Techniques and Philosophy
Lessons available via remote learning on Zoom or Skype. In person lessons available in line with government guidelines.
uniquetechniques
The techniques used during lessons have been developed to handle the fierce demands placed on performers of contemporary singing.
My long term background with Speech Level Singing technique continues to influence how I teach, but since my departure from the organisation I have had the rich and wonderful opportunity to study other techniques including: CoreSinging (Dr Meribeth Dayme), Somatic Voicework (Jeanie Lovetri) and a variety of other courses including teacher training with Vocal Process (Dr Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher).
Students also benefit greatly from my love of psychology and coaching. In 2021 I will embark on my Masters in performance coaching to further evolve my teaching practice.
Want to know more about the techniques I’ve studied? Read more by clicking on the links: SLS, CoreSinging, Somatic Voicework
We think therefore we sing
Be yourself; everyone else is already taken! – Oscar Wilde
What we think, and our emotional state plays a huge part in how we sound and function vocally. Vocal function and our psychological state are inseparable – what we think about our singing will ultimately be our singing.
A teacher’s job is not only to impart knowledge and skills, but draw out the talent that already exists within the student. Empowering them to overcome fear and find their own path to express what they are meant to express.
Mastery and Mystery
If you become masterful at how you use your voice through well tailored voice exercises, body awareness, knowledge of vocal function, and commitment to practice, you provide a solid foundation for singing. I call this “mastery”, and it is something that is acquired and developed by the input of the teacher and the dedication of the student. But this is not the complete picture… there has to be space for the invitation to “mystery”, the stuff we can’t quite quantify or put our finger on.
This is ultimately the thing that will set one voice apart from another – the soul intent of a singer. To unlock this takes more risk than mastery because it requires vulnerability and honesty, and a willingness to risk and share. This can be unlocked from coaching, philosophy, acceptance, awareness and the gradual letting go of ego.
With mastery and mystery you will be empowered to thrive no matter what hurdles may come your way. You will develop a sense of empowerment to sing and perform that reflects who you are and how you want to express. You will become an “Empowered Artist”
Without the input of the following people I could not be the teacher that I am. With gratitude:
- Dr Meribeth Dayme
- Dr Gillyanne Kayes
- Greg Enriquez
- Dave Stroud
- Seth Riggs
- Jeanie Lovetri