing performance at Opera America’s National Opera Center.  All are welcome at the recital and subsequent reception.

Open Panel Discussion:  Ask the Experts * (Full Faculty)
This session provides an opportunity for attendees to ask questions that have emerged either through the course of the pedagogy intensive or from the experience in their own practice.

* The following sessions are designed for attendee participation:
Open Masterclass
Workshops for Exploring
Hone Your Teaching Skills

On the online registration form, attendees are asked to prioritize the open sessions in which they are interested. Attendees will then be randomly selected (lottery style) for their preferred sessions.  Participation is not mandatory but strongly encouraged.

TOPIC:  VOCAL HEALTH & MAINTENANCE

Techniques in Laryngeal Massage (Prof. Gherson)
Muscle tension around the larynx can impede a singer’s full access to his/her range and vocal agility.  In this workshop, we will learn the basics of giving laryngeal massage.  Training will also include a brief assessment of muscle tone to inform participants of their approach and specific techniques.

Common Voice Diagnoses (Dr. Amin)
This session will define typical medical diagnoses that are associated with the lifestyle of a singer and performer.   An overview of common medical treatments will be included as well as current leading-edge surgical approaches used for voice professionals.

Click on Locations to find out more information about:

• NYU Langone Medical Center – Coles Building:  room #101 (Sessions)
• Founder’s Hall (NYU Housing)
• Opera America (Final Recital)