St Andrews Vocal Pedagogy

Sunday 19 July to Saturday 25 July 2026

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Introduction from course director

"Are you an experienced singing teacher keen to refresh your approaches and develop your practice?

I am delighted and honoured to welcome three of the most interesting and forward-thinking current voice pedagogues to the University of St Andrews to lead the fourth Vocal Pedagogy Course. I would be thrilled if you would join us too! The course is unique as an independently run science-informed vocal pedagogy course.

The course will be held in the beautiful and historic university town of St Andrews. The University’s new Laidlaw Music Centre houses the McPherson Recital Room which boasts one of the finest acoustic environments for solo singing in the UK.

Places are limited, with full course participants benefitting from group sessions, individual sessions, lectures on specific areas of interest, group discussions, observed and coached teaching and a final concert. The course runs from 5.15pm on Sunday 19 July to 3pm on Saturday 25 July.

The course offers the opportunity to work alongside fellow singing teachers and researchers in a mutually encouraging environment, to make new contacts and to share experiences.

I look forward to welcoming you to St Andrews."

Jonathan May, Artistic Director

About this course

The fourth St Andrews Vocal Pedagogy Course seeks to attract experienced career singing teachers and performer/pedagogues interested in learning new skills and ways of teaching in Classical, Contemporary and Music Theatre techniques.

St Andrews Vocal Pedagogy Course offers you:

  • Daily presentations by our world-class faculty (with student singers) and active teacher participation in group work
  • A one-to-one professional development session with a member of our faculty
  • Public performance opportunity for participants
  • Course accompanist in residence
  • Closing celebration concert (Saturday)
  • An immersive, supportive and friendly environment to share common interests and challenges

Laidlaw interior

Accommodation

St Andrews Vocal Pedagogy Course participants enjoy simple, comfortable
accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis at Agnes Blackadder Hall, a modern residence commended by the Scottish Tourist Board.

It is situated 15 minutes’ walk from the town and a 25-minute walk from the Laidlaw Music Centre.

Each room contains a double bed, en-suite bathroom with shower, wash-hand basin and toilet, television and tea and coffee making facilities.

Catering

Special catering requirements can be accommodated with advance notification. Please advise us of any such requirements on your application form.

Getting to St Andrews

Detailed information on travelling to St Andrews can be found on the Getting to St Andrews webpage.

Course fees

Residential course fee (including 6 nights DB&B, 19 - 24 July

  • £1205 (discounted to £1155 until 1 February 2026)

Non - residential course fee

  • £695 (discounted to £645 until 1 February 2026)

AOTOS member course fee

  • £1155

At least the £100 deposit must be paid at the time of booking. This is refundable in the event of course cancellation.

All fees must be paid in full by 7 May 2026 at the latest.

Please note, the 7 May 2026 is the cut off date for booking so book early to avoid disappointment.

 

Testimonials from 2025 participants

  • "I had many eureka-moments. The whole experience was exhilarating, freeing, warm” E.C - USA
  • “The course was stimulating as hell, satisfying and enriching…so much quality input and it's already finding expression in my own teaching” B.S. USA
  • "At last I understood the science, I had fun and I made new friends”  V.S UK
  • “The course was exhilarating, inspriring - the cohort of participants was of a very high standard and the small size of the group made it very easy to appreciate each individual and to bond as a unit. J.L - UK
  • "I truly need experiences like this in my professional life— the course and the connections and meaningful interactions that happen afterward. I’m reminded I'm not working in isolation each day in my studio but am part of a vibrant, supportive community that is alive and thriving" M.R -  UK

Laidlaw Building

Course tutors

Lynn Harding

Lynn Helding

Instructor

Lynn Helding, author of The Musician’s Mind, is a renowned pedagogue, performer, and USC Thornton Professor.

Amelia Rollings Bigler

Instructor

Amelia is one of an exciting new generation of American voice pedagogues equally at home in research, performance and multi-genre voice teaching. She has a particular interest in group voice teaching.

Jenavora Williams

Dr Jenevora Williams

Guest lecturer

Dr Jenevora Williams, a leading expert in vocal health and teaching, combines opera experience with voice science, mentoring singers and training voice professionals.

AOTOS Conference offer

Special SAVPC/AOTOS offer: SAVPC is delighted to be co-ordinating with AOTOS https://aotos.org.uk/

The AOTOS Summer Conference takes place at Fettes College in Edinburgh on 17 to 19 July 2026. 

Details here: https://aotos.org.uk/events/summer-conference-2026/ 

SAPVC 2026 attendees can book a special rate here: https://aotos.org.uk/product/aotos-summer-2026-savpc-attendees/ 

General conditions

1a) These general conditions, together with the Registration Form, comprise the contract between the client and the University of St Andrews.

b) A deposit of £100 is required to secure your place. Places are limited and are allocated strictly in order of receipt of deposit.

c) The balance must be paid by Tuesday 12 August 2025. Failure to pay by this date will result in the forfeiture of the deposit paid and the booking will lapse.

2. Cancellation

The University of St Andrews Music Centre Office must be notified in writing of all cancellations. In addition to the deposit, non refundable charges:

Prior to 31 May:

  • 25% of the total cost

Prior to 1 July:

  • 50% of the total cost

Thereafter:

  • the full fee is non-refundable

3. Liability

The University maintains a public liability policy covering legal liability for bodily injury and property damage arising out of the University’s business. Any loss, damage to property or injury not resulting from negligence will not be covered by the University.

4. General

a) The University of St Andrews reserves the right to cancel the course up to four weeks in advance if numbers enrolled have not reached the minimum required.

b) The University of St Andrews reserves the right to cancel, or amend the delivery of, the course for reasons outwith its control, including but not limited to Force Majeur, Royal Demise or restrictions imposed due to the prevailing public health situation.

c) The University of St Andrews reserves the right to replace the advertised staff or amend the programme where it is found to be unavoidable.

5. Insurance

Participants are strongly advised to take out travel insurance or adequate cover for the duration of their course and journey. The University does not provide insurance to cover cancellation costs, loss of baggage, injury, money etc.