Summer 2024 Conference
Summer 2024 Conference: 20–21 July
The AOTOS 2024 Summer Conference: Singing Teaching in the 21st Century – The Multifaceted Educator, will be held at the Yarnfield Conference Centre in Stafford. This residential conference is a chance for our community to come together, spending two days exploring new ideas and skills.
This conference will explore different elements and paths that a singing teacher can take to form a portfolio career. There will be inspirational presentations and practical workshops throughout the weekend, with take home skills for you to use in your teaching studios, and ideas for new directions to develop your career.
Singing Teaching in the 21st Century – The Multifaceted Educator
The conference brings together a host of eminent speakers, and sessions will include:
- Keynote on the multifaceted educator with Gillyanne Kayes
- A masterclass on teaching postgraduate students with Lynne Dawson
- Demystifying vocal massage with Kate Valentine
- Working with groups with Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher
- Working with older singers with Rebecca Moseley-Morgan
- Workshops on how to work with singers in a choral context from practitioners with the National Youth Choir
- Introducing Embodima into your teaching studio with Nicola Harrison
- Pop teaching for the terrified with Jo Sear
Join us for the weekend
The full residential package is all-inclusive, comprising two days of conference programming, one night’s accommodation, parking, Wi-Fi and all meals and refreshments throughout the weekend.
In-person bookings have now closed, but you can still join us online:
- AOTOS/EVTA members: £120
- AOTOS student members: £50
Please do direct any queries to [email protected]
I very much hope you are able to join me for this exciting weekend and look forward to seeing you there.
Edwin Pitt Mansfield
AOTOS Chair
Programme
Saturday 20 July
10.00am: Arrival – registration and refreshments
11.00am: Welcome from Edwin Pitt Mansfield, AOTOS Chair
11.15am: Keynote from Dr Gillyanne Kayes: Teaching in the second decade of the 21st century – what has changed?
12pm: Lunch
1.20pm: Abstract presentations from Jennifer Rhodes and Claire Thomas 2.00pm: Keynote from Kate Valentine: Demystifying Vocal Massage
2.45pm: Afternoon break
3.15pm: Masterclass with Lynne Dawson
4.45–5.30pm: Choice of sessions
– Kate Valentine – Vocal Massage demonstration
– Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher – Working in groups
5.30pm: Check into rooms
7.00–9.00pm: Drinks reception and dinner. Bar open afterwards
Sunday 21 July
7.30–9.00am: Breakfast
9.00am: Registration (day delegates) and coffee
9.30am: Keynote from Rebecca Moseley-Morgan: Pedagogy for the Mature Voice
10.15am: AGM
11.00am: Morning break
11.30am: Abstract presentations from Emily Lowe and Philip Salmon
12.10pm: Lunch
1.15pm: How to work with singers in a choral context with practitioners from NYC
2.00pm: Practical workshop from Jo Sear: Teaching rock and pop for the first time
2.40pm: Keynote from Nicola Harrison: Introducing Embodima
3.20pm: Afternoon break
3.45pm: Choice of sessions
– Nicola Harrison – Embodima workshop
– NYC – practical workshop
4.30pm: Final panel discussion
5.00pm: Conference ends
Getting here
Yarnfield Park Training & Conference Centre
Yarnfield
Stone
Staffordshire
ST15 0NL
Conference facilities
Yarnfield Park is a leading conference centre in Staffordshire, in the heart of the Midlands. www.yarnfieldpark.com
It is easily accessible by rail, air and road with a new 400-space car park, which is free for users. However, we do encourage delegates to use public transport where possible: London to Stafford is 1hr 15 minutes; Cardiff to Stafford is 2hrs 40 minutes (with trains running every half hour); and Edinburgh to Stoke is 3hrs 40 minutes with hourly trains.
You can find full details about location and travel here.
Access
Yarnfield Park is committed to accessibility with wheelchair access (and lifts) to the conference centre and all accommodation in addition to designated parking spaces. Assistance dogs are welcome.
A portable induction loop system is available for visitors.
You can find full details on their website here or please feel free to contact [email protected] if you have specific requirements.
Accommodation
Residential bookings include a standard ensuite room, free WiFi, desk, TV and tea/coffee-making facilities.
