Guildhall School of Music & Drama is delighted to announce a one-day conference in connection with the AHRC-funded ‘Finding a Voice’ project, on the topic of adult non-singers learning to sing. The project aims to provide an understanding of the journeys adult non-singers take in learning to sing and the ways in which they can be supported, by combining psychological, educational and artistic research. 

A large proportion of the adult population consider themselves non-singers, and self-exclude from singing in all but the most private and informal circumstances. Thus they are potentially unable to access the many personal and social benefits that evidence shows singing can bring. Non-singers may hold negative views of their own singing, believe themselves ‘tone deaf’ or unable to sing, or simply have lacked opportunity. At the same time, vocal and musical skill levels can vary widely in this group, exposing how complicated it is to co-ordinate perception and action in singing.

How do adults learn to sing, and how can they best be supported? What do adults’ singing journeys look like (e.g. in developmental, pedagogical, identity and other terms) and how are they experienced? What are the implications for vocal work with non-singing adults in a range of settings (community, adult education, amateur music, vocal teaching, health, therapy etc.)? The aim of this conference is to bring a range of different perspectives to bear on these complex issues, combining discussion of Finding a Voice research findings with external contributions. 

Contributions are invited that are relevant to the conference topic, from any practical or academic perspective (including, but not limited to, arts education, research, therapy, or administration; research psychology or clinical practice; performing arts). We encourage a variety of types of contribution, including original research, practical demonstrations, and theoretical or policy discussions/provocations.   Contributions should take into consideration a mixed audience of professional and amateur practitioners, researchers, arts managers and policy makers.  

The whole day will be run as plenary in order to facilitate discussion and exchange. Therefore, in order to ensure adequate opportunity for a range of contributors we have set fairly short time limits.   

Please send:

•abstracts of up to 250 words for 15 minute spoken presentations (plus 5 minutes questions)  

•proposals of up to 250 words for practice-based demonstrations or workshop activities (15 minutes or 30 minutes). Please state your preference for a 15 or 30 minute slot – but note that the number of 30 minute slots is very limited. 

Deadline for abstracts/proposals: 14 August 2018  

Date: Friday 23 November 2018, 0930-1700  

Venue: Rehearsal Room 1, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Milton Court, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DT  

Enquiries: karen.wise@gsmd.ac.uk; beth.martin@gsmd.ac.uk 

www.gsmd.ac.uk/findingavoice