The Authorization Handbook

Welcome!

Welcome! This Vocology in Practice Authorization Handbook will provide the primary information you need to complete the process. It will serve as a helpful reference point along your journey with us.

Inside you will find, the assessment structure and criteria, and additional information with regards to assessment.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.

Who is a Vocology in Practice Instructor?

Structure and criteria of Authorization

Assessments and Expectations

Table of expected skillset and knowledge

Authorization Contract

Who is a Vocology in Practice Authorized Instructor?

A Vocology in Practice Authorized Singing Instructor embodies a pioneering ethos in vocal training, dedicated to nurturing the unique journey of each artist. With a foundation built on our seven guiding principles, our instructors are not just teachers but mentors who prioritize the artist's vision, health, and artistic growth above all.

Our Philosophy: We believe in placing the artist first, supporting their singing endeavours and artistry with an open, non-dogmatic approach. Our instructors are committed to understanding the physiology of the voice, promoting healthy vocal habits that ensure longevity and resilience in performance.

Holistic Approach: Recognizing the singer as a complete instrument, our training encompasses both body and mind. We aim to nurture the artist physically and emotionally, ensuring a balanced development that enhances performance without compromise.

Musicianship and Artistry: Beyond technical proficiency, our instructors coach singers towards a nuanced understanding of music and performance. We empower vocalists to discover and refine their unique voice, encouraging a personalized path to artistic expression.

Evidence-Based Teaching: Standing at the forefront of vocal health, science, and pedagogy, Vocology in Practice Authorized Singing Instructors utilize the latest research. Our framework offers a comprehensive toolkit, supporting singers towards achieving their elite performance goals with confidence and skill.

Our Mission: To provide unparalleled vocal training and holistic care for contemporary vocalists, ensuring they are equipped to meet the demands of today's music industry with excellence and integrity.

Authorization Assement structure and Criteria

To become an Authorized Instructure, you will need to have at least 5+ years of teaching experience with direct client interactions, plus at least 30 hours of study from continuing professional development providers.

Support

You can contact our Course Leader and Education Director, Clare Silver at any point during the authorization process.

education@vocologyinpractice.org.

Part 1

Our Education Director will provide you with an online written assessment to complete. It combines factual questions across our 7 Principles, as well as critical thinking tasks relevant to working with singers. In addition it contains some professional development questions. If you pass (80 %) you will be able to pass on to the next stage of the assessment. The mark from this will count towards your final grading and assessment. If you do not manage to score 80 % the first time you will have an opportunity to take it again.

Part 2

You will attend at least two live "Team Teach" sessions where we will work collaboratively with a live singer as we integrate the 7 Principles into a lesson format. Your contribution in these sessions will form part of the end of course assessment and grading. Sessions take place once a month on Wednesdays at 12pm PT.

Part 3

You will submit 3 recorded lessons of 30 minutes or 2 recorded lessons of 1 hour working with a singer. Working with the outcomes and expectations criteria you will be assessed for your ability to embrace the 7 Principal approach to teaching. You will use your reflective diary to record outcomes, expectations and observations.

Part 4

A 1-hour personal mentoring viva voce session with our Education Director. This session will determine your suitability to be a Vocology in Practice Authorized Instructor, taking into account all previous assessment criteria. The session will also include discussions around your course journey, reflections, and next steps.

On Completion

Upon successful completion of all the criteria you will be awarded Authorized Status as a Vocology in Practice Singing Instructor. You will receive a digital badge, certificate, wall poster and listing on our website. You will progress to full membership with a monthly fee of $41. This will entitle you to all Vocology in Practice benefits including continual access of the Pathway content, access to our comprehensive webinar library of over 300 hours of presentations by leading voice professionals, mentoring program, ongoing Advanced Certificate Program, discounts to ViP Conferences, a monthly newsletter, and a private members networking channel.

ASSESMENTS AND EXPECATIONS

Part 1

On taking the end of Part 1 quiz if you attain the successful pass rate of 80% and above you are eligible to move on to the next stage of training.

If you didn't attain 80% pass rate, you can retake. The Education Director is able to offer you personalised advice of what areas you may need to solidify your understanding further in before retaking the quiz.

Rationale

A Vocology in Practice Authorized Instructor embodies a multifaceted and holistic approach to voice teaching, distinguished by a deep-rooted commitment to the art and science of the voice. These instructors are not merely teachers; they are mentors, guides, and advocates for their students' vocal and artistic journeys. The rationale behind their approach is grounded in an understanding of vocology—the science and practice of voice habilitation—and a steadfast dedication to the principles that define our practice. Central to the ethos of Vocology in Practice Authorized Instructors is a strong sense of ethics and empathy. They create a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment where students feel valued, understood, and motivated. This ethical approach fosters trust and respect, crucial components of a productive teacher-student relationship. Recognizing the voice as an integral part of the individual's physical and emotional being, our instructors adopt a 360-degree care philosophy. This approach goes beyond vocal mechanics, encompassing the overall well-being of the singer. It emphasizes the importance of mental health, physical fitness, and emotional support in achieving vocal excellence. Understanding that each singer's journey is unique, instructors exhibit remarkable adaptability and flexibility in their teaching styles. They are skilled at personalizing their approach to meet the individual goals, challenges, and aspirations of their students, ensuring a tailored and effective learning experience.

Finally, a Vocology in Practice Authorized Instructor is dedicated to lifelong learning, both as a teacher and a student. This mindset ensures that they continue to grow, evolve, and innovate in their teaching practices, contributing to the advancement of voice teaching as a discipline.

Aims and Objectives

Possesses an understanding of vocal anatomy, health, and technique, as well as the ability to convey complex concepts in an accessible manner.
Understands and is able to advise a singer on vocal health.
Possesses a foundational Understanding of voice science and how harmonics and formants can influence the voice and how to use this information to help a singer to find optimum vocal choices.
Possesses strong interpersonal and communication skills, patience, empathy, and the ability to inspire and motivate students.
Offers a student-centred approach.
Understands how to create goals and strategies with a singer.
Is able to develop a singer as an artist as well as technically.
Respects a singer’s artistic choices and helps them to retain and develop their individual identity.
Ability to play scales/exercise patterns relevant to a student’s needs.
Understands basic music theory concepts.
Understands vocal registration and is able to train singers to smooth registration.
Has the ability to craft exercises that specifically benefit the student.
Understands and possesses the ability to practically assess a voice.
Possess a developed diagnostic ear.
Understands style and pedagogical tools that apply to the teaching of contemporary music genres.
Is able to offer students practical resources to continue practicing and developing whilst away from lessons.
Actively participates in the vocal or broader music community.
Committed to seeking and incorporating feedback from students and peers and engaging in continuous professional development to enhance their teaching practice.

AUTHORIZATION CONTRACT

Prerequisites

Prior to beginning this course, I have completed 5+ years of relevant singing teaching.

Prior to beginning this course I have completed 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development in Vocal Pedagogy.
I have read the Authorization Handbook.

Timeline

I understand that at the end of the assessment process I will be required to attend the 1 hour Authorization Interview to become a Vocology in Practice Authorized Instructor.

I understand that to be an Authorized Instructor I must be a paying member, and adhere to the regulations and requirements outlined by Vocology in Practice for re authorization on a yearly basis.

If at any point my membership lapses, I will no longer be authorized by Vocology in Practice, and will be required to not advertise or list myself as such.

Feedback and Course Support

Vocology in Practice believe in peer to peer learning, the sharing of knowledge and the quest for continual personal and professional development. I will strive to always engage with feedback openly and honestly. I understand there will be ongoing email support from the Education Director at education@vocologyinpractice.org.