Somatic Voicework™ Levels I, II, and III
LEVEL I – Fundamentals of Somatic Voicework™
3 days
Learn how the voice works along with breath and body in producing sound and how to keep it healthy. Experiment with vocal registers: chest, head, mix, and belting sounds in your own voice. Learn how to listen to voices and assess what is needed to improve vocal function. Explore vocal styles from Contemporary Commercial Music to Classical. Enhance your comfort level in teaching across various musical genres. Observe faculty working with participants.
What Level I Covers
- Introduction to anatomy and physiology of vocal function and vocal health
- Learning to listen to vocal function and qualities, observing the breath and body
- Breakout Groups - isolating registers, vowel colors, experiencing mix and belt
- Vocal exercises and how to use pitch, vowel, volume, and register
- Vocal constriction/dysfunction and their impact on the voice
- Style Exploration - Overview of CCM-Contemporary Commercial Music styles
- Considerations when teaching various age groups
- Case histories and problem solving
- Introduction to acoustic voice science - formants, resonance
- Voice Teaching (Intention, Context, Awareness), studio practices and tools
- Faculty teaching sessions with volunteer participants

LEVEL II – Advanced Application
3 days
Learn the nuts and bolts of vocal exercises using the Solution Sequence®: how singing exercises work, how to choose and sequence exercises for maximum improvement. Take the role of teacher and singer in applying the principles of Somatic Voicework™. Dive deeper into CCM styles and corresponding challenges. Explore the interrelationship of body and voice.
What Level II Covers
- Vocal exercises – What, Why, and How?
- Devising purposeful exercises using the Somatic Voicework™ Solution Sequence®
- Breakout Groups – practice teaching each other using the Solution Sequence®
- Attitudes, perceptions, and awareness learning curve for teacher and student
- Evaluating student’s learning process and goals
- Teacher cuing and correcting in a positive manner
- Bodywork and its value in vocal development
- CCM style parameters and potential vocal problems related to style
- Helping students shift default from one musical genre to another
- Case histories and problem solving
- Master class: working with various demographics (e.g kids, teens, seniors)
- Faculty teaching sessions with volunteer participants

LEVEL III – Repertoire, Problem Solving, and Voice Medicine
2 days
Take a journey into repertoire and advanced problem solving related to vocal function and style. Learn about voice medicine, pathology, medications, and surgical interventions and the need for interdisciplinary exchange. Refine your understanding of best practices in the studio through discussions about Pianoside Manner®.
What Level III Covers
- Repertoire – respecting style parameters
- Advanced problem solving for the professional singer
- Interfacing with SLP’s and Medical Doctors
- Guest Medical Lecture – Vocal Health and Medicine – vocal disease, injury, medications and surgical interventions
- Advanced Listening to vocal function, problems, devising solutions
- Acting, Storytelling, Communication
- Pianoside Manner® - A door to healing
- Demonstration of teaching Pitch matching for students with difficulty
- Faculty teaching sessions with volunteer participants
- Master Classes – various topics


