2022 Summer Immersion Event:

Back in Shape for Singing!

July 29 to July 31, 2022

What's more important to a singer: vocal technique or body coordination? Should you be focusing your efforts on how you sing...or on getting yourself—your instrument!—into a better state of dynamic mobility and stability?

As a teacher with extensive training in both vocal pedagogy and Alexander Technique, I come up against these questions every day. Of course, singing is a skill, not something we are born knowing how to do. You have to learn the proper way to make sound. So voice lessons are essential for singers at every level.

But whenever I work with trained singers at an Alexander-Technique-based event, I am amazed to see how helping these artists improve their whole-body coordination, even just a little bit, raises their singing ability to a higher level. Immediately. Without any attention to technique. They find they can instantaneously sing better than they thought they could, and more reliably. And they are almost always shocked to find out how much easier it is than they ever before experienced to produce the sounds they want to make.

So I have learned that while teaching my students vocal technique is absolutely necessary, it is not enough. If you want consistent access to your highest level of technical artistry (and if you want your voice to stay healthy and to feel good), you have to put some attention to how your whole body is activating in support of your singing.

And because the same whole body is what you use to do, well, EVERYTHING in your life, you will be supporting all those other activities as well when you get it properly coordinated.

In your voice lessons, we have likely focused mostly on issues of vocal technique and musicianship. Sometimes we address coordination too—how to stand, how your joints move, how your breathing works, etc. But your coordination is worthy of taking center stage in your attention. This immersive workshop is your chance to focus on your whole-body coordination for 3 consecutive days. What a gift to yourself—as a singer and as a human being!

I'll be teaching you some easy, fun movement sequences that you will be able to continue on your own to recoordinate your whole system. We will restore the healthy functioning of your organism that you were born with...and that has gradually gone astray as life happened. You will feel revitalized—simultaneously calmer and stronger. Your movements will be more graceful, your breathing will improve, your posture will be dynamic and easy. I would not be surprised if you even find your mood improving: when our bodies are working in accordance with their design, we reveal our underlying joyfulness!

And of course you will find that you have immediate access to your best singing. We will use the activity of singing and otherwise vocalizing throughout the workshop as a means of evaluating our improvements in coordination.

The workshop includes a follow-up online private lesson with me to help you integrate your learning into your daily life and practice. (See details below in the purple block.)

FAQ

Who is this workshop for?

• Singers of all genres who have had some vocal training (at least a few lessons)

• Singers at any level from beginner to professional who desire an in-depth learning experience

• Singers who enjoy a communal atmosphere of fun and learning

• Singers who have been disillusioned with the harsh, judgmental manner in which vocal instruction often takes place and are seeking a compassionate, supportive environment in which to explore under the guidance of a master teacher

What if I’m not sure this workshop is right for me?

• I’m happy to talk with you and answer any questions you may have about this event! Text or email me to schedule a (free) video or audio call.

Where does the workshop take place?

• This event will take place at the beautiful Balance Arts Center on West 30th Street in Manhattan, easily accessible by public transportation.

What is the cost of the workshop?

The fee for this workshop, which includes 12 class hours and a 30-minute online private lesson with me, is $495 (paid in full) or $525 (paid in 3 monthly installments of $175, due at registration and again on June 1 and July 1).

You will experience a high level of individual attention, as enrollment will be limited to 6 participants. Once you pay either the full amount or first installment, your spot will be reserved.

(If you are interested in attending but unable to afford the fee, contact me for information about scholarships.)

REFUND POLICY: Your payment includes a non-refundable deposit of $50. The remainder of your payment will be refunded if you cancel earlier than 1 week before the event. No refunds will be issued for cancellations in the final 7 days before the event. Exceptions for extraordinary circumstances may be made at my discretion. The workshop will not be held if minimum enrollment is not met. In such a case, your entire payment will be refunded.

Note: this event is subject to cancellation if the COVID situation changes to make it unsafe to meet in person. Full refunds will be issued if this happens.

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What People Are Saying About FBFV Workshops

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Every FBFV workshop draws from multiple curriculums:

You will discover physical ease and peace of mind—available even while you are singing under stressful conditions!