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Feldenkrais work increases agility, grace, sensuality and breathing capacity, and speeds up your ability to learn new physical skills; it is therefore particularly suitable for tackling the physical demands of vocal performance. If you are a professional performer you will know the importance of freedom in neck and jaw, softness in the shoulders, mobility of the spine, and the ability to stand without rigidity for the development of charisma and presence on stage.
VocalDynamix is a multi-format voicework course which combines the Awareness Through Movement approach of the Feldenkrais Method with state-of-the-art voice training techniques, and which enables the student to:
Laying Strong Foundations. Introduces the uninitiated to the Awareness Through Movement process, with lessons designed to increase available movement in the neck, shoulders and spine, to clarify the breathing process, and to show how natural breath coordination morphs easily into the more sophisticated process required for sustained powerful singing.
Know Your Instrument. Combines state-of-the-art vocal training techniques with the Awareness Through Movement learning process, to discover and explore all the different qualities of the human voice — finding natural, functional ways to increase volume, vocal range and vocal stamina.
The Complex Voices. Participants discover Dynamic Posture, a flexible and resilient stability that allows the voice to soar. It is the most physical of the series, drawing extensively on the fundamentals of the Feldenkrais Method, and provides an introduction to the physical requirements of belting and classical singing.
The VocalDynamix Course is intended to cover all the ground necessary for a full understanding of vocal performance, and allow each student to fully explore her or his unique voice. In its basic form it is not a singing performance course, and group time is not used to learn songs or perform to each other. As with all Feldenkrais work, the idea is to discover new ways of doing familiar things and increase our range of choices.
VocalDynamix workshops are intended to appeal both to professionals and to those on a journey of self-discovery, and they are ideal for those who would like to increase vocal self-awareness and singing skills, but are shy of performing. Performance work can be included in customised versions of the course.
The course can be adjusted as required, and Maggy is happy to teach specifically designed courses for small or large groups of all kinds. Examples of the kinds of courses on offer include:
See the courses page for current dates and costs, or contact Maggy to discuss a customised course.
“It was liberating — discovering the connection between my breathing and my belly began the process of releasing inhibitions I had held for as long as I could remember. I could feel that my whole body was involved in my emotional expression and the sound of my voice.”
Anne Kennedy, Voice and Feldenkrais student
“I find Maggy’s workshops highly informative, inspirational, fun, and a big treat for the voice, body and spirit. Maggy has the unique professional combination of being a Feldenkrais practitioner, singing teacher and jazz performer, and she offers her knowledge and experience in a warm, relaxed and sensitive manner.”
Abi Strevens MA, BSc (Hons), State Registered Music Therapist
The workshops function as an introduction to the possibilities of VocalDynamix, but only a commitment to continuous learning and constantly increasing self-awareness will bring the full rewards of this work to the student. If you wish to develop professional speaking or singing skills, you are advised to follow a course of private study with Maggy Burrowes.
Read the syllabus, try a sample lesson, or find out about classes and workshops.