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Care of the Voice ˜ Common Vocal Problems—Causes and Cures
Wisdom and tips from doctors and speech pathologists for vocal health. Are you sabotaging your progress without realizing it? Learn what causes--and cures--common vocal problems, such as lack of power and stamina, breathiness, lack of range, hoarseness, lack of vibrato, and register "breaks."
Vocal Warm-ups: Why (and how) should we do them?
What is the purpose of all that lip-trilling, scale singing, mee, may, ma, mo, moo stuff? Learn the principles and purposes of warm-up exercises, including physical warm-ups. Create a personalized, purposeful warm-up of your own. Comfortable clothing; bring yoga mat or towel.
Bodywork/Gym work and Your Voice
In speaking and singing, your body is your instrument, so bodywork makes a big difference in vocal development. Many bodywork disciplines (e.g., Pilates, yoga, gym machines) enhance vocal practice. Learn to customize your workout for maximum benefit. Wear comfortable clothing; bring a yoga mat or towel.
Find (and get your moneys worth from)
the Best Voice Teacher/Coach for You
Learn what you can reasonably expect (and what you have a right to demand) in a lesson or coaching—and how styles vary. Discover the style of teaching that suits you best. Then, learn how to make sure you get the most for your money. If you think you could be making better progress, you probably could. Learn to keep the focus of the session on you and your needs.
Your Voice: How it Works...and why it sometimes doesn't
Do you have questions about how your voice works? Many performers do, and could benefit from a simple, straightforward explanation of the vocal process. Clear, easy to understand description of basic vocal anatomy and physiology. Application to your own vocal practice, using self-massage, movement, and vocalization as a group. Gain a better understanding of (a) how singing works in general and (b) your own vocal strengths and weaknesses (and how to improve). Wear comfortable clothing; bring a yoga mat or towel.
Your Voice: How It Works, Part 2
More in-depth discussion of the vocal process and application to your current vocal practice, with explanation of pressure points for effective self-massage, physical movement to release tension, and application to vocalization. Wear comfortable clothing; bring a yoga mat or towel.
Public Speaking: Finding Your Powerful Voice
Which is more important for a public speaker: a robust, well-inflected tone or a convincing and natural connection to the meaning of what you're saying? Actually, you don't have to choose; they both come from the same source, if you know how to access the natural power of your own body. Learn how to speak for hours without fear of hoarseness or fatigue. Great for anyone who speaks in public: business people, clergy, teachers, sales people.
Breathing Techniques
There are so many seemingly conflicting breathing techniques that many voice teachers throw in the towel and declare that breath doesn't need to be taught--whatever you're doing "naturally" is fine. This course begins with an overview
of the natural (at rest) breathing process and discusses various ways to enhance that natural process for more power and resonance. Includes explanations of how varying breathing techniques used in disciplines such as yoga, sports, and Pilates affect the voice.
What Voice Teachers Don't Learn in Music School
Even if you have advanced degrees from an impressive university or conservatory, you may not feel confident to answer all your students' questions about anatomy, physiology, breathing, resonance, and acoustics--let alone fielding inquiries about working out (should singers go for six-pack abs?), yoga, Pilates, acting methods, and exactly what each vocal exercise is designed to accomplish. Here is one-stop-shopping for all the things you wish you had learned in music school.
School or University Package
We will arrange a 1 -3 day visit to your location that includes seminars and master classes for both students and faculty. We can provide instruction in just about any area related to vocal development. See our faculty members on our Faculty page. Let us know what you're looking for, and we will create a package specifically for your needs.. | 
