About Summer Vocology Institute

Sponsorship
The University of Iowa Center for Credit Programs
National Center for Voice and Speech
Denver Center for the Performing Arts

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Philosophy
Welcome to the Summer Vocology Institute. The SVI was developed as 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 recently from inter-relationships between speech science, medicine, theatre training and vocal pedagogy, and as such, is not widely taught in academic institutions as an independent discipline. At the present time, only The University of Iowa has a formalized curriculum in vocology, taught as a specialty track in speech-language pathology. Due to enrollment limitations, however, the program can only be offered to two or three vocology candidates per year.

In contrast to the limited supply of trained vocologists, 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: music, speech-language pathology, medicine, theatre arts, physics and engineering. Likewise, participants from various professional levels are welcomed. 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.

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. Selection will be based on previous academic records, professional experience, letters of recommendation, and statements of professional goals.

Location
The SVI courses will be hosted at the NCVS location at The Denver Center for the Performing Arts in Denver, Colorado; where the NCVS is a division of the DCPA. The SVI's direct affiliation with a performing arts center lends credibility to the training of professionals by professionals. Additionally, the population of Denver offers participants a diverse clientele for clinical services and training. Finally, the geographical beauty of the Rocky Mountains offers an inspiring location to learn the science and art of vocology. Participants are encouraged to have their families and friends visit during free evenings and weekends to take advantage of Denver's many opportunities.

Curriculum
The Summer Vocology Institute's curriculum mirrors the required courses for the vocology track at The University of Iowa. Courses are offered in three blocks. Three required didactic courses will be offered in the first two blocks. One additional elective course should be chosen from offerings in the third block. Thus, it is possible to earn nine graduate credits through completion of all three blocks. Please click on the Curriculum button at left for detailed information about the Curriculum.

A typical daily schedule includes lectures and/or demonstrations during the morning. Due to the accelerated pace of presented material, most afternoons likely will be devoted to reading and studying. Observation of therapy and voice coaching will be optional activities on selected days.

Click here for the schedule to give you an idea of the SVI day-by-day activities.

Block 1 is a prerequisite for Block 2, which is a prerequisite for Block 3. All blocks may be completed in sequence in a single summer. Alternatively, the blocks may be spread over three years for registrants who prefer to complete the course in that manner. This alternative may be particularly attractive for working professionals.

Course Credits
Graduate credits will be given by The University of Iowa's Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology through UI's Center for Credit Programs. Graduate students enrolled at non-Iowa colleges and universities may arrange to transfer credits to their own institutions. Continuing Education Credits from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association can be also arranged.

SVI - About