Postgraduate Researchers

PhD Research Student - Conservatoire

Project title: Teaching vocal onset: An examination of the origins and evolution of onset practice and nomenclature in Western Classical vocal pedagogy.

Project abstract:

A secure and consistent vocal onset (i.e., the initiation of the sung tone) is the lynchpin of vocal technique, as it facilitates a beneficial cycle of effective breath management and optimal vocal fold closure.  However, many current voice training systems tend to focus on related concepts including acoustics and the Accent method breath management system. 

With the hypothesis that the concepts around vocal onset may be an underused resource in vocal pedagogy, this research will identify the most effective tools and techniques currently used to teach onset among a wide range of third-level and Conservatory singing teachers. Using a representative sample of teachers across all voice classifications and with diverse pedagogical perspectives, their responses will be used to formulate an holistic and cohesive protocol for assisting singers in achieving a desirable initiation of vocal tone. 

The first phase of the project will use a case study design to facilitate a detailed exploration, through interview and observation, of third-level singing teachers’ practice of onset pedagogy.  Phase two will follow an action research design, and will encompass the implementation of an onset-focused teaching protocol during working sessions with third-level and early-career singers.  This new protocol will encompass the distillation of the optimal onset teaching practices identified during the case studies.  

The concept of vocal onset has a hitherto underappreciated utility in illustrating the interrelatedness of apparently disparate aspects of vocal technique.  A clear protocol for teaching onset will assist singing teachers in communicating key pedagogical concepts through a single and comprehensible focus. It will empower vocal students engaging with a variety of teaching approaches, and will also benefit the wider singing community, including the growing “Singing for Health” cohort. 

 

Supervisor: Dr Rachel Talbot, Dr Helen Lawlor 

ORCID profile: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8638-0633