Description
North Area Professional Development Day
United We Sing: Inclusive practices for deaf, trans and non-binary singers in group singing activities with Paul Whittaker OBE and Dr Michael Bonshor
Sunday 2 February 2025
10.00am–5.30pm
C. Bechstein Centre, Manchester
Morning
Session 1: Trans-inclusive practices for teachers and leaders of group singing activities with Dr Michael Bonshor
During this session, Dr Michael Bonshor will introduce some of the diverse ways in which being transgender is experienced, and the different effects that this can have on trans singers. The impact of social and physical transition upon trans people will be explained, with a focus on how this can affect their experience of singing, both individually and as a participant in group singing activities. An insight will be provided into how teachers and group singing leaders can develop a trans-inclusive practice, along with recommendations for supporting trans singers in experiencing healthy vocalisation, physical comfort and social inclusion.
Dr Michael Bonshor is Professor of Voice, Wellbeing and Performance Psychology at Leeds Conservatoire, where he teaches solo and ensemble singing, and he has previously taught students on the Conservatoire’s MA in Musical Direction. Michael is also Course Director for the MA in Music Psychology in Education, Performance and Wellbeing at the University of Sheffield; a Lecturer on the MA in Music Education at University College London; and a Visiting Lecturer at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Michael’s research interests are based on his experiences of teaching, conducting and performing, and he particularly enjoys projects which have practical applications.
For his MA he explored strategies for managing performance anxiety amongst adult singers and, for his PhD, he focused on confidence building for singers and conductors. Recent projects have included using singing-related skills to support patients with respiratory conditions; examining the relationship between music and wellbeing; publishing research on musical leadership and mental health; and developing trans-inclusive practices for leaders of group singing activities. Michael’s book, The Confident Choir: A Handbook for Leaders of Group Singing has been published by Rowman and Littlefield.
Afternoon
Session 2: See the Music – Songs in BSL with Paul Whittaker OBE
For many people their voice is not a vocal one but a visual one. Sign language adds to much to the performance of a song and Paul will explore music, meaning and emotion using your hands. Be prepared for fun, learn a new skill and experience real emotion!
Born in Huddersfield in 1064, Paul Whittaker has been Deaf all his life. He learned the piano and organ, has a music degree from Wadham College, Oxford, a PG Dip from the RNCM and holds ARCO and ALCM diplomas. For 27 years he ran a charity helping Deaf people enjoy music before pursuing a freelance career in 2015. In 2007 he was awarded an OBE for Services to Music and has received Honorary degrees from the University of Huddersfield and the Open University.
Paul has done BSL performances with many British orchestras, ensembles and choirs, including the RPO, RLPO, SCO, RSNO, The Sixteen, The Bach Choir, Dunedin Consort, Tenebrae, The King’s Singers and the BBC Singers. He also works regularly with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra across Europe and done projects with other orchestras and ensembles in Berlin and Malmo.
Paul runs several BSL choirs, live and online, and in 2024 took over as BSL leader for Rock Choir. One of his biggest joys is working with the Creative Learning department of the National Youth Choir of Scotland, devising BSL resources based on Kodaly methods, which led to the release of “Sing, Sing, Play” in November 2024.
Do contact your Area Representative Julie Thompson if you have any questions: [email protected]
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Date: Sunday 2 February 2025
Time: 10.00am–5.30pm, followed by networking drinks at The Crafty Pig
Venue:
C. Bechstein Centre
7-9 Tib St
Manchester
M4 1AD
BOOKING
- Early bird rate for AOTOS members until 31 December – £45
- AOTOS member plus guest (non-member) – £90
- Standard rate – £70
- Coffee and tea provided. Delegates bring their own lunch.
There is one bursary place available for each Area Day event if the cost is prohibitive. Bursary applications must be received by 1 January 2025. Please contact [email protected] for an application form.
CANCELLATION
As a charitable organisation, we regret that AOTOS is unable to refund any bookings once made. AOTOS reserves the right to cancel an Area Day from one month prior if insufficient bookings are received. A full refund will be made for any pre-existing bookings in this case.
