COURSE OVERVIEW

If you’re a singer or vocal professional looking to delve more deeply into the fundamentals of the voice, this Masters in Vocals course will expand your technical knowledge through a theoretical yet creative lens.

With research central to this one-year postgraduate vocal degree, you’ll dive into every theoretical aspect of vocal technique for a thorough analysis of the voice – from breath work, posture and vocal health to the connection between mind, body and voice.

While you’ll have the opportunity to improve your performance abilities, at the heart of this postgraduate vocal course is research, evidence-based learning and a passion to uncover more about the subtle nuances of the voice as a multi-faceted instrument.

You’ll be guided in your discoveries by expert ICMP tutors – some of the UK’s most experienced specialists in the field of vocal studies; all with their own areas of focus across voice research and voice craft.

An open-minded industry-focused degree, course content spans to cater for the entire spectrum of vocal contemporary music genres – from musical theatre, pop and jazz to rap and spoken word. Feedback on your work is always front and centre, with both your peers and tutors offering regular constructive criticism in a group environment.

With a choice of two optional modules – Vocal Coaching or Ensemble Vocals – you’ll first apply your newfound vocal knowledge to yourself in this experiential course, before learning how to pass it on to others. Whether you’re looking to inspire one-on-one as a vocal coach or singing teacher, or support larger groups of singers as a choir director, worship leader or musical director, you’ll put the learner at the centre of your studies as you foster and promote voice discovery in others.

The MA Vocal Studies course concludes with the Vocal Research Project module where you’ll undertake research to create an industry-standard portfolio guided by your talents and personal areas of interest. The core of this project could be your technical singing abilities, or a stage performance, studio recording, community project or film – all with a predominant focus on vocal quality over performance.

Whether you’re looking to carve a career as a vocalist, singer–songwriter, musical director, vocal coach or choral leader, you’ll graduate the MA Vocal Studies with an impressive understanding on how the voice works, how to use it creatively, how to keep it in the best shape possible and, perhaps most importantly, how to communicate this expert knowledge onto others.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Financial support for postgraduate vocal masters courses is available to students studying at ICMP.

Eligible students on designated ICMP postgraduate courses can access the postgraduate masters loan in the same way, and at the same value, as they could at a publicly funded provider. Individuals can borrow up to £12,471. If you opt to study part-time, your loan will be split into two instalments over the two years of study. 

Course Fees

Click to view the full terms and conditions when applying to study at ICMP.

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Successful completion of the MA Vocal Studies course leads to the award of a Masters degree by The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance.*

*Currently Subject to Validation, we expect this process to be completed in Spring 2024

 

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Key facts

  • Explore research as part of an in-depth evidence-based analysis of the voice as an instrument and creative tool.
  • Improve your understanding of vocal technique through group lessons and practical assessments.
  • Learn how to get the most from your voice function, with classes in subjects such as posture, breathing, resonance and vocal physiotherapy.
  • Receive constructive feedback on your work from expert ICMP tutors and your classmates.
  • Choose from ‘Vocal Coaching’ or ‘Voice and Community’ optional modules, which both teach how to transfer vocal knowledge to others.
  • Connect and collaborate with fellow students and build an impressive global music scene network.
  • Experience a high level of contact teaching hours, delivered in small groups in world-class facilities.
  • Study as a one-year full-time or two-year part-time programme (UK students only).

COURSE DETAILS

Modules

Throughout this MA Vocal Studies postgraduate programme you will study a carefully curated set of core modules, along with the option to choose between two modules in your second semester. The course culminates in a personal and professionally tailored assignment where you’ll bring together research and development to form a high-quality and commercially driven portfolio. 

Vocal Technique & Practices (Semester A)

In this exciting module, you’ll explore a range of vocal techniques, methodologies and approaches. By studying topics including vocal health, functional anatomy and breathing, you’ll examine and critique your technical understanding, adding clarity and accuracy to your technical toolkit. You’ll also analyse groundbreaking research in the field of voice, which you’ll investigate through practical demonstration, discussion and self-directed exercises.

Integrated Voice, Mind and Body (Semester A)

This module studies the undeniable connection between voice, mind and body. As you explore the voice as a multi-faceted instrument, you’ll dissect how conscious and unconscious choices influence your acoustic outcome. Focusing on experiential learning, you’ll gain skills through practical workshops, while building your knowledge and ability to reflect through discussion and journalling. You’ll also learn how to synthesise concepts and ideas, creating a unique experience tailored to your personalised journey.

Creative Voice in Practice (Semester B)

In this module, you’ll integrate craft and technique through practical application. Exploring the extensive possibilities of the vocal toolkit, you’ll discover effective and authentic ways to tell stories, connect to lyrics and express emotions. Looking through a variety of creative lenses, you’ll examine how technical provision can influence vocal output in multiple contexts and scenarios.

Vocal Coaching (Optional Semester B)

If you’re keen to develop the skill of transferring knowledge, expertise and passion for voice to others as a vocal coach, this optional module is for you. Using evidence-based approaches and focusing on one-to-one scenarios, you’ll explore core topics like vocal assessment methods, creative session design, the power of semantics and feedback techniques. Putting the learner at the centre, this module enhances the role of the facilitator in supporting voice discovery in others.   

Ensemble Vocals (Optional Semester B)

In this optional module, you’ll develop your group vocal leadership and learn how to communicate effectively and efficiently with large and small groups of singers. Stripping group singing right back to basics, you’ll explore the fundamentals of choral conducting, concentrating specifically on the dynamic relationship between research and practice in the field. Delivered in a mixed mode style, you’ll take part in face-to-face seminars and industry observation, while also receiving support and guidance as you conduct workshops, reflect on your professional practices, analyse theory and review research.

Vocal Research Project (Semester C)

The MA Vocal Studies degree culminates in a personal and professionally tailored assignment where you’ll be guided by ICMP tutors to create a body of work that supports your future endeavours in the voice world. This project brings together research and development to form a high-quality portfolio you can present to industry. You’ll collaborate with a hand-picked supervisor to develop the subject matter of your project – which could be a technical provision, songwriting body of work, music business project, vocal arrangement or something else entirely.

TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT

Across the course, you’ll be taught at our campuses in Kilburn and Queen's Park, using tech suites, live rooms and our in-house music studio facilities, as well as lecture rooms and classrooms. Whenever you need to rehearse and record your music, you’ll have access to these facilities outside of class hours while you remain a student at ICMP.

You’ll be taught through a variety of teaching and learning methods such as lectures, small group tutorials, performance workshops, music technology workshops and one-to-one tuition.

Postgraduate students will experience on-site face-to-face classes as the default position. These will be supported by online supervisions/classes on the modules where this works effectively and where there is no detriment to the student experience.

You’ll have access to the Student Services Department for support and advice regarding welfare, personal development, finance, safeguarding and more. You can also speak with our Professional Development team at ‘The Hub', who will provide you with bespoke music industry careers advice and access to unique industry opportunities

TEACHING AND LEARNING

Across the MA Vocal Studies degree programme, you’ll learn in lectures, seminars and practical workshops, as appropriate. When not attending these, or other timetabled sessions, you’ll be expected to continue independent learning via self-study. Typically, this will involve reading books and articles, completing individual and group projects, preparing coursework assignments and researching in the library. Your independent learning is supported by a variety of exceptional facilities, including our Learning Resource Centre, well-equipped tech suites and excellent performance and practice rooms.

 

 

ASSESSMENT

All modules are individually assessed through a variety of means, including: performances, recording portfolios, practical exams, paper exams, essays, presentations, reflective commentaries, workbooks and projects.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Students looking to study the MA Vocal Studies degree don’t need an undergraduate degree in music, experience with DAWs or the ability to play a musical instrument to apply – just evidence of working professionally with voice and a good undergraduate degree (2i or above). We welcome applications from established practitioners who are keen to undertake study at the postgraduate level but may not possess the required qualifications. These students may be given credit for their prior study or experience.

International: English language requirement – minimum level B2 of the CEFR. For more information, visit this website.

Please note: International students, who require a visa to study in the UK, are only eligible to study on this course full-time.

When completing the full application form for the MA Vocal Studies course, please be aware that you’ll need to submit a performance piece, which can be a video or voice recording,  plus a rationale.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply via the ‘APPLY NOW’ link below.

If you need help or further advice at any time during the application process, contact our Admissions team who will be happy to assist you.



By phone:
020 7328 0222

By email:
enquiries@icmp.ac.uk

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