Navigating the Sea of Voice Research: 5 top tips to dive into academia
Learning has been my lifelong passion, driving me to continuously explore and grow. Learning fuels our minds, enables meaningful conversations, kindles excitement, and propels growth. As a voice teacher who is constantly hungry for knowledge, I recognized the significance of knowledge acquisition, especially in the realm of vocal education. In this post, I'll share my personal journey of discovery, shedding light on how research and curiosity can elevate your teaching and empower your students.
Back in 2012, I first advertised myself as singing teacher. Fueled by a thirst for knowledge (and occasionally plagued by imposter syndrome) I delved into a sea of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). While immersing myself in various workshops and seminars, I encountered diverse perspectives from many vocal experts. However, I soon realized that a multitude of voices sometimes led to contradictory teachings. This led me to question, "What is the right path for me and my students?" Embracing curiosity, I integrated a variety of methods, observing the unique needs of each student and tailoring my approach accordingly.
Throughout my years of teaching I learned a valuable lesson: that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Rather than adhering to a single method, I discovered that a colourful tapestry of accumulated knowledge serves my students more effectively. This approach allows me to be compassionate yet encouraging, grounded in science yet creative, and ultimately an inspirational guide on their vocal journey.
Academic research might seem daunting from the outside, particularly for voice teachers immersed in the practical world of teaching. However, bridging this gap can unlock profound insights and enhance teaching effectiveness. Here are my top five tips to dive into academic papers:
Let Your Practice Inspire: The best ideas often stem from practical experiences in the studio. Let your curiosity be sparked by real-life scenarios.
Harness the Power of Google: Utilize search engines to access academic papers. Use keywords followed by "journal" or "open access" to discover valuable resources.
Blend Research with Intuition: Integrate research findings into your teaching strategies, adapting them to your students' unique needs.
Explore Beyond Singing Journals: Don't limit yourself to vocal-centric literature. Explore fields such as sport science, breathing, education, acoustics, music, and medicine for fresh insights.
Embrace Critical Thinking: Challenge conventional wisdom and seek opposing arguments. Be discerning and question the validity of research findings or what is being recommended by someone else.
Research is classified into peer-reviewed and published works (white literature) and opinion pieces like blog posts and books (grey literature). Peer-reviewed research undergoes rigorous evaluation by experts in the field. This validation process ensures accuracy and quality. A typical research paper structure includes the sections: abstract, introduction, methodology, findings, and conclusions. Beyond research papers, books, conferences, podcasts, short courses and online learning platforms often present research in accessible formats. All information from other practitioners can hold valuable insights, so don't underestimate the wisdom contained in grey literature.
When approaching a research paper, start with curiosity. Begin by reading the abstract and conclusion to determine its relevance. Skim through for key points and explore opposing viewpoints. Graphs and charts enhance text comprehension - don’t be afraid of them, if you don’t understand something - don’t use it, or ask a colleague to help you decipher what’s going on!
Critique research by considering factors like publication date, methodology, participants, and author bias. Seek a balanced argument that acknowledges both sides and if it isn’t evident in what you’re reading, see if you can find an opposing argument elsewhere.
As more voice professionals engage in research, the landscape evolves. Emerging trends include scientific rigor, inclusivity, cultural awareness, and holistic approaches. Research is moving beyond exploring only the western classical genre, there is much more being published across genres, aiming to benefit all students.
In the realm of voice education, the fusion of research and practice unlocks unparalleled potential. Embrace research to empower your teaching, foster critical thinking, inspire growth and remain infinitely curious. As you journey through the sea of knowledge, remain open to the wisdom of both white and grey literature. Let your passion guide you, and remember, the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong adventure.
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To start your own academic path, Voice Study Centre provide full training to complete an MA programme, a PGCert or a Foundation Course providing the freedom to engage in your own voice research. Please mention my name when enquiring!