Convenient and Tailored Short Courses
Private voice studio owners and voice-related organizations often enjoy hosting continuing education events for their clients. OVS is pleased to offer short, online courses to these groups in 60-minute and 90-minute sessions, or 120-minute sessions that include more time for practice and questions. OVS can also provide promotional materials to accompany each course.
Short courses are a wonderful way for studio owners to receive their own continuing education and to foster community. In addition to our regular course offerings, OVS is happy to create customized courses for an additional fee.
Check back frequently to see what is new in the course listings.
Available Short Courses
A Tongue-centric Pedagogy—The tongue is the most flexible structure in the vocal tract and is responsible for shaping every sound you make. Learn about the tongue and how to use it to improve high range and to create warmth, ring, and depth in the sound.
The Big Twang Theory—Big spaces create cavernous sounds. Learn to narrow the upper pharynx to enhance brightness and create ease in vocal production that is useful for all styles of singing.
Mixed Voice Singing Tips—Successful singing requires the ability to transition from one registration to another in a seamless fashion. Learn to produce a quality that feels robust and yet moves effortlessly to the upper range.
Frontiers to Explore Using Acoustics in the Modern Voice Studio—The acoustic frontier is not just for the "few and the brave"; it is a tremendously useful device for teaching and biofeedback in the studio and classroom. Learn how to read a spectrogram and about other important tools for its use in your studio.
Feelin’ the Velum—Velum training has been a part of the pedagogical process for over 400 years. It remains an important part of training today but is greatly facilitated by modern imaging technology and improved understanding of the muscles involved. Learn techniques to identify velum positions and improve awareness and control of the structure.
Larynx Height Indications—Treble and bass adjustments are determined primarily by the larynx's height within the vocal tract but require some consideration about its limitations. Learn when and how to use laryngeal height adjustments to create dynamic vocal qualities that help you express your emotional intent.
Habits to Support a Long and Healthy Singing Life—The voice requires consistent care to perform optimally. Learn about implementing daily habits for vocal health and exercises that will keep you singing for as long as you live.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Voice Disorders—Singers and voice teachers should be familiar with common voice disorders, their diagnosis, management, and treatment. Learn about the disorders that require a break from singing and the ones that don't.
Evidence-Based Vocal Pedagogy—In courtroom trials, evidence is presented to support each side of the case. Learn how to identify and interpret scientific and pedagogical evidence while honoring your own wishes, experience, and expertise.
Emotional Regulation and the Neutral Breath—Emotion is not just a one-way street! A person’s capacity to focus and learn is dependent on their ability to ignore external and internal distractions. The facial feature hypothesis, rooted in Darwin's conjectures, indicates facial expressions may trigger emotional states. Similar research has shown breathing and body patterns may trigger emotional states as well. Learn the basics of central nervous system regulation to step in and out of character and to improve sustained focus.
What is “Space” in Singing?—Historically, pedagogy experts encourage singing with an "open space." The open space is a myth that persists. Learn about the throat's tangible spaces and how "essential narrowing" encourages an easier vocal production.
Diction—Diction is not only important for intelligibility but for the delivery of stylistically appropriate and emotional performances. Learn to use diction as an interpretive tool to elevate your performance.