Lead Department
Wind, Percussion, Pop, Jazz, Traditional, Voice and Theatre Studies
Coordinated by
Clodagh Long (Clodagh.Long@mtu.ie)
Active Members
6
Purpose
The Vocal Wellness Learning Community aims to cultivate a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to vocal health and wellness within the Cork School of Music (CSM). This Learning Community will bring together vocal practitioners, educators, and external specialists to share expertise, develop best practices, and implement strategies that enhance the long-term vocal health of students and staff.
Key objectives include:
- Developing awareness and knowledge-sharing around vocal wellness and vocal health.
- Establishing an interdisciplinary network of vocal practitioners across various musical genres and disciplines within CSM.
- Integrating vocal wellness education into student learning experiences.
- Enhancing staff development through collaborative training sessions and workshops.
- Piloting and embedding best practices in vocal care across CSM teaching programmes.
Summary
The Vocal Wellness Learning Community will focus on staff development and fostering collaboration within a multi-disciplinary team. Through a series of workshops and educational initiatives, the LC aims to support sustainable vocal health for both students and staff.
Planned Activities for 2024-25:
- Workshops:
- Hosting three professional development workshops focusing on vocal health, performance well-being, and best practices for vocal training.
- Guest-led sessions by industry experts to provide evidence-based vocal health training.
- Vocal Health Certification Programme:
- Offering supplementary reading materials and certification opportunities for both staff and selected students in vocal wellness.
- Providing a structured approach to vocal care within the BA Musical Theatre and Bachelor of Music programmes.
- Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration:
- Encouraging partnerships between singing teachers, speech therapists, vocal coaches, and healthcare professionals to promote holistic vocal health education.
- Facilitating knowledge exchange between vocal practitioners in different performance styles, including classical, contemporary, jazz, and musical theatre.
- Student Engagement:
- Piloting a student-focused vocal health initiative within CSM.
- Expanding access to vocal health workshops and certification for second, third, and fourth-year students in Musical Theatre and Music programmes.
Future Plans:
- Further Expansion: Growing the LC membership by engaging additional CSM staff and external vocal health experts.
- Enhanced Student Involvement: Developing additional student training and certification opportunities in vocal wellness.
- Curriculum Development: Embedding vocal health awareness and preventative strategies into CSM teaching practices.
- Industry Engagement: Strengthening links with vocal health specialists, theatre professionals, and educators to ensure up-to-date training and research-led approaches.
By fostering a culture of vocal wellness, the Vocal Wellness Learning Community will empower staff and students to prioritise vocal health, develop sustainable singing techniques, and enhance overall performance longevity.
