St Andrews Vocal Pedagogy

Course dates

Start date: Sunday 17 August 2025
End date: Saturday 23 August 2025

Introduction from course director

"Are you an experienced singing teacher keen to refresh your approaches and develop your practice, and/or a voice researcher keen to present your work?

I am delighted and honoured to welcome three of the most interesting and forward-thinking current voice pedagogues to the University of St Andrews to lead the third Vocal Pedagogy Course. I would be thrilled if you would join us too!

The course will be held in the beautiful and historic university town of St Andrews. The University’s new Laidlaw Music Centre houses the McPherson Recital Room which boasts one of the finest acoustic environments for solo singing in the UK.

Places are limited, with full course participants benefitting from group sessions, individual sessions, lectures on specific areas of interest, group discussions, observed and coached teaching and a final concert. The course runs from 4pm on Sunday 17 August to 3pm on Saturday 23 August.

Researchers presenting their work can do so virtually or in-person on the afternoon of Thursday 21 August.

The course offers the opportunity to work alongside fellow singing teachers and researchers in a mutually encouraging environment, to make new contacts and to share experiences.

I look forward to welcoming you to St Andrews."

Jonathan May
Artistic Director

About this course

The third St Andrews Vocal Pedagogy Course seeks to attract experienced career singing teachers and performer/pedagogues interested in learning new skills and ways of teaching in both Classical, Contemporary and Music Theatre techniques.

St Andrews Vocal Pedagogy Course offers you:

Daily presentations by our world-class faculty (with student singers)
A one-to-one professional development session with a member of our faculty
'Observed-and-Coached' teaching sessions for participants
Public performance opportunity for participants
Course accompanist in residence
Closing celebration concert (Saturday)
The chance to present and/or hear presentations from voice researchers
An immersive, supportive and friendly environment to share common interests and challenges

Laidlaw interior

Accommodation

St Andrews Vocal Pedagogy Course participants enjoy simple, comfortable
accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis at Agnes Blackadder Hall, a modern residence commended by the Scottish Tourist Board.

It is situated 15 minutes’ walk from the town and a 25-minute walk from the Laidlaw Music Centre.

Each room contains a double bed, en-suite bathroom with shower, wash-hand basin and toilet, television and tea and coffee making facilities.

Catering

Special catering requirements can be accommodated with advance notification.

Please advise us of any such requirements on your application form.

Getting to St Andrews

Detailed information on travelling to St Andrews can be found on the Getting to St Andrews webpage.

Costs

Course fees

Teacher full course participation: £675 (discounted to £625 until Tuesday 1 April 2025.)
Teacher/Researcher full course participation including in person research presentation: £705
Researcher in person attendance and presentation 21 August afternoon session: £30
Virtual research presentation on the afternoon of 21 August: £30
Virtual observer only for research presentation on the afternoon 21 August: £15

AccommodationDinner bed and breakfast

Single: £80 (per night)

Costs include:

Single dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation for six nights arriving afternoon of Sunday 17 August 2025, departing afternoon of Saturday 23 August 2025.
An individual mentoring session with a member of Faculty.
Admission to all masterclasses, lectures, presentations, workshops, re and concert.

Testimonials from 2024 participants

"As pedagogues we can all continue to learn and grow. I’ve found great organisation, some affirmation and lots of new ideas from both participants and an extraordinary faculty."

"I owe it to my students to be up to date in my pedagogy...I came to learn from teachers at the forefront of vocal pedagogy. It's been amazing."

"Last year was hugely inspiring - it transformed my teaching. I’m still curious and there’s a fabulous international mix of science, research and experience."

Laidlaw Building

Course tutors

Lynn Helding

Instructor

Lynn Helding, author of The Musician’s Mind, is a renowned pedagogue, performer, and USC Thornton Professor.

Chris Johnson

Instructor

West End leads, vocalists, and teachers trust Chris for voice care. With expertise in therapy, acoustics, and coaching, he helps singers embrace their authentic voice.

Dr Jenevora Williams

Tutor

Dr Jenevora Williams, a leading expert in vocal health and teaching, combines opera experience with voice science, mentoring singers and training voice professionals.

General conditions

1a) These general conditions, together with the Registration Form, comprise the contract between the client and the University of St Andrews.

b) A deposit of £100 is required to secure your place. Places are limited and are allocated strictly in order of receipt of deposit.

c) The balance must be paid by Tuesday 12 August 2025. Failure to pay by this date will result in the forfeiture of the deposit paid and the booking will lapse.

2. Cancellation

The University of St Andrews Music Centre Office must be notified in writing of all cancellations. In addition to the deposit, non refundable charges:

Prior to 31 May:

25% of the total cost

Prior to 1 July:

50% of the total cost

Thereafter:

the full fee is non-refundable

3. Liability

The University maintains a public liability policy covering legal liability for bodily injury and property damage arising out of the University’s business. Any loss, damage to property or injury not resulting from negligence will not be covered by the University.

4. General

a) The University of St Andrews reserves the right to cancel the course up to four weeks in advance if numbers enrolled have not reached the minimum required.

b) The University of St Andrews reserves the right to cancel, or amend the delivery of, the course for reasons outwith its control, including but not limited to Force Majeur, Royal Demise or restrictions imposed due to the prevailing public health situation.

c) The University of St Andrews reserves the right to replace the advertised staff or amend the programme where it is found to be unavoidable.

5. Insurance

Participants are strongly advised to take out travel insurance or adequate cover for the duration of their course and journey. The University does not provide insurance to cover cancellation costs, loss of baggage, injury, money etc.