Please note that Ms. Speed will be presenting this course in collaboration with Ed Blake, Specialist Physiotherapist.

This day follows on from previous Breathing and Support workshops in response to many requests for further information on the physiology of breathing when singing. It is open to all levels, but will be of especial interest to those who have attended previous Breathing & Support workshops.

The teaching of ‘support’ is still an area fraught with misunderstanding and misinformation. The key to effective teaching of this crucial area of vocal technique is clear understanding of the physiological basis for the need to ‘support’, what is being supported and the most efficient ways to achieve this.

Building on information given on earlier courses, we will identify which muscles are needed to support the voice by clarifying the relationship between breath and vocalisation. By using ultrasound techniques, we will also identify those muscles which undermine vocal support and those which are essential to sustained, vigorous voice use, in speaking or singing.

Using real time ultrasound, we will demonstrate which muscles tend to be overactive, overwhelming those which are necessary to efficient vocal function.

The day will conclude with a short masterclass, demonstrating the application of the day’s principles in the teaching studio.

The day will include:

• Defining ‘support’ physiologically
• Use of ultrasound to identify key support muscles
• Demonstration of teaching techniques
• Myths and misinformation – disentangling fact from fiction
• Audio and video examples
• Short masterclass

Suitable for: For people both new and familiar with the Estill Voice Model looking for clarification and consolidation; singers and actors; teachers of voice and singing; students and professionals.

Early Bird fee of £65 applies if paid and booked before 01/12/09; Student Rate of £40 if nominated by teacher.

Book via the web site www.thevoiceexplained.com

This Advanced 1 course is mostly for people who have attended Level One & Two courses at Cantina Vocaal in Amsterdam. The course will focus on repetition and more advanced exercises of Level One & Two and analysis of problems & solutions/Pedagogical issues. We will mostly work practically and integrate figures and qualities into music and also have time to focus on individual coaching/training.

This course is open to anyone who has already taken the Estill Level One course – singers, voice teachers, actors, clinical voice professionals, etc. The course begins with an overview of the development of the Estill Voice Model and an overview of this course. We will then work through all the voice qualities: speech, falsetto, sob, twang, belting and opera – by practicing individually in small groups and integrating them into singing and different genres of music. The days will alternate between classroom presentations, practice sessions in small groups and open sessions.

This course is intended for teachers and students of singing and actors.

The Level One course teaches the tools to control vocal instrument. Students will learn EVT’s Figures to use better vocal structures are useful to sing every musical genre or to play every character.

This course is open to anyone interested in learning more about the voice – singers, speakers, teachers, therapists, choral conductors. Participants will be introduced to the concepts and exercises of Estill Voice Training (also known as Estill Voicecraft), an innovative, informative and empowering approach that creates a pathway to exciting vocal discoveries. Free from aesthetic bias, the Figures (exercises) of Level One reveal the basic mechanics of how the voice works. Each Figure creates a specific vocal sound effect, adds a particular "ingredient" to our vocal "recipe".

In this introductory workshop, we explore the range of effects available and acquire valuable insights regarding vocal health, stamina and power. Each day will include interactive lectures as well as opportunities for group and individual practice. Open Coaching sessions offer the chance to see how Figures can be used to break down the barriers standing between you and your vocal goals.

Open to anyone with an interest in learning about the voice, for example, singers, voice teachers, actors, clinical voice professionals, etc. The course begins with an introduction to the Estill Voice Model with Figures for Voice Control, and an overview of this course. We will then work through all the figures in Level One by practicing individually in small groups and integrating them into singing and different genres of music. The days will alternate between classroom presentations, practice sessions in small groups and open sessions.

What is Estill Voice Training?

• Can I do “figures” with my voice like skaters do at the Olympics?
• What is the relationship between Anchoring and Support?
• Is “healthy belting” close to “healthy opera?”>
• How can I cross-over to produce different speaking & singing styles?
• How can I increase my pitch range safely?

Bring a working song or monologue to experiment with the power of vocal color.

Ms. Speed will be presenting with Mary Hammond, Internationally Renowned Vocal Coach, David White, West End Musical Director, and other leading musical theatre industry professionals (subject to availability).

This three day course will look at the demands of contemporary musical theatre and the varying

vocal styles that the West End demands. We will cover auditioning, from choosing appropriate

material to presenting it in the right format; working in different voice qualities, shifting quality

from one song to the next, acting through singing, warm ups and other relevant topics. The course will feature leading West End musical directors, vocal coaches and choreographers.

The course will include:

• sessions on auditions
• choosing repertoire
• cutting edge vocal technique
• maximizing performance choices
• problem solving

Suitable For: Those new to the Estill Voice Model and ‘old hands’, anyone working with the voice; singing teachers, professional singers, students and amateurs

Book via the web site www.thevoiceexplained.com