The Australian College of Vocal Arts (ACVA) is Australia’s specialist professional voice training and certification body. We offer Australia’s first Vocology Diplomas in partnership with the National Vocology Institute (NVI).
Through our modern, accessible courses and certifications we train and assess amateur and professional singers, singing teachers, vocologists and creative arts leaders.
The Australian College of Vocal Arts (ACVA) fills an important gap in singing, musical theatre, studio singing teaching and vocology training and certification in Australia and New Zealand. We exclusively specialise in the singing voice. Unlike other Examination Boards that only provide standalone exams with no training component, we also offer meticulously crafted taught courses that enhance your learning and development outcomes.
Our taught courses are intensive and include comprehensive, up-to-date learning materials that are delivered across multiple modules. Taught courses in singing teaching and vocology are currently offered from the Certificate to Fellowship Diploma level.
ACVA courses are cost-competitive and industry recognised. Our industry leading lecturers work closely with you to develop advanced, relevant skills and knowledge in your chosen specialisation area. You’ll benefit from very small student cohorts and enjoy a mixture of live and pre-recorded lectures, practical training and guided readings, as well as benefiting from engagement with industry experts and your peers.
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Vocology is a dynamic and evolving field dedicated to understanding, optimising, and preserving the voice. Coined by Dr. Ingo Titze and Dr. George Gates, vocology is often described as the “science and practice of voice habilitation.” Unlike traditional voice therapy, which focuses on rehabilitation—restoring the voice after damage—vocology prioritises habilitation, which involves equipping the voice to achieve optimal function in terms of strength, flexibility, and resilience.
X Collective's "Equus" at The Holy Trinity Hall in Fortitude Valley is a mesmerising exploration of psychological and emotional connection, disconnection, power and pain. The intimate setting of the church hall is leveraged well (it was built 133 years ago), transforming the space the audience shares with the cast into something quite evocative. This particularly enhances the narrative's religious undercurrents and was a great choice of venue.
The Kodály Method, founded on the philosophies of Hungarian composer and educator Zoltán Kodály, is an approach to music education that emphasises the importance of starting musical training early in life and primarily through singing. This method has gained widespread acceptance and is particularly effective in studio teaching environments for singing instructors aiming to enhance their pedagogical techniques.
In recent years, the choral community has become more aware of the importance of inclusivity, particularly for transgender singers. Creating a welcoming environment not only benefits individual singers but also enriches the entire choir. Here are some key tips based on recent research and expert recommendations. Read more about how to work effectively with transgender singers in choirs.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a global health pandemic on 11 March 2020, due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19). This virus has profoundly impacted various professions, including singers and singing teachers, who report significant vocal, respiratory, psychological, and stamina disturbances. As the pandemic continues, addressing the vocal health challenges faced by these professionals is crucial. This narrative review synthesises multidisciplinary literature to provide practice-based strategies for vocal habilitation in singers recovering from symptomatic COVID-19.
