What is the voice? Where does it come from, where does it live? What does my voice tell listeners about me? How connected is my voice to my thoughts and feelings? Do I allow it to truly express what I feel?

In the Western World most of us suffer from having a voice that has been stifled! The cultural and emotional norms dominant in our Western societies do not encourage an unfettered voice. Newly born babies are able to lustily bawl for long periods of time and possess a huge range of vocalisation, but somehow this vocal ability is curtailed during our upbringing. So how can we release these blocks and free our vocal and emotional expression?

Processes

There are many different therapies that attempt to free the breath, stuck feelings and areas of chronic tension within the body. Fear, pain, shock, anxiety and frustration can all inhibit our breathing. Noticing where and when our breathing is constrained can help us recognise habitual patterns that hinder our ability to fully express emotion. Fully expressing emotion will involve the body, breath and voice. Body, breath and voice are interrelated, so opening up the voice means allowing the body to release these held patterns of tension and become more connected, more physically and emotionally free. We can all access the fuller vocal range of a free voice.

My Approach

The approach I use to free the voice is based on allowing the breath and body to work together, through freeing up and permiting sound to emerge through a series of basic physical exercises. We develop confidence by working in pairs, small groups and solo to explore at our own pace; supporting each other through attentiveness and deep listening. Embodying the voice can help free the breath and encourage the release of whatever emotion has been blocking the voice. Voice, body and breath work together. The ground and the group support this.

My Background

I have been working on uncovering my self and assisting others since the 1970s. As well as exploring various approaches to freeing the body, voice and breath:- Feldenkrais and Alexander Technique, Lecoq physical theatre, Ki Aikido, I trained as a voice coach at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and in Theatre at Dartington College of Arts and London International School of Performing Arts(LISPA). I have taken part in many Master Workshops organised by the Centre for Performance Research, Wales, studied with established voice practitioners including Kristen Linklater, Katherine Fitzmaurice, Frankie Armstrong, Theatre Zar, Ulrik Barfod and other teachers of the Roy Hart Theatre. I am interested in exploring how the power of imagination can open up the voice.

I shall be running workshops in the near future. Contact me for more info!