The Integrated Voice approach illuminates what's possible and opens new
options of vocal expression.
  • Do you need greater vocal and dynamic range to 'get that job'?
  • Are you currently performing or would like to begin to get work as a performer?
  • Do you depend on your voice for a living? Are you a singer, actor, teacher, professor, lawyer, preacher, telemarketer, coach, tour guide, etc.
  • Do you feel as though you can't take the next job because your voice won't hold up?
  • Are you pleased with the range, color projection, stamina, quality, breath control, loudness control, self-image of your voice?
  • How in touch are you with your voice from the 'inside'?
  • Do you understand and USE the whole body-voice connection?

    • Feeling good, feeling good about yourself and presenting yourself in the best
    possible way to the world are priorities we all share. Vocal production and
    expression are a fundamental part of who we are and how we present ourselves to the
    world. They cannot be separated from us. First impressions are lasting impres-
    sions. You are judged by the sound, tone and affect of your voice-without even
    realizing it!

    What can you do? Try the Integrated Voice approach to voice training!

    The Integrated Voice approach developed by Marina Gilman focuses primarily
    on improving your vocal self. Only Integrated Voice brings elements of posture
    and balance together with all aspects of voice. These include breath support,
    resonance and the movement of the vocal mechanism. Together they illuminate
    what's possible and create new options of expression through your voice and
    voice quality.

    Integrated Voice deals with the whole person working with:

  • Vocal production (sound, resonance and "color" of your voice)
  • Quality and range of expression
  • Pitch and dynamic range (loud and soft, yelling to whispering)
  • Posture
  • Stress related physical tension
  • Balance
  • Self-image as it impacts on voice

    • Individual lessons are tailored to meet the needs of each student. Lessons concentrate on:

  • Reducing physical tension
  • Increasing awareness of breathing patterns
  • Identifying postural/movement patterns that interfere with breathing, ease of movement and/or voice production.




    • TRY THIS

    Take off your shoes if you can. Stand comfortably. Begin to sing or speak in your normal, habitual way. Notice the sound and feel of your voice as well as any other qualities you notice.

    1. SLOWLY begin to shift your weight from the heels to the balls of     the feet and back. DO NOT LIFT YOUR HEELS OR TOES, just shift     your weight to the front and back. Continue slow gentle     movement for about a minute, shifting the weight back and forth.     Pay attention to how smooth and easy it can be. Don't go     beyond where you are stable.

    2. STOP AND REST a movement. Take a few steps backwards and     forwards.

    3. Come back to standing. SLOWLY begin to shift your weight from     your right foot to the left foot and back. Slowly and with attention     to the sense of the weight shifting across the feet right and left.     Continue to shift your weight from right to left and back for     about a minute. Pay attention to your breathing and sense of     stability. Is there a point in the middle where your breath might     begin to release?

    4. STOP AND REST. Take a few steps around the room. Once again     sing or speak. Is there any change in the feel, quality or any     aspects of your voice?

    5. Once again stand comfortably. Cross your right foot over your     left with the right foot in front. Shift your weight from your right     foot to the left foot. You might need to support yourself by a     chair or table. Go slowly, sensing how you shift your weight from     your right foot to the left foot in back and then again to the right     foot in the front. What happens to your breathing, your sense of     balance? After about a minute, stop, uncross your legs. Walk     around.

    6. Sing or speak. What has happened to your sense of your breath,     your sense of stability, or quality of your voice?

    7. Do you notice any change in either the quality of the sound of     your voice or how easy it is to sing or speak the passage you     were using? Do you feel more grounded or centered making it     easier to breathe? You might be surprised to notice a change in     your vocal quality.

        You may have thought that this mini-lesson was about balance.     It was! Improving balance affects the voice by allowing the     muscles we need for balance to work efficiently. When your     balance muscles are not working efficiently the chest muscles     are recruited to the help support you. When you improve     balance, the chest, neck and shoulder muscles are free to sup-     port your voice.
    What's possible for YOU? Let's find out! Call or email to schedule a lesson or
    get information on our current classes and workshops.
    Home    Offerings    Calendar    About Us    FAQ's    Case Studies    Resources    Contact Us