Welcome to TVRN
WELCOME!
Welcome to the inaugural blog for the Transformational Voice Research Network. In this blog we will introduce the inspiration behind the network and expand on our hopes for its development.
Why Do We Need A Transformational Voice Research Network?
Traditionally, voice research has been centred on positivist empirical methods. Whilst this has provided a wealth of useful and interesting information, insights and practical strategies for developing clinical and pedagogical voice studies, it does not provide the full picture. Increasing numbers of voice pedagogues and non-clinical practitioners are undertaking voice research, drawing on both qualitative and quantitative paradigms. This has started to bridge the gap between what is often referred to as ‘hard’ voice science and voice pedagogy and performance practice.
However, this is more that can be done.
Despite the growing numbers of practitioner-researchers who are conducting small-scale studies in their studios, rehearsal spaces and classrooms, there is still underrepresentation of certain genres, social groups and traditions. We believe that this evidence of persistent hierarchies and power structures, that can be observed in both clinical and educational spaces.
We are calling on voice researchers from all social backgrounds, traditions, disciplines and genres to challenge the remaining inequalities in the field, by considering their paradigms, methodologies and research design from the perspective of social justice.
What Are Transformational Methodologies?
Like singing and teaching, all research is complex, networked and contextual. Transformative paradigms allow researchers to take into account the fullness of singing and teaching experiences, by recognizing that research, like the world it takes place in, is not a linear process or environment, however much we may try to make it such. In addition, transformational paradigms and methodologies address inequalities within traditional, positivist research paradigms by explicitly acknowledging and attempting to account for implicit power dynamics within a research structure.
We understand that both quantitative and qualitative research can draw on Eurocentric, patriarchal systems of hierarchy, the privileging of western scientific methods, and a white Eurocentric approach towards music (often classically biased). We recognize that both quantitative and qualitative research can be organised differently and can give value to the varied subjective nature of human experience and the human voice.
Transformational methodologies have developed from approaches to critical social theory and creative and performance-based academic practices. Non-traditional methods can encompass a range of paradigms and research designs, from decolonising approaches such as indigenous and indigenist paradigms, to gender and power focussed feminist theory and queer theories. It might also include uncommon research communication and dissemination, from poetry, film, musical composition, to storytelling. Transformational methodologies can bridge the gap between science, pedagogy and the creative practice of spoken and sung voice.
The key point is that there are no limitations on what a suitable or useful method might be. If it is appropriate for the context, the research question, values and respects the participants, and recognises the positionality of the researcher, then it has the power to transform not only vocal practice and voice science, but also the wider social networks within which the research and practice takes place.
What is the Future of the TVRN?
We hope that this network will provide a space for practitioners, researchers and voice users to critically reflect on the growing body of historical and contemporary research in voice. Through sharing of resources, monthly discussion forums and practitioner and researcher presentations, we strive to empower and provoke change in voice research methodologies. For those engaged in research we provide a space to consider the wider impact of their methodologies, as well as connecting people so that they can share ideas, resources, and skills.
The network is organised as a collective and its future will be driven by you, its members. Together we can create promote the value of inclusive, equitable and diverse creative research methods, and contribute towards socially transformative voice research.