Vocal Health in Children and Young People - A Short Course taking place online on Tuesday 13 January 2026

Image of a person using a steam inhaler from A Young Person's Guide to Vocal Health by Olivia Sparkhall

Children’s vocal health, and issues affecting their wellbeing, is a subject which is now benefiting from increased scrutiny and research. Teachers, vocal coaches, choir leaders and musical directors are aware that this field of study exists, but where is all of this information condensed into one session that covers what they need to know? This short course is designed to provide you with exactly that – an up-to-date overview of the issues and how you can help the young people you work with, answering their questions with age-appropriate vocabulary. 

The focus will be on issues which affect children and young people, with an emphasis on both dispelling myths and providing evidence-based advice which voice professionals can pass on with confidence. It will be deeply relevant to primary and secondary school music teachers, singing teachers, vocal coaches, and children’s choir directors.

To register for the course visit the Voice Study Centre website.

Understanding Healthy Voices Before Adolescence

Children’s voices are different from adult voices. Their larynxes contain shorter, thinner vocal folds, and are significantly smaller. We will look at the different capabilities of a child's vocal mechanism, and how best to work with prepubescent singers.

Hydration: Why, When, and How Much

Hydration plays a critical role in vocal health. The vocal tract needs to stay moist for optimum sound production. We will consider how hydration contributes towards staying well, promotes effective recovery from illness, and enables a clear singing voice.

What Happens During Voice Change and Its Long-Term Effects

Understanding voice change in all adolescents is an essential part of voice education. Whether testosterone-driven or oestrogen-driven voice-change, there are significant issues that affect the voice and knowing what to expect can be hugely reassuring for young people.

Hormones and Their Short-Term Effects on the Voice

Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, can cause temporary changes in vocal quality and control. This is noticeable in both the monthly cycle (oestrogen-driven) and daily changes (testosterone-driven). We'll examine both of these, consider what vocabulary to use, and learn how to manage these discussions sensitively and supportively.

Risky Behaviours That Affect Vocal Health

Certain behaviours can harm young voices, sometimes unknowingly. Young people often do not consider the consequences of their activities or make a connection between their lifestyle and their vocal health. We'll look at the facts around smoking, drug-taking, and other habits that can be detrimental to voice health.

Managing Performance Anxiety and Its Impact on the Voice

Suffering from symptoms associated with anxiety is an increasingly significant part of a young person's experience. It's important to recognise and address this, as it can be detrimental to their ability to perform. We'll look at some techniques to help children manage, and sign-post resources for further help if needed.

Recovering from Illness

Children and young people might ask for advice on what to do if they have a sore throat, cold or cough. It's helpful to know how to respond, what advice you should pass on, and when you should advise the child to seek help from a medical practitioner.

Sign-up for the course

For more information, and to sign-up for this course, please visit Voice Study Centre.

When?

The course takes place on Tuesday 13 January 2026, from 2 to 4 pm. You can attend live, or you can receive the recording to watch as many times as you like.