The Vocal Instrument 101
Join me 24 to 26 Jan for all the voice-related anatomy & physiology I can cram into one weekend.
You deserve up-to-date, accessible anatomy & physiology info that’s designed to answer the questions you actually have. (Not the ones some ‘expert’ thinks you should be asking.)
The Vocal Instrument 101 LIVE Lecture Series has entered the chat.
You can do it in one weekend. (One very intense weekend. But one weekend, nonetheless.)
From the comfort of your own home. (While wearing your PJs. Cuz I’m not judging.)
Without the need to buy a textbook. (Cuz workbooks are provided.)
Or call a friend. (Cuz this thing is fully interactive.)
GET READY
Mark your calendar for:
- 3:00-5:00 24 Jan
- 9:00-12:30 & 2:00-5:00 25 Jan
- 9:00-12:30 & 2:00-4:00 26 Jan
Download (and print, if that’s your thing) the class workbooks. (I’ll email ’em to you a few days before we begin.)
Collect a few of your fav recordings of singers you’ve always wondered about OR a student or two (just make sure you have their permission, of course).
Grab your snacks and set up your learning space(s)!
GET SET
Once you’ve taken care of the important things (you know, like: SNACKS), consider what questions you’d like to have answered over the course of the weekend.
Here are a few that might help get you started:
- What is a “good” breath, and how do I know when I see it?
- What’s the difference between contemporary and classical tonal outcomes? How can I tell which one I’m hearing?
- What exactly is “mix,” and how can I tell when I’m listening to it?
- How do I figure out what is or isn’t a sustainable sound?
- How do I tease out what to work on next and how to start?
GO!
We’ll kick things off with intros and a focus exercise (#IYKYK), then dive into a 75 to 135-minute interactive lecture.
We’ll pause often for questions, clarity, and bio breaks.
And? Each module includes a Q&A and a listening party. Which: just this thing we do now where participants bring a video (or three) and we figure out what’s going on in the singing based on all the learning we’ve done.
(AND KEEP GOING)
When you’re bummed because TVI101 is over, here are three ways to keep the momentum going:
1. Join the VoicePed 101 Library
Get access to all the replays and watch them as many times as you want for as long as you’re a member. PLUS, unlock the rest of the lectures in the library. It’s like a treasure chest of voice ped goodness!
2. Hop into a VoicePed Listening Party
Invite-only, small-group sessions designed for teachers with similar experiences and student profiles. Bring a recording of your student, and together we’ll analyze what’s happening and brainstorm ways to support their learning. It’s real talk, real support, and real pedagogy—like your dream teaching squad, led by yours truly.
3. Book a One-on-One VoicePed Consult
Need tailored advice? Reach out to book a consult (or four—there’s a sweet discount for that). TVI101 alum, get the first session for half-price.
The Vocal Instrument 101 - The Science of Sound 101
All about sound: what it is, how human bodies create it, why understanding sound creation matters to singing and teaching singing, and the fundamentals of acoustics (see what I did there?).
Fri, 24 Jan 3:00-5:00 et
The Vocal Instrument 101 - Respiration 101
All about the power source: how we breathe, how we breathe to sing, and how to support (wink) singers in using their breath efficiently. All while addressing and dismantling the ableist, Western-classical elitist pedagogies many of us were taught about ‘proper’ breathing and ‘correct’ alignment.
Sat, 25 Jan 9:00-12:30 et
The Vocal Instrument 101 - Phonation 101
All about the voice source: the structure of the larynx, how we initiate sound, and how the larynx contributes to vocal sound—it’s so much more than just thick folds vs. thin folds. (But don’t let that scare ya!)
Sat, 25 Jan 2:00-5:00 et
The Vocal Instrument 101 - Resonance 101
All about the resonator: the vocal tract’s role in shaping and -well- resonating sound, the structures that make it happen, and how we shape the vocal tract to create vowels and specific tonal outcomes. (Fair Warning: formants will be discussed.)
Sun, 26 Jan 9:00-12:30 et
The Vocal Instrument 101 - Registration 101
All about registration: a full-spectrum (wink) exploration of what we do to generate specific tonal outcomes across the pitch range. We’ll move beyond binary concepts like chest vs. head voice and classical vs. contemporary, toward a comprehensive, whole-body understanding of how the vocal instrument works to create allll the sounds.
Sun, 26 Jan 2:00-4:00 et
“The Vocal Instrument 101 LIVE was the breath of fresh air I needed after two years at home during the pandemic. Learning alongside colleagues from around the world—right from my living room—was inspiring and energizing! The course challenged me to think in new ways as both a teacher and performer, and I especially appreciated hearing perspectives from the CCM-focused voice teachers in the group. Shannon’s approachable style and willingness to answer questions made the material so accessible. It was the perfect way to gain new tools and insights without going back to school!”
“The Vocal Instrument 101 LIVE was both informative and entertaining, offering a research-based, relevant approach to teaching voice across CCM and Classical genres. Her vast experience and engaging delivery left me inspired—and even validated—in my own teaching approach. The course helped me identify and bridge gaps in my vocal pedagogy knowledge, while providing new tools and avenues to explore with the children, teens, and adults I teach. Highly recommended for anyone looking to level up their teaching!”
“The Vocal Instrument 101 LIVE was exactly what I needed to solidify my understanding of vocal anatomy without going back to school for a pedagogy degree. The content was clear, practical, and dove into the intricacies of teaching voice through anatomy-based knowledge. I especially appreciated the interactive discussions with other educators, where we shared strategies and insights from our studios. I left feeling inspired and equipped with tools I can’t wait to use with my students!”
“Revisiting The Vocal Instrument 101 LIVE was such a gift! Day 1 was dense (in the best way), but I didn’t mind the deep dive—especially with no talk of formants, so… yay! The interactive group discussions were a highlight for me, and I’ve already brought so much of what I learned into my teaching this week. It energized me and gave me new clarity in how I communicate with my students. Highly recommend!”
"The Vocal Instrument 101 LIVE (and follow-up practicum) was the most affirming, clarifying, and informative training I’ve ever done! Her ability to explain complex concepts and engage her audience is spectacular. One unexpected takeaway? Reflecting on how I define my role as a teacher, which has sparked so much creativity in my studio. I only wish I could have a live session with her every week for the rest of my life—she’s that good!"
"The Vocal Instrument 101 is absolutely fabulous! Shannon has a gift for breaking down complex concepts into clear, concise explanations that are easy to grasp and immediately applicable. I’ve taken several vocal pedagogy classes before, and this one stands out as the best—engaging, insightful, and packed with practical tools I can use in my teaching right away. Highly recommend!”
"The Vocal Instrument 101 LIVE is both informative and validating—Shannon’s teaching style is engaging, straightforward, and empathetic. Her knowledge, enthusiasm, and inclusive approach make complex topics feel approachable rather than overwhelming. After this course, I feel more confident and reassured that I’m on the right track, which empowers me to better support the unique needs of the singers I work with.”
"Shannon’s course is an absolute gem! Her ability to weave humour into the learning process keeps things engaging, entertaining, and—most importantly—effective. I’ve done my fair share of courses and readings on formants, but Shannon’s explanation was by far the clearest and most helpful I’ve encountered. She has a knack for breaking down complex concepts into something that just clicks. If you’re looking for a course that’s both informative and fun, The Vocal Instrument 101 delivers in spades!"
"Thank you so much for today! Your warmth and energy truly come through the screen, and the way you present voice science with such clear, accessible, and inclusive language is unmatched. I've never heard a clinician explain it this well. You listen with intention and truly appreciate each student's uniqueness and strengths, valuing all styles and techniques equally. Your presentation was spot-on for high school students and will undoubtedly spark many more conversations. I’m leaving with renewed inspiration for my own practice and a deeper desire to bring this knowledge to my students!”
HERE’S WHAT IT COSTS
The Vocal Instrument 101 LIVE Lecture Series:
Eight Lectures in Five Modules over Three Days
all the workbooks, Q&As, and listening parties
Your investment is $1497.
And because flexibility is key, you can choose the payment plan that works best for you:
One instalment of $1497
Two instalments of $748.50
Three instalments of $499
When you click the button below, you’ll head to the checkout page where you can choose the payment plan option that works best for you. Easy peasy.
Need Support?
If you’re a student, apprentice teacher (or both!), living in a country with lower purchasing power, or part of a community impacted by systemic inequalities, I offer student, parity, and supportive pricing. Just reach out! I’d love to make this happen for you and I’m more than happy to chat about how to do just that.
Is the replay included in the price of the LIVE classes?
It’s not, my friend! This is an exclusively LIVE event—think of it like a one-night-only concert (but with more pedagogy and fewer encores). If you can’t make it to the LIVE classes, or if you’d like the option to revisit the lectures on your own schedule, consider checking out The VoicePed 101 Library. Cuz that’s where The Vocal Instrument 101 Lectures will be living their best lives as of February, 2025. And the best part? You can snag access for as little as $97/month. 🎉
I’ve done previous iterations of The Vocal Instrument 101 - why should I do this one?
The short answer? We’re diving into acoustic and laryngeal registration in ways I haven’t tackled before. I know, I know—“acoustic and laryngeal registration” doesn’t exactly scream sexy, but trust me—this is the stuff that brings so much clarity to all things registration, mixing, and mixed belt. If you’ve ever felt like those concepts were a bit murky, this round is going to be a game-changer. Oh, and bonus! As a returning participant, you get in for a steep discount – If you haven’t received the email with your code yet, just let me know, and I’ll send it your way. 📨
I’ve already done a tonne of anatomy and physiology courses—why should I do The Vocal Instrument 101?
Listen, I’m not here to twist your arm (that’s definitely not covered in A&P). BUT, here’s the thing: past participants who’ve done all the courses consistently tell me that the way I break this stuff down gives them more clarity than they’ve ever had. I mean, we’re talking actual quotes like:
- “I finally understand formants!”
- “I WISH you had been my pedagogy teacher!”
- “Why hasn’t anyone explained registration like this before?”
So, if you’ve ever felt like the puzzle pieces of anatomy and physiology aren’t quite clicking into place, this might be the course that finally completes the picture for ya. Just sayin’. 😉
I’ve done next to NO anatomy and physiology courses - is The Vocal Instrument 101 LIVE gonna break my brain?
Maybe a little… but in the best way, I promise! 😅 Look, I’m not gonna sugarcoat it—it’s a LOT of info (it’s giving: firehose-to-the-face). BUT, here’s the thing: I teach this exact material to undergrads who’ve never even heard the word “thyroarytenoid,” and not only do they survive, they tend to love it. Plus, this iteration has loads of built-in space for interactivity and real-world application, so you’re not just sitting there trying to absorb it all on your own. You’ve got this, and I’m here to make sure it all clicks! 😊
I’m not really a voice teacher (or coach), I’m more of a voice user - what would I get out of this thing?
Hey there, voice user! Look, I’m not here to tell you what to do—or promise that The Vocal Instrument 101 will magically make you a better singer. BUT, what I can say is this: the non-teachers who’ve taken it? They’re not mad about it. At all. Most of them walk away fascinated by the deep dive into how their instrument actually works. And a lot of them find it super validating to finally understand why some things feel intuitive or come more easily.
So, if you’re curious about what’s going on with that voice of yours, and you like to get your learning in by drinking out of an informational fire hose, The Vocal Instrument 101 LIVE might just be exactly what you’re looking for. 🎤
Money’s tight and this thing ain’t cheap—are there flexible payment options?
Oh, friend, I hear you. Yes, there are! You can split the cost into up to three instalments to make things a little easier. Also, if you’re a student, or apprentice teacher (or both!), living in a country with lower purchasing power, or part of a community impacted by systemic inequalities, I offer student, parity, and supportive pricing. Just reach out—I’m happy to chat about what might work for you. And if now’s still not the right time, you can always subscribe to The VoicePed 101 Library (you can get in for $97/month), where the class replays will be hanging out as of February 2025. 💛
Hope to see you in my zoom room soon!
