The Voice Pedagogy program at Shenandoah Conservatory is a thriving community of singers, both faculty and students, who are committed to merging scientific research with intuitive knowledge to support singers of all styles.
In the pedagogy program, you will learn a functional approach to singing and teaching that meets the needs of your clients. You will study voice physiology, acoustics, motor learning theory and cognitive science, using repertoire and methods that are both traditional and contemporary, which will empower you to elevate the craft of the singers you teach.
Shenandoah Conservatory is one of the only institutions in the United States with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Voice Pedagogy. We are the first institution to offer a Master of Music in Contemporary Commercial Music Voice Pedagogy and the first to open our Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice Pedagogy to singers of all styles.
Our graduates are teaching at universities and private studios throughout the world, presenting at conferences, and publishing papers in leading journals. Our faculty have produced over 250 publications, presentations, masterclasses and workshops in the last ten years and continuously bring new findings into the classroom. Explore the tabs below to learn more about our individual degrees and secure your audition date before spots are full.
Graduate Programs
- Master of Music in Pedagogy – Voice (Contemporary Commercial Music – CCM)
- Master of Music in Pedagogy – Voice (Classical Voice)
- Doctor of Musical Arts in Pedagogy – Voice
Janette E. Ogg Voice Research Center (JOVRC)
The internationally recognized Janette E. Ogg Voice Research Center serves as a central hub for our voice pedagogy students. Our faculty have authored dozens of journal articles, book chapters and books, and they regularly present research, masterclasses and pedagogical workshops at international conferences including the the Pan-European Vocology Conference, Pacific Voice & Speech Foundation, the UCSF Voice Conference, Johan Sundberg’s Function of the Singing Voice in Sweden, Acoustic Society of America, National Association of Teachers of Singing, Vocology in Practice, International Voice Teachers of Mix, Musical Theatre Educators’ Alliance, the Southeastern Theatre Conference and many universities through the world. Students frequently collaborate with faculty on research projects that are presented at the Voice Foundation Annual Symposium: Care of the Professional Voice and published in the Journal of Voice and the Journal of Singing.
Research tools available in the JOVRC:
- VoceVistaPro with glottal enterprises PC-2 EGG – we also have a modified version of VoceVista that allows longer LTAS measurements, and a portable EGG with boom microphone, headphones, and a USB computer connection.
- Glottal enterprises Aeroview software, Rothenberg dual chamber CV mask and a custom-built NEH handle with dual microphones and dual pressure sensors. We also have on loan an MS-110 data interface with the associated transducers and mask and a NEH 2.5 handle.
- Multispeech 3700 from KayPentax
- Madde and Apex from KTH (Decap, RTSect, and Director Musices are also available)
- Praat
- Dr. Speech Real Analysis
- Speechstation 2 from Sensimetrics
- Student versions of Waveview, Aeroview, and Nasality, with training exercises from glottal enterprises.
We actively network with medical professionals in the region and collaborate with other university programs within the School of Health Professions.
Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) Vocal Pedagogy Institute
The CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute gives teachers the tools they need to transform their students into captivating performers. Musical theatre, jazz and commercial artists need a different set of tools than classical singers to reach peak performance. However, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for the current professional landscape. Audiences want unique voices, new perspectives and different approaches to storytelling. At the CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute, we show you how to integrate evidence-based technique with the singer’s identity to unlock the artist inside. You will leave the Institute a better pedagogue, performer and mentor.
Alumni Accomplishments
We are proud of our alumni and the work they do with singers of all genres. Learn more about some of our recent graduates below.
- Warren Freeman ’14 (Master of Music in Pedagogy) is on the faculty of New York University working with their contemporary singers and coaching professional clients in New York City.
- Kristy Bissel ’17 (Master of Music in Pedagogy) is a voice teacher associate at NY Vocal Coaching in New York City.
- Dr. Kathleen Bell ’19 (Doctor of Musical Arts in Pedagogy) is on the voice faculty of Sharjar Performing Academy in the United Arab Emirates.
- Dr. Patricia Campbell ’17 (Doctor of Musical Arts in Pedagogy) is a professor and Dr. Leon Neto an associate professor of voice at Liberty University.
- Dr. Sarah Maines ’07, ’12 (Master of Music in Pedagogy, Doctor of Musical Arts in Pedagogy) teaches at the University of Portland, runs a successful voice studio in Portland, performs with Portland Opera and works as part of the voice care team for injured singers through the OHSU Voice Clinic.
- Dr. Barabara Demaio ’13 (Doctor of Musical Arts in Pedagogy) is associate professor of voice and voice pedagogy coordinator at the University of Central Oklahoma. She is also executive director of Painted Sky Opera.
- Maddie Tarbox ’20 (Master of Music in Pedagogy) is on the musical theatre voice faculty at Shenandoah Conservatory and runs a successful voice studio in Washington, D.C.
- Carolyn Sebron (Doctor of Musical Arts) is an assistant professor of voice at Southern University and A&M College.
- Dr. Martina Bingham ’18 (Doctor of Musical Arts in Pedagogy) is a lecturer in voice at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
- Kevin Michael Jones ’15 (Master of Music in Pedagogy) is adjunct voice faculty at Millikin University and founder of musicaltheatreresources.com and radiosongsforsingers.com.
- Dr. Troy Castle ’14 (Doctor of Musical Arts in Pedagogy) is an associate professor of voice at Millikin University.
Faculty Publications
Journal of Voice
- Lynn Helding, Thomas L. Carroll, John Nix, Michael M. Johns, Wendy D. LeBorgne, David Meyer: “COVID-19 After Effects: Concerns for Singers”
- Brenda Smith, David Meyer (collection editors): “Source Readings in Singing Voice Pedagogy”
- Leon Neto, David Meyer: “A Joyful Noise: The Vocal Health of Worship Leaders and Contemporary Christian Singers”
- Kathryn Green, Warren Freeman, Matthew Edwards, David Meyer: “Trends in Musical Theatre Voice: An Analysis of Audition Requirements for Singers”
- Edrie Means Weekly: “Contemporary Commercial Music Survey: Who’s Teaching What in Non-Classical Music?”
- Edrie Means Weekly: “Follow-up Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM): Who’s Teaching What in Nonclassical Music”
Journal of Singing
- David Meyer, John Nix, and David Okerlund: “Voice Pedagogy: Practical Science in the Studio, Part 3: ‘High-Tech’ Strategies”
- Laura Crocco, David Meyer: “Motor Learning and Teaching Singing: An Overview”
- John Nix, David Meyer, Ron Scherer, and Deirdre Michael: “Voice Pedagogy: Practical Science in the Studio, Part 2: ‘Low-Tech’ Strategies”
- David Meyer and Lynn Helding: “Voice Pedagogy: Practical Science in the Studio: ‘No-Tech’ Strategies”
- Kathryn Green, Warren Freeman: “Deciphering Vocal Demands for Today’s Broadway Leading Ladies”
- David Meyer, Matt Edwards: “The future of collegiate voice pedagogy: SWOT analysis of current practice and implications for the next generation”
Australian Voice Journal
- Richard Lewellen, David Meyer, Eva Van Leer: “The effects on acoustic voice measures and the perceived benefits of a group singing therapy for adults with Parkinson’s Disease”
NYSTA VoicePrints
- Matt Edwards: “Why It’s Time to Add Pop/Rock to Your Teaching”
- Matt Edwards: “Audio Equipment for Singers”
American Music Teacher
- Matt Edwards: “Preparing Your Students for College Auditions”
Southern Theatre
- Matt Edwards: “Dreaming of Singing on Broadway in a pop/rock musical? VP Boyle shares his Top 10 tips to get you there”
- Matt Edwards: “Musical Theatre Voice Training: Think Outside of the Box”
The Voice Foundation Voice
- David Meyer, Laura Crocco: “What the Studio Voice Teacher Needs to Know About Motor Learning”
Books & Book Chapters
- Matt Edwards, So You Want to Sing Rock ‘n Roll
- Matt Edwards, Chapter: “Audio Enhancement Technology” in So You Want to Sing Musical Theatre, So You Want to Sing Country, So You Want to Sing Music by Women, So You Want to Sing Cabaret, So You Want to Sing World Music, So You Want to Sing CCM, So You Want to Sing the Blues, So You Want to Sing Gospel, So You Want to Sing Sacred Music, So You Want to Sing Folk Music
- Edrie Means Weekly, Chapter: “Bringing the Song to Life: It’s a Matter of Style” in Teaching Singing in the 21st Century
- Matt Edwards, Chapter: “Harnessing Audio Technology” in Modern Singer’s Dictionary
- Edrie Means Weekly, contributing author: “Hearty Country Jam with Vocal Stylisms” in The Voice Teacher’s Cookbook: Creative Recipes for Teachers of Singing
- Matt Edwards, contributing author: “Some Words of Wisdom” in Get the Callback
- Edrie Means Weekly, contributing author: The Vocal Athlete: Application and Teaching the Hybrid Singer
- Matt Edwards, contributing author: The Vocal Athlete: Application and Teaching the Hybrid Singer
- Matt Edwards, Chapter: “The Art of Perfection: What Every Singer Should Know about Audio Technology”
- Edrie Means Weekly, contributing author: Training Contemporary Commercial Singers
- Matt Edwards, contributing author: Training Contemporary Commercial Singers
- Kathryn Green, contributing author: The Vocal Athlete: Application and Teaching the Hybrid Singer
- Kathryn Green, contributing author: The Voice Teacher’s Cookbook: Creative Recipes for Teachers of Singing
- Matt Edwards, Chapter: “What the Singing Voice Rehabilitation Specialist Should Know About Sound Equipment” in the Manual of Singing Voice Rehabilitation
Faculty Presentations
The Voice Foundation Annual Symposium: Care of the Professional Voice
- Sophia Dove, Kate Elmendorf, Christine Petersen, David Meyer: “Singing Voice Symptomatology Following Presumed SARS-CoV-2 Infection”
- Mohammad Obeid,David Howard, Dan Wilson, David Meyer: “Vocal Tracts in Virtual Reality – A Preliminary Report”
- David Meyer, Sajan Lingala, Subin Erattakulangara, Wahidul Alam, Rushdi Rusho, Jarron Atha, Gary Christensen, David Howard, Eric Hoffman, Ingo Titze: “Physical Modelling of High-Resolution Hybrid CT+MRI Vocal Tract Images”
- David Meyer, Sajan Lingala, Jarron Atha, Gary Christensen, David Howard, Eric Hoffman: “Minimal CT Dosages Necessary for Blended CT+MRI Vocal Tract Imaging”
- Emily Castleton, David Meyer: “Formant/Harmonic Coupling Patterns in Contemporary Belt as Observed in ‘And I Am Telling You’ from Dreamgirls as sung by Amber Riley”
- Edrie Means Weekly: “Vocal Cool Down: Restoring Balance Post Heavy Voice Load”
- Carolyn Sebron, David Meyer: “A Lifelong Joy: Persistence and Retention Of Older African American Singers”
- David Meyer and Matt Edwards: “Connecting the Actor and the Singer”
- Kathryn Green, David Meyer, Christina Trinidad: “Singing in the Mask or Formant Tuning?”
- Kathryn Green, Warren Freeman, Philip Sargent: “An Analysis of Vocal Demands for Broadway Leading Ladies”
- Aaron Johnson, Matt Edwards: “Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Vocal Tract Kinematics in Contemporary Musical Theatre Singing”
- Edrie Means Weekly: “Current State of Who’s Teaching What in Non-Classical Music”
- David Meyer: “Cost-effective Aerodynamic and Acoustic Measures for Singing Voice Education”
- Edrie Means Weekly: “Do Classical Singers Maintain Training Program Post College”
- Matt Edwards and Leda Scearce: “Rock Rehab: A Collaborative Approach to Working with the Injured Singer”
- Edrie Means Weekly: “Pathology Pathways of Professional Singers Singing in Multiple Styles”
- David Meyer: “Seeing Vowels – Formant Resonances in 3D Modeled Vocal Tracts”
- Matt Edwards: “Demographic Changes that will Forever Alter the Future of Voice Pedagogy”
- David Meyer: “Seeing Voice – Visualization of Vocal Tract Shaping with MRI”
- Edrie Means Weekly: “Vocal Health Practices of Choral Conductors”
- David Meyer: “Fast Dynamic Speech MRI at 3 Tesla Using Variable Density Spirals and Constrained Reconstruction”
- Matt Edwards: “Functional Training for Pop/Rock Singers”
- David Meyer: “Perfect Harmony – the Future of Cross-over Singing Voice Education in University Music Programs,”
- Matt Edwards and Kathryn Green: “Why and How to Integrate Pop/Rock in your Voice Studio”
- Matt Edwards: “Crossing Over: From Classical to Commercial and Musical Theatre Styles”
- Matt Edwards: “Ethno-historical barriers to CCM Voice Pedagogy”
- Kathleen Bell, David Meyer: “The Effect of Drinking High pH Water on SelfReported Results from the Reflux Symptom Index and a Singer Specific
Questionnaire.” - Kathryn Green, Matt Edwards: “Caro mio ben” Won’t Fly on Broadway – Crossover Pedagogical Strategies for Music Theatre and Classical Voice”
NATS National Conference
- Matt Edwards, David Meyer: “CCM Voice Pedagogy and the Singing Voice Specialty.”
- Edrie Means Weekly: “Country Singing for Musical Theatre 101”
- Matt Edwards: “Teaching the Singer Songwriter”
- Matt Edwards: “Keeping Pop/Rock Voices Healthy on the Road”
- Edrie Means Weekly: “Legit Singing in Musical Theatre”
- Matt Edwards: “Singing with Audio Technology”
- Edrie Means Weekly: “Bringing the Song To Life: It’s a Matter of Style”
International Congress of Voice Teachers
- Matt Edwards, David Meyer: “The Future of Collegiate Voice Pedagogy: A SWOT Analysis of Current Practice and Implications for the Next Generation of Singers and Teachers of Singing.”
PEVOC Pan European Vocal Conference (Dresden, Germany)
- Kathryn Green, Amy Asbury: “Doctoral Vocal Pedagogy Curriculum Design in the United States”
NCVS National Conference of Voice Science (Salt Lake City, Utah)
- Kathryn Green, David Meyer, Matt Edwards: “CCM Vocal Pedagogy and the Singing Voice Specialist”
ASHA Conference
- Katrina Miller, Juliana Rivelli, David Meyer: “The Relationship Between Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Young Singers: A Survey”
Pan American Vocology Association
- Matt Edwards, David Meyer: “Collegiate Voice Pedagogy Analysis of Current Practices.”
- Matt Edwards: “Panel: Interdisciplinary Voice Care in an Imperfect World”
- Edrie Means Weekly: “Singing with Style in Musical Theatre”
- Matt Edwards and Leda Scearce: “Untying the Knot: Resolving Muscle Tension Dysphonia in Singers in the Clinic and Studio”
- Edrie Means Weekly: “Vocal Cool Down: Restoring Balance Post Heavy Voice Load”
- Edrie Means Weekly: “They’re Injured! 377 Voice Educators’ Retraining Approaches”
- Matt Edwards and Leda Scearce: “Habilitation and Rehabilitation Considerations for Working with Rock Singers”
- Edrie Means Weekly: “Body & Voice: A Collaborative Approach for Addressing Voice Issues”
Southeastern Theatre Conference
- Matt Edwards: “So You Want to Sing Rock ‘N’ Roll?,” “Healthy Belting: Free Your Voice,” “You can sing ANYTHING,” Riffing 101: How to spice up your vocals,” “Functional Training for All Styles,” “Let’s Get Rocked!”
- Edrie Means Weekly: “Singing In Styles,” “Connect The Singer and The Actor,” “The Singing Actor,” “Singing in Style in Musical Theatre,” “To Belt or Not to Belt,” “Audition Prep Workshop, “Song Authenticity: A Marriage of Singing and Acting,” “Legit Singing in Musical Theatre,” “Country Singing for Musical Theatre”
Association for Popular Music Education
- Matt Edwards: “What Science Can Teach us About the Singing Voice and Why it Matters”
- Matt Edwards: “Teaching Rock Singers Without Destroying Their Voices”
NANAS National Association of Native American Studies
- Kathryn Green: “The Orthography of the Seneca Language”
PAS7+ (Vienna, Austria)
- David Meyer, Sajan Goud Lingala, David Howard, Eric Hoffman, Ingo Titze: Pilot Study – High Resolution Hybrid CT+MRI Vocal Tract Imaging.
National Voice Medicine Forum (Shenzhen China)
- David Meyer: “Functional Training of the Singing voice”
Chinese National Art Voice Conference (GuangZhou, China)
- David Meyer: Keynote Presentation, “The Art and Science of the Singing Voice”
Faculty Guest Lectures, Workshops & Other Media Appearances
David Meyer
Kabarak University School of Music and Performing Arts, Nakuru, Kenya, Harvard University/Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Queensland Conservatorium Research Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane Australia, Voice Foundation Annual Symposium: Care of the Professional Voice
Edrie Means Weekly
University of Central Oklahoma, Virginia NATS, Peabody, New England Conservatory, University of Jacksonville, Morgan University, Arizona NATS, Lehigh Valley NATS, Greater Philadelphia NATS, Lawrence Conservatory, Wisconsin NATS, North Carolina NATS, Viterbo University, Morgan State University, Howard University, Young Artists of America, Penn State University, Liberty University, Maryland NATS, D.C. NATS, Ozark Region NATS
Kathryn Green
Universität Berlin (Germany), Universität Lübeck (Germany), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo (Brazil)
Matt Edwards
The U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants, The U.S. Navy Sea Chanters, NYC NATS, Summer Vocology Institute, Vocology in Practice, Webster Conservatory, Penn State University, Ithaca College, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Florida State University, University of Portland, Cascade Chapter of NATS, Minnesota NATS, Eastern NY Region of NATS, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Vocal Arts & Science Symposium at the University of Southern Mississippi, Sheridan College, Lawrence Conservatory, Missouri State University, Gettysburg College, Illinois Wesleyan University, South Texas NATS, Westminster Choir College Voice Pedagogy Institute, NATS National Conference (Boston and Las Vegas), Carolina Voices, Hardin-Simmons University, Lehigh Valley NATS, DeSales University, Snow College, Texas Women’s University, Brigham Young University, Toronto NATS, Otterbein University, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University of of Alabama, Wright State University, Valley of the Sun NATS, Duke Voice Care Center, Georgia NATS, Georgia Southern University, Ohio Northern University, Virginia NATS, Arts Bridge
Podcasts, Radio & Other Online Media
- David Meyer: NPR’s The Academic Minute, “COVID-19 and Singing”
- David Meyer: NATS Webinar, “Reentry After COVID-19: Concerns for Singers.”
- David Meyer: NATS Webinar, “After COVID-19: Concerns for Singers”
- Matt Edwards: The Happy Singer Podcast
- Matt Edwards: NATS Chat “College Auditions”
Faculty Honors
Van Lawrence Fellowship, presented by the Voice Foundation and NATS
- David Meyer
- Matt Edwards
- Edrie Means Weekly
International Exchanges Grant from the Royal Society in London
- David Meyer
NATS Intern Program Master Teacher
- Matt Edwards
- Edrie Means Weekly
Journal of Voice: Best Clinical Medicine Paper “Safer singing during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: what we know and what we don’t”
- David Meyer