If you can talk, you can sing.
Monica has always believed that “if you
can talk, you can sing.” It might not mean you
sing like Pavarotti, but at least your pet doesn’t
leave the room when you hum a few bars. :)
Much of Monica’s
voice teaching is based on the belief that we can produce
sound easily and freely, and that we can learn to connect
our voices
to our hearts. A fascination with the breath and the
journey to free her own voice has led Monica to study
Feldenkreis,
the work
of
Carl Stough, many styles of yoga and meditation and,
of course, The
Alexander Technique.
In fact, the Alexander principles greatly transformed
her own singing and now significantly inform her teaching
of voice. Concepts such as awareness of how we use our
body,
stopping
our “doing” so
that our breath and “righting” reflexes
are free to work better when we sing, and how to sing
with intention and direction are all imparted in her
lessons.
Monica's lessons
include the study of what makes a free sound, ease
through the registers, agility, exploring your range,
discovering your voice type (Are you singing baritone
when you are truly a tenor?), resonance, discussion
of voice “size” and
use of the whole body in singing. Students also learn
the differences between styles, e.g., the classical
voice vs. the Broadway “sound,” and are
encouraged to explore repertoire that best interests
them and
suits their voice. Audition coaching is also available.
Vocal coaching for non-singers
Monica also teaches non-singing
actors
in the basics of voice production and how The
Alexander Technique can facilitate expression,
enhance character development and help with stage
fright. Public speakers and those with a fear of
public speaking are welcome.
Lessons:
- A one-hour voice lesson includes
10-15 minutes of Alexander work, warm-ups and literature.
- In a 90-minute
voice lesson, 45 minutes are devoted to the
study of The Alexander Technique and 45 minutes to
warm-ups
and literature.
- Students are also encouraged to
improve their
music-reading and ear-training skills.
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