The Institute Of Contemporary Music Performance

MA Vocal Studies

Explore the intricacies of the voice as an instrument with this one-year postgraduate vocal course that seamlessly combines theory and research with practical learning. By examining vocal techniques in the context of your own voice, you’ll then discover how to lead others – perfect for professional vocalists, MDs, choral leaders and aspiring vocal coaches,

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.

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).