Exploring our new MA Vocal Studies course

ICMP’s new MA Vocal Studies programme has been launched to cater for students looking to delve deeper into the technical foundations of their creative voice, however they use it within contemporary music.

Technique, research and practical application will come together in this postgraduate course with students able to explore the different components of the voice such as posture and alignment, breath, the support system, resonance, vocal health and much more. 

They will then look at how these methodologies and tools can be applied to enhance their own practice. These learnings can be utilised by the students themselves or used by those they might work with in a group setting as a vocal coach or choir leader. 

Lucinda Allen, Teaching Fellow in Vocal Studies and MA Vocal Studies Programme Leader, said:

“We’re very proud and excited about the launch of our new MA Vocal Studies programme. The course aims to offer our students a deep dive into all aspects of vocal technique, then provide them with the opportunity to apply what they’ve studied to themselves and their own projects, practices and learning.”

Why study an MA Vocal Studies degree?

From rappers and singers that use their voices expressively to vocal coaches and performers, this course will offer vocalists of all kinds the chance to discover more about the workings of the creative voice. 

Participants go further than the content studied on an undergraduate degree to advance both their knowledge and career. 

The MA ensures students have a greater understanding of how the voice works, the best ways to maintain great vocal health, how to use the voice in a creative setting and how to share this expert knowledge with others, whether that be as a choir leader or vocal coach.  

Undertaking the course can benefit students with:

• Learning up to date, relevant research in contemporary vocal technique
• Understanding how your instrument works allows you to access it better and help others access their instrument too 
• Knowledge of the voice allows for more effective, expressive and sustainable communication  

What do you study on the MA Vocal Studies degree?

Our MA Vocal Studies course will provide students with: 

• The latest industry knowledge and expertise from top experts in their field 
• The chance to connect with, learn from and network with a wide range of professionals, particularly in technique, coaching and group singing leadership
• A deeper understanding of how to optimise the voice for yourself and others

Semester A focuses on what our students know about their voice and how to optimise it. Semester B then examines how this can be creatively applied to their practice. 

The course is split into different modules for students. These are: 

Vocal Technique & Practice | Semester A 
Students will be able to explore a wide range of vocal techniques, methods and approaches. From vocal health to functional anatomy, they will be exposed to a number of different techniques and learn from experts on how to optimise their voice. This will take place through practical demonstrations, discussion and independent study. 

Integrated Voice, Mind and Body | Semester A 
This module allows students to get to grips with the relationship between voice, mind and body and how these elements interact. 

Specialists working in breathing techniques, vocal massage or with the Alexander Technique will be on hand to support students to analyse the voice from different perspectives and how this can impact vocal performance and delivery. 

Creative Voice in Practice | Semester B 
Students will be able to apply their learnings from Semester A to explore the possibilities of the voice in a practical setting. Whether it be emotional storytelling or conveying lyrics, this will aim to explore how technique can influence and lend authenticity to vocal output in different scenarios. 

Vocal Coaching | Semester B 
This module aims to support creative practitioners in best practice surrounding vocal coaching. Students will get a thorough understanding of how to give feedback, different vocal assessment methods and creative session design using evidence-based approaches and one-to-one learning scenarios. 

Ensemble Vocals | Semester B 

Students pursuing this module will learn more about group vocal leadership and how to work with different groups of singers and performers. Using a diverse mix of research and practical applications, this will focus on the core elements of leading  group singing through seminars, lectures and industry observation. 

Vocal Research Project | Semester B 

In this final project students have the opportunity to explore a vocal topic of their choosing that supports their aspiration after completing the programme. They can use ICMP tutors as mentors on this piece of work, whether it be through enhancing their own performance, launching a coaching project or working as part of a community project. 

Commenting, Lucinda said: 

The aim is for students to become more curious  singers who can help themselves and others, all informed by the latest contemporary approaches.” 

What techniques are featured on the course 

• Functional Anatomy (Posture, Breathing, Projection, Resonance and Sustainability) 
• Vocal Technique and Practices 
• Integrated Voice, Mind and the body 
• Creative application to Song 
• Vocal Leadership/Group Singing  

Who is this course for? 

This course is aimed at post graduates who are passionate about the power of the voice and want to gain a deeper understanding of vocal technique. They may be vocal students who have graduated from any vocal degree or studied music at undergraduate level and have actively been pursuing a passion for singing, vocal coaching and more.

Some of the potential music professionals this course is for are below: 

Vocalists 
Vocalists with some performance experience and/or some experience of voice training in a 1-2-1 class setting. They are keen to understand more about their voice from a technical perspective and to find out how exploring this can optimise their practice.   

Musical Theatre
The course would suit a classical performer or vocalist in musical theatre with an interest in exploring or transitioning to other contemporary genres. Increasingly, West End shows are calling on vocalists to be more contemporary in their approach and this programme would be a perfect way for them to transfer their skills and extend their abilities.

Choir leader, Musical Director and Vocal Producers
As a Musical Director or Choir Leader, communication is a key attribute when working with other vocalists. Undertaking this degree will enable them to become more polished and practised in how they share information, give feedback and work with others.