Singing in Regional Accents: The Cause for a Teaching Strategy

Singing actors are often left to their own devices if they are required to sing in regional accents, having been taught accents solely in (spoken) voice classes. This paper highlights research conducted at the Voice Study Centre, University of Wales which revealed challenges experienced by student performers when singing in British regional accents, and a general preference toward singing in US accents. It also revealed interest from singing teachers to gain access to a teaching strategy when assisting student singers with accents. This research aims to build a pedagogical bridge between the fields of teaching spoken and sung voice. It is hoped that it will contribute toward the development of a useful teaching resource to singing teachers to better serve the industry expectations of their students.