The Summer Vocology Institute is an intensive program to learn VOCOLOGY.

Vocology is the study and practice of voice habilitation and it is taught by the leading experts in the field at the Summer Vocology Institute.

This unique program combines speech science, vocal pedagogy, medicine, and theater training. SVI gives real world experience in applying these concepts to laboratory, performance, and health services settings.

SVI began in 2000 with a graduating class of 14 voice professionals from multiple disciplines. The in-person classes were offered in downtown Denver by the National Center for Voice and Speech, which was then a Division of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Denver University offered the classroom space and the University of Iowa offered the graduate credits. When the headquarters of the NCVS moved to Utah in 2009, the University of Utah offered the classroom spaces and the graduate credits. There has always been a mixture of local instructors and guest instructors.

Since 2000, over 450 participants have completed SVI. Lynn Maxfield is the SVI’s current director, and Ingo Titze is its instructor since inception, as well as author and professor of the text Principles of Voice Production.

For up-to-date program information, application requirements, and schedules for upcoming SVI courses, please visit the Summer Vocology Institute website.

Philosophy

The SVI is an intensive, efficient and innovative way to learn Vocology, the science and practice of voice habilitation. A vocologist is any person who habilitates vocal behavior – a speech-language pathologist, otolaryngologist, singing teacher, or voice coach. Vocology has evolved from inter-relationships between speech science, medicine, theatre training and vocal pedagogy. In contrast to the limited supply of trained vocologists, the demand for their professional services is rising. Voice centers in the United States report an increasing caseload of patients needing the expertise of clinicians specially trained in voice. These people turn to voice centers either for rehabilitation and the return of functional voice or to benefit professionally from vocal habilitation by learning to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of their speaking voices.

Eligibility

The Summer Vocology Institute’s philosophy combines high standards with flexibility. Just as vocology has evolved from a number of disciplines, participants from a wide variety of backgrounds will be considered. Candidates are chosen based on academic background, career experience, letters of recommendation, and their professional goals. Students enrolled in graduate programs from any accredited institution are eligible and can earn graduate credits. Other participants will be those who have already earned their professional degrees, but would like to add vocology to their knowledge bases. Generally an undergraduate degree in a field related to voice ensures success for prospective students. SVI is open to interested individuals within the United States and abroad. Enrollment will be limited to ensure close interaction between faculty and course participants.