Voice Studies courses at Central are nationally and internationally renowned. They are particularly likely to appeal to professionals who already have an interest in and knowledge of the voice – for example actors, directors, drama teachers, trained singers and speech therapists.
Throughout the year, workshops are provided with leading British and American voice practitioners. Central is widely recognised as one of the world’s centres for the study of voice and is home to the International Centre for Voice that has been established to serve the professional practice and research development of teachers of voice and speech.
MA and MFA Term One develops awareness of personal and professional needs and gives a foundation in practical skills, related academic disciplines, vocal pedagogy and research methods for the more applied work that follows.
MA and MFA Term Two builds on this by relating acquired knowledge and practical experience to the needs of others and seeks to develop your growing confidence and abilities. Practical experience of teaching, both of classes and of individuals in institutions where voice work is relevant, begins in this term.
MA and MFA Term Three consolidates the work already done and extends the teaching experience in a variety of contexts. It includes advice on preparation for a professional career.
MA Term Four is focused entirely on the preparation and submission of the MA portfolio.
MFA
In the first year of the MFA, students join the MA students for terms one to three of their course. The MFA extends into a second year that engages you with further specialist subject skills. You are offered extended and sustained experience, working closely with members of the related industry to embed yourself as a professional practitioner. In the second year of the course, you are encouraged to specialise in one or more directions building on the first year teaching. The MFA second year widens the opportunities to practice knowledge within a context and framework where pertinent questions can be asked, protocols tested and new structures suggested. You will be expected to undertake tutorials and occasional seminars, although these may be by Skype or virtual seminar facilities.
The second year in the MFA Voice Studies requires the student to undertake 1200 hours of field experience and associated research. In negotiation with the course team, the student may use their own work-based learning as the heart of the field experience or they may undertake attachments with key, experienced professionals in the field. This experience may take place in any organisation within which voice work has a high professional profile, including theatre, broadcasting, education and film, amongst others. It is most important that students are able to generate working relationships in which their specialism of voice can be extensively exercised and developed. All students will articulate and reflect upon their development as a professional in a substantive portfolio or form of dissertation together with a formal presentation about their second year.
Which course is for me?
Both courses offer a masters award. The MA runs over one year, the MFA over two. The MFA offers a further embedding of skills and concepts learnt during its second year. In some countries, the MFA is more recognisable, particularly if you are interested in teaching or research in a higher education environment.
*subject to validation 2011/12
