Voice Work (eBook)

Voice Work
Second Edition

The voice is one of the fundamental modes of self-expression, a key touchstone of identity and sense of self. Many people in all walks of life are looking to change their voices, whether to modify a speaking challenge of some kind, to cultivate a professional skill, or for other reasons. Voice practitioners have an invaluable role in guiding clients along the path to their desired voice outcomes.

Building on the success of the first edition, Voice Work continues to offer a wide-ranging introduction to the repair, improvement, development, and exploration of the spoken and sung voice. Balancing rigorous scholarship with practical insights, the book draws from all major vocal professions and paths within voice work. It offers guidance for developing the voice alongside detailed, up-to-date insights into the work of voice instruction.

Readers of the second edition of Voice Work will also find:

• Numerous new colour illustrations
• Extensive chapter revisions and reference updates
• Original chapters on the history of voice work, public speaking and voice work online
• Updated material on voice and emotions, mindfulness and imagery, voice work and well-being, the applications of technology and the value of practitioner supervision
• Additional techniques and exercises

Voice Work is a valuable resource for spoken voice teachers, singing teachers, and speech and language therapists and pathologists. Endorsements from leading members of these professions for both the first and second editions are featured inside.

Christina Shewell, MA, FRCSLT, ADVS, is a spoken voice teacher and speech and language therapist, with experience in both voice development and therapy for speakers and singers. She has been senior lecturer in voice and counselling skills at University College London, voice teacher at major acting schools, coach in the business world and international lecturer and course leader. Her extensive writing, presentations, and workshops are eclectic and exploratory, and always combine science-based fact with experiential body and voice work. Originator of the Voice Skills approach, her interests include the connections of voice to neuroscience, emotions, mindfulness, poetry, and well-being.

Rockford Sansom, PhD, MFA, is a voice teacher and communication coach. He has worked with senior leaders in business and politics, and with actors and singers in major productions around the globe. As an educator, he has lectured at more than 30 universities on five continents. For seven years, he was the editor of the Voice and Speech Review, a leading communication journal. His book publications include The History of Voice Pedagogy, Vocal Traditions, Voice and Identity, and Practitioner Research in Voice Studies. His interests include connecting voice to history, teaching, learning, research methods, and sociolinguistics.