Surrey University Stag

VOICE AND SINGING PEDAGOGIES - 2024/5

Module code: POVM017

Module Overview

This module is intended to introduce and engage the student with a variety of leading voice practitioners both current and historical to understand the pedagogies in both singing and voice. The voice fundamentals of anatomy and phonetics will underpin and deepen the understanding of voice and singing pedagogies. Experiential learning through ¿doing¿ the work of others will lead the students to develop an understanding of methodologies for their own practice. Through this they will develop their own strategies and methodologies as an effective practitioner, operating in the combined disciplines of voice and singing.

Module provider

Guildford School of Acting

Module Leader

PALMER Chris (GSA)

Number of Credits: 60

ECTS Credits: 30

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

JACs code:

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Workshop Hours: 30

Independent Learning Hours: 100

Lecture Hours: 400

Seminar Hours: 30

Tutorial Hours: 40

Module Availability

Year long

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Exploring the work of leading practitioners, such as but not limited to: Berry, Rodenberg, Linklater, Husler, Estil, Riggs, Sadolin, Saunders- Barton as a cross over between voice and singing pedagogies, which will be examined both theoretically and practically.
With tutorial supervision, students will be required to present and demonstrate the work of practitioners within seminar sessions. The students will then move into fully supported and supervised participation in the leading of warm-ups and classes. This will enable the student to move from personal practice towards the leadership and guidance in the practice of others.

Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Practical based assessment Teaching Demonstration (singing) 50
Practical based assessment Teaching Demonstration (Voice) 50

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to enable each student to develop a teaching or coaching style, informed by research into a relevant, eminent practitioner. The students’ teaching and pedagogical approaches will be marked in a class.

The summative assessments consist of the following:


  • Teaching of singing 50%

  • Teaching of voice 50%



Formative assessment and feedback

Peer to peer feedback is provided to students following teaching observations in addition to continuous verbal feedback throughout the learning journey.

Module aims

  • To explore and understand current and historical practices in the teaching of voice and singing
  • To understand, identify and coach Optimum Vocal Function (OVF.)
  • To enable the student to safely coach voice and singing whilst establishing critical reflection of interdisciplinary pedagogical practice
  • To defend and justify awareness of appropriate methodologies that develop the sung and spoken voicE

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
001 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key theoretical and methodological developments in the practice of voice and singing CK
002 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of practical voice and singing techniques KP
003 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the physiology of voice and optimum voice functionality CK
004 Demonstrate an ability to Analyse and critically evaluate practice within an interdisciplinary context CT
005 Demonstrate an ability to Analyse and evaluate pedagogical techniques within context C

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning


  • Classes to support both singing and voice, working on the self- through to becoming the vocal coach through- Participation and observation and practice (POP) of UG voice and singing classes. 

  • Classes and Group seminars and lectures, teaching practice and masterclasses.

  • Independent study will underpin the deeper research of the pedagogies

  • Tutorials to identify a known methodology


Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: POVM017

Other information

GSA delivers its provision across three teaching blocks, within the University of Surrey’s existing semester structure.

  1. Digital Capabilities Students will engage in numerous formats of teaching and learning, including online lectures and discussion forums. Following contemporary trends, students will learn to deliver methods of teaching and coaching online and to develop an online profile within the professional sphere of work.  Employment in this field has grown exponentially online using the technology of gaming, self-tapes, voice overs and coaching all online. Allowing a greater freedom to teach and coach internationally.
  2. Global and Cultural Capabilitie Students will engage in both study and work relationships that will represent a range of ability, cultural background and practice, expectation, and experience. Students will develop and demonstrate sensitivity and respect within all contexts. Working across diverse cultures and identities, coaching the LGBTQIA+ community to support the voice both in speech and singing.
  3. Employability Students will cultivate a uniquely diverse set of professional level skills that cater to a wide range of related career opportunities. These skills will best equip students with the tools and requisite transferable skills to succeed in meeting industry expectations and allow for career advancement. Creating an online profile, working with an agent to work in the TV and film industry continues to support the ever-growing employability in this field.

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2024/5 academic year.