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Certificate in Functional Vocal Pedagogy and Vocology

Flexible professional development courses to enhance your teaching

• Online, asynchronous courses 
• Summer intensive

 

ºìÐÓÖ±²¥app City University’s Vocal Pedagogy Certificate  is designed for professionals who already have a foundation in voice, music, or speech-language pathology and want to develop a deeper understanding of the singing voice and how to teach it effectively. Whether you are a voice teacher, professional singer, music educator, or speech-language pathologist interested in expanding your knowledge of singing, this program provides an opportunity to return to focused study without starting over and on your own time. Six specialized courses connect current voice science with the practical realities of teaching singers, exploring vocal anatomy and physiology, respiration, phonation, resonance and articulation, vocal aesthetics across musical styles, neuroscience and the mind-body connection, habilitative vocal exercise, and voice disorders. The emphasis throughout is on taking what we know about how the voice and body function and translating that knowledge into effective, individualized teaching.

The program combines this in-depth academic study with ºìÐÓÖ±²¥app’s Vocal Pedagogy and Vocology Intensive, where participants put their knowledge into practice alongside experienced faculty, voice professionals, and fellow practitioners. Through masterºìÐÓÖ±²¥app, live teaching demonstrations, mentored teaching, and small-group experiences, participants refine their ability to listen, assess, problem-solve, and make informed pedagogical choices for a wide range of singers. The program is particularly valuable for professionals who want to strengthen the connection between voice science and artistry, expand their ability to teach across classical and contemporary styles, or add singing-voice expertise to an existing career. Rather than simply learning a collection of exercises or teaching methods, participants develop a deeper understanding of why pedagogical approaches work—and how to adapt them to the individual singer in front of them.

The following course sequence is highly recommended. A strong foundation in anatomy and physiology (body systems) for singing is strongly encouraged prior to taking courses MUS 03 and beyond.

  • MUS 01: Body Systems and Singing 1
    • Alignment and balance of the skeletal system; Body Mapping; Respiration; Application and Experiential Learning.
  • MUS 02: Body Systems and Singing 2
    • Exploration of body systems for singing. Anatomy and physiology of phonation, articulation, and resonance. Introduction to pedagogical application as it pertains to function.
  • MUS 03: Practical Vocal Aesthetics
    • Vocal Aesthetics and Registration: aesthetic expectations of different vocal music styles; varying functions of the respiratory system, phonatory system, resonatory system and articulatory system to achieve the desired aesthetic result; acoustic v. laryngeal registration.
  • MUS 04: Mind Body in the Voice Studio
    • Develop a base understanding of Brain Science and its relationship to teaching students how to learn, to teach, to sing, and to perform. Create a toolbox of ideas to aid in teaching that the student can continue to build upon once the course is completed.
  • MUS 05: Habilitative Vocal Exercise Cultivation
    • This course blends Anatomy and Physiology, Repertoire, Aesthetics, and Systematic Voice Teaching to support the creation of effective habilitative voice exercises. It emphasizes developing postural, respiratory, articulatory, and resonance exercises, SOVTE review, navigating passaggi, and creating laryngeal flexibility. Repertoire is examined  and used strategically to plan habilitative technical growth within a thoughtfully structured developmental framework.
  • MUS 06: Voice Disorders
    • Voice Disorders: An introduction to the categorization, evaluation, and intervention of voice disorders for singers.

Flexible enrollment options allow you to choose what works best for your schedule and professional development goals.

  1. Register for the complete certificate program (including summer intensive)
  2. Register for individual courses
  3. Register for the summer intensive only

Registration fee: $0

Course fee: $300 per course

Transcript fee

Summer intensive fees

Q: How long does it take to finish each course? 

A: Each course is designed with flexible pacing in mind. It is possible to finish a course in as little as 4 weeks at a fast pace or you can take up to 8 weeks at a much slower pace.  

Q: Is it possible to waive a course and still receive the certificate? 

A: No. We do not have an option for waiving courses in the certificate program. You are allowed to register for individual courses and receive a digital badge for each course if you do not wish to enroll in the certificate program. 

Q: May I receive degree credit for these courses? 

A: No. These courses are designed as a professional development program and are not for degree or college credit. You may request a transcript of the courses you successfully completed for your professional file. 

Q: Will I be able to interact with the instructors? 

A: Yes! The instructor will be following your progress as you make your way through the course and is available for questions, support, and feedback.

Q: I registered for a course/the certificate but changed my mind – may I get a refund? 

A: There are no refunds offered after registration is complete. If you need an extension of any deadlines for extenuating circumstances, please contact Dr. Kelly Holst at [email protected]

Q: What kind of technology do I need to complete these courses? 

A: You will need reliable internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with video and audio capabilities. 

Q: What do I need to complete to earn the certificate? 

A: You need to successfully complete all the online courses (MUS 01-06) and the summer intensive (in person or live virtual) to receive the certificate.

Questions regarding the online courses: email Kelly Holst

Questions regarding the summer intensive: email Kevin Wilson

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