This interactive workshop will explore the innovative pedagogy of Robert Wiremu’s Vowel Clock, a unique tool used in New Zealand to refine vowel resonance and address common issues of choral intonation. The clock evolved not as a theoretical aesthetic, but as a practical tool and a central idea for creating and fixing resonance within a choir. It was born from the insight that true tuning depends not only on pitch but also on the quality and alignment of vowel resonance.
Participants will hear an explanation of the clock directly from its creator, Robert Wiremu, and then delve into its core pedagogy. Through a combination of analysis and group singing, delegates will apply the principles of the Vowel Clock to selected repertoire, including works in the Māori language. This session is an opportunity to discover an inventive approach to vocal training and to address a fundamental aspect of choral sound.
About Dr. Karen Grylls
Dr. Karen Grylls is an Honorary Associate Professor in Choral Conducting at the University of Auckland, with a distinguished global career. For over two decades, she led the New Zealand Youth Choir and founded Voices NZ, serving as Artistic Director for these acclaimed national choirs until 2024. Her ensembles have achieved international recognition, including being named Choir of the World at Llangollen.
At the University of Auckland, Dr. Grylls established a prestigious postgraduate conducting pathway, mentoring numerous prize-winning conductors. She is also a highly sought-after adjudicator for international competitions and regularly conducts masterclasses and workshops worldwide. Her significant services to choral music were recognized with multiple national citations and appointments as an Officer (1999) and a Companion (2023) of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
