The Voice Skills Approach To Voice Analysis And Action Planning

In this talk, Christina will describe the approach and the Voice Skills Framework and participants will have the chance to practise perceptual analysis on a short video, where the ‘client’s’ spoken voice issues are likely to be relevant to their sung voice. She will then demonstrate and lead an exploration of core exercises for each of the 8 voice skills parameters.

Christina’s book, Voice Work: Art and Science in Changing Voices  (2009) has become a core text for voice practitioners since it addresses the theory and practice of voice work with both normal and disturbed voice. 

The Voice Skills approach is central to the book. Developed over many years of practical work with speakers and singers, it is based on Christina’s definition of the ‘Free Voice’, based on 8 core aspects: Body, Breath, Channel, Phonation, Resonance, Pitch, Loudness and Articulation. This will be strong and flexible in both personal and professional contexts and will not tire during speaking or singing – nor will it react under stress during a demanding rehearsal, show, presentation or long social evening.

The Voice Skills Framework uses these aspects in a simple-to-use perceptual voice listening tool which helps to illuminate what is ‘going on’ in a voice, and points a voice practitioner towards appropriate directions for voice work. This system of listening and analysis has been widely taught, both in the UK and in other countries and is used by many different voice practitioners.