The Effect of Body Alignment on Voice Production
Thursday 2nd May 2024, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM (London Time)
Voice production involves not just the respiratory and laryngeal mechanisms, but all of the structures of the body. It is therefore key to use a wide lens when assessing the origin of vocal challenges and optimising vocal performance as they may not be local to the vocal or respiratory apparatus. Due to the interconnected nature of the musculoskeletal and fascial systems, the voice can be affected by alignment issues that originate anywhere from the feet to the head.
In this session, we will explore the interconnected pathways of the body’s postural systems in the context of respiratory and vocal mechanics, and offer strategies for both assessing and addressing alignment issues with respect to voice. Topics will include:
- An exploration of the anatomy of voice production from foot to head
- Specific conditions, such as scoliosis, and how they affect voice production
- The role of the head-neck-jaw relationship in postural control
- Understanding the concept of proprioception for optimal postural balance
- How to do a postural assessment for a vocalist
- Practical strategies to address imbalances in alignment and therefore optimise vocal production
This session will deepen your understanding of the role of whole body mechanics in voice production and give you practical tools and strategies to assess and address issues of body alignment for yourself and your students.
Jennie Morton
After a long performing career as a Ballet dancer, West End Musical Theatre performer, and lead singer of a London-based Big Band, Jennie is now an Osteopath specializing in Performing Arts Medicine. Now based in Los Angeles...
Attend this course for as little as £22 as part of the Voice Professional Training CPD Award Scheme.
Learn MoreSorry, this is an archived short course...
We have plenty of upcoming short courses coming soon. See details of some of them below or look at the full list of short courses.
Tuesday 28th October 2025
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
(London Time)
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Professor John Nix
“Best practices.” “Practice makes perfect.” “Practice what you preach.” There are many popular phrases about practice that people toss about in conversation – but what is practice anyway, how does it work, and what is the relationship between practicing, learning, and performance? This course will examine current evidence from motor learning research on how we learn motor skills like singing. We’ll define practice, learning, and performance, and the importance of distinguishing learning from performance in how we practice.
Wednesday 29th October 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
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Hilary Davies
In recent years, the music therapy profession has begun to consider the application of the neurodiversity paradigm to music therapy practice, in particular In relation to autism, and an increasing amount of literature embracing this perspective has been published. This lecture, delivered from a lived experience perspective, will provide an explanation of the key concepts around neurodiversity - particular consideration will be given to the use of the voice, both one's own but also to the neurodivergent individual’s particular ways of using language, song and vocal sounds.
Thursday 30th October 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday 6th November 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 13th November 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 20th November 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 27th November 2025
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
(London Time)
Certificate in Gender-Affirming Voice & Communication with Gillie Stoneham
Gillie Stoneham
In this five-part course, join Gillie for a deep dive into coaching transgender voices, drawing on her specialist knowledge to deliver introductory and orientation material right through to professional competence and vocal coaching implications – and everything in between!