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.
Monday 7th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday 8th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday 9th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Friday 11th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Monday 14th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday 15th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday 16th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Friday 18th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)
Introduction to statistics and working with quantitative data for Voice Professionals: 8-Session Online Bootcamp
Dr David Cane
This certificated statistics course is ideal for individuals interested in laying a solid foundation in quantitative research methods. By focusing on essential statistical principles, you will be equipped with the tools to understand and apply quantitative research techniques effectively. Statistics is a crucial component of quantitative research; mastering it will enable you to grasp quantitative methods more confidently and precisely.
Tuesday 15th July 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Exploring the roots of the tongue: Ideas for performance
Walt Fritz
As a relative outsider looking into the voice and performance world, I witness the bell curve of thoughts and actions on how the tongue contributes to voice problems and how best to tame that tension. Traditional ways of taming tongue tension seem adequate (or would seem so, based on feedback), so what is different and new? In this short course for the Voice Study Centre, Walt Fritz will introduce the learner to variations on self-applied tongue stretches and exercises.
Wednesday 16th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)
Emotion and Performing Accents and Dialects: why does Emotion Get in the Way?
Louisa Morgan
At points of heightened emotion, it is common for actors working in an accent to default to their natural speech. How do we help performers to avoid this issue and provide them and their directors with the confidence they need regardless of the emotional demands of the piece? What can we learn from research in vocal expression of emotion to help actors to embody the emotion and keep control of their voice and accent? Our very own Louisa Morgan will guide participants through the latest research and offer practical suggestions for working with performers needing to navigate this challenge.