Dr Christopher Allan

Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy, University of Newcastle, 2011
• Associate in Music Australia, Australian Music Examinations Board
• Master of Music, University of Newcastle, 2000
• Bachelor of Education (Music), University of Newcastle, 1989

Research

Research keywords

• Breath management of classical voice
• Developmental strategies for young singers
• Holistic teaching methods

Research expertise

Much of my research has been performance based. I specialize in Baroque and Classical period performance and have been involved in many performances using period instruments at various baroque pitches and using a number of differing temperaments. As well as early music I have been involved in the presentation of new music including works by Australian composers. Some of the performances have been with The Song Company, some with Cantillation and also at the UoN.

My recently submitted PhD Thesis was an investigation of some aspects of vocal pedagogy centered around the developing singer (aged between 18 -21) and based on the work of voice scientists over the last 30 years. I have presented two papers on aspects of such pedagogy in the UK at the National Early Music Conference (July 2009) and at the Arts Health Symposium at the University of Newcastle in October, 2010.

My further interests are in the symmetrical nature of the body as applied to singing technique and the effect that asymmetry can have on the vocal apparatus and the resultant sound that the singer is able to produce.

Fields of Research

Administrative

Administrative expertise

Since 2001 I have been course coordinator for MUSI subjects. From 2005 - 2008 I was Deputy Head of School for the School of Drama, Fine Art and Music (incorporating the Conservatorium). From 2004 - 2008 I served as the School Academic Conduct Officer (SACO) and from 2006 - 2008 as the School Complaints Officer.

I have had experience in the development of new courses for the School of Music and have served on the Faculty Board from 2005 - 2009.

Teaching

Teaching keywords

• Music research/musicology
• Vocal tuition of classical singers

Teaching expertise

My area of expertise is in the teaching of the classical singing voice. The core business of the University of Newcastle Bachelor of Music course means that the majority of students are between the ages of 18 and 21. At this age the voice is under development and students are required to both develop their musical instrument and their musicality at the same time. I have developed a teaching philosophy which promotes a holistic approach to vocal technique that incorporates a number of technical pedagogies based on the need to offer students a variety of approaches due to the individual nature of the voice and the personality and physicality of each singer.

A further area of expertise is in the delivery of lectures on music history of the Western classical tradition.