Your Body Breathes! The Relationship Between The Body, Breathing And The Voice
Thursday 27th April 2023, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
We all know that singing is deeply connected to our breathing and we all understand that good singing involves deliberate use of the breath, but there are many opinions on how these things intermingle. How does one know which is best or even which is useful?
We will look at the anatomy of the torso – including the ribs, the lungs and the alignment of the spine and we will examine the muscles of the ribcage (intercostals), the abdominals to understand how they function.
Beyond that, we must investigate the vocal fold movement involved in various kinds of singing because the vocal folds control the airflow and their action has a direct impact on how air is used and how we feel it in exhalation, in sighing and in singing – all different activities. And we will do them to see how that works.
Each body is unique. Everyone experiences their body in their own way. How can breathing be the same, under all circumstances and in all activities for everyone? Hint: it can’t! We will take a look at body types, physical conditioning and typical kinesthetic use in sports, dance and in daily activities. What do YOU experience?
All of this matters to those of us who teach or sing. Let’s investigate breathing and the body together!
Jeanie LoVetri
Jeannette LoVetri is a singing voice specialist in New York City who began teaching in 1971. She has taught throughout the USA, Europe, Australia...
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 5th May 2026
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday 12th May 2026
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday 19th May 2026
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday 26th May 2026
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday 2nd June 2026
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday 9th June 2026
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)
Music Theory Fundamentals for Voice Pedagogues
Dr David Cane
Voice pedagogy has advanced significantly in the last decades in relation to knowledge of the vocal apparatus (anatomy and mechanics), acoustics, and performance psychology (to name just a few subfields) – this is a wonderful thing! Nonetheless, musicianship and the foundations of music theory are still relevant to the teaching and coaching of singers and this course aims to empower voice teachers and coaches with skills to support the fundamental musicianship development of their students.
Tuesday 12th May 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
(London Time)
Prosody in conversation – crucial for effective communication?
Beatrice Szczepek Reed
In this course, we will take an introductory look at what prosody is and consider its functions in natural everyday dialogue. Prosody refers to the rhythm, stress, and intonation of speech. It's the musicality of language that helps convey meaning, emotion, and emphasis in conversation!
Thursday 14th May 2026
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)
Feldenkrais Method® - its application in speech and song!
Marina Gilman
The Feldenkrais Method® is a form of somatic education that uses gentle movement and directed attention to improve physical and mental functioning, including singing and speaking. Since we are not always aware of the source of tension or discoordination, it is difficult to make the necessary adjustments to ensure optimal use of the voice!