Welcome!

Welcome! The new Vocology in Practice Course Handbook will provide the primary information you need for this course. It will serve as a helpful reference point along your journey with us.

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

You will also find dates for our live sessions.

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

Contents

What Is the Pathway Course?

Structure and Details

Assessments and Expectations.

 Learning Outcome

Learning Contract 

What is the Pathway Course?

A Journey Through the Seven Principles of Voice Teaching.

The Pathway Course stands as a route for those seeking a holistic and comprehensive understanding of voice teaching. This course is crafted to provide an expansive overview of our Seven Principles of Voice Teaching, serving as a guiding framework designed to enrich and elevate the art of teaching singers.

Beyond Methodology: This course transcends traditional methodologies aiming instead to broaden your pedagogical horizons. It is an invitation to delve deeper into the realm of voice teaching, offering a 360-degree care approach that is as inclusive as it is innovative.

Refinement and Enhancement: At its core, the Pathway Course is about growth. It is tailored to help you refine your existing skillset while simultaneously equipping you with new tools and ideas. Whether you are looking to polish your current practices or eager to explore fresh perspectives, this course offers a fertile ground for professional development.

A Comprehensive Framework: Through the Seven Principles of Voice Teaching, the Pathway Course lays down a robust foundation for offering lessons that not only nurture the singer's voice but also their artistic soul. It is about creating an environment where singers can thrive, supported by a teaching approach that is both caring and comprehensive.

The Pathway allows you to discover not just the principles of effective voice teaching, but also the path to becoming a more insightful, empathetic, and dynamic voice teacher.

What 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.

Course Structure

This is a hybrid course, and it is possible to complete the work in a 6-month time frame, although we do allow up to 9 months.

There is 28 hours of online content, 7 live module-based group classes, 2 group coaching classes, and 2 hours of individual mentoring and teaching clients.

To complete this training, you will need to have at least 5+ years of teaching experience with direct client interactions, plus at least 15 hours of study from continuing professional development providers.

This course has an expectation of your foundational teaching tool kit being in place, participation will help to excel and refine your practice across our 7 Principles to offer your clients an industry leading lesson experience.

You will be keeping a reflective diary throughout the course. The reflective diary is more about your learning journey than what you learned; Successes and failures, hopes and fears, what you loved and hated, agreed and disagreed with, big picture thoughts, random small things that caught your interest, rumination on the middle ground that maybe doesn’t have a concrete answer but shows where your mind wandered.

Course Support

You can contact our Course Leader and Education Director, Clare Silver at any point during the course at [email protected].

Part 1

This is the online training part of the course which consist of 28 filmed presentations by our Education Team. Each film is approximately 1 hour long and we suggest that you complete 4 per month to keep on track.

Each module has an accompanying live session which will help you to apply the knowledge you have just learnt into practical situations. There will also be time for questions and answers. We consider the live sessions to be ESSENTIAL to the training and whilst we understand attending live may be challenging, it does offer you the best insights to be able to complete the end of course assessment criteria.

At the end of each module, you will find a quiz, which will help you to test how much of the content you absorbed or understood. Whilst you continue the course, you will be able to refer back to any previous videos for the entirety of the course.

At the end of the online course, you will take an assessment quiz. If you pass (80 %) you will be able to pass on to the next stage of the training. 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

In these two live sessions 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.

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.

 Live Class Dates

Make note of all the live attendance sessions that form part of this course.

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 $38. 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 280 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.

LEARNING CONTRACT

Prerequisites

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

Prior to beginning this course I have completed 15 hours of Continuing Professional Development in Vocal Pedagogy.
I have read the Pathway Handbook.

I understand that the Pathway can be paid for by subscription or in one upfront payment.

Timeline

I agree to complete the Pathway Course Module 1 within 7 months of purchase. I understand the time and commitment required to complete this course.

I understand that requests to extend the mentioned timeline can be made in writing.

I understand that at the end of the course I will take the Authorization Interview to become a Vocology in Practice Authorized Instructor.

I understand that on successful authorization I will be enrolled into full membership with Vocology in Practice at $38 per month.

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.

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 [email protected].