Authentic Voicework
There is so much healing to be gained from working with the voice.
As we vocalize from the most simple and quiet place of our being, we look into the mirror of the soul and listen.
Authentic Voicework is a playful & powerful modality of Expressive Arts in sound and motion. It tunes in to the essence of being, through the voice. Participants explore the connection to the authentic self through vocalizing. Also known as “Yoga of the Voice” for its stretching and removing obstructions around the voice, this modality takes healing to another level through vocalizing. By changing our conceptions of who we are and how we allow ourselves to express ourselves as unique, dynamic beings, we can change how we think about ourselves, and therefore, present ourselves to the world with more confidence, power, authenticity, and dynamism. AV originates from a vast array of influences: Classical Voice Technique, Expressive Arts Therapy, Voice-Movement therapy, improvisational singing, world-folk songs, yoga, breathwork, meditation, massage/bodywork, Feldenkreis & more!
Many people are terrified of singing, in front of others that is… In fact, the #1 Fear in America is public speaking. Singing in front of others could be classified similarly. They both boil down to the fear of humiliation. And the prevention strategy for that is inhibition. Hence – the inhibited voice.
Many people are terrified of singing, in front of others that is… In fact, the #1 Fear in America is public speaking. Singing in front of others could be classified similarly. They both boil down to the fear of humiliation. And the prevention strategy for that is inhibition. Hence – the inhibited voice.
The throat, voice and sense of being are all affected by fear. Fear of humiliation, fear of drawing too much attention to self, or a trauma that inflicted tension or restriction are all inhibitors. Authentic Voicework opens up this territory, and explores these issues on the levels of body, mind and spirit. It offers new tools for gaining comfort when external and internal pressures are so daunting. Singing from the place of authenticity uncovers and draws us closer to our place of origin within. And today, with external forces causing so much internal uncertainty, Authentic Voicework offers an opportunity to learn how to be open in the body-mind-spirit- through the voice, regardless of these external or internal pressures.
Founder of Voice-Movement Therapy Paul Newham said “in order for a genuine catharsis to be facilitated, there has to be an open channel through which psychic energy can be released, and the voice provides such a channel. Vocal catharsis involves allowing a person to vocalize a wide palette of sounds, depressurizing the body of contained emotions and energy, which otherwise weighs down the participant. Once we relax, dilate and open the vocal tract, there is a maximized flowing of emotion, new thought, innovation and energy that comes flooding out through the voice. There is a sense of empowerment, resilience and enormity of being that comes from this new-found freedom.” In other words, we must open into the body to open our voices.
Authentic Voicework is a vessel that can be used to help reset our relationship with the world by boosting our confidence with our very own voice. Rather than fearing this portal, Authentic Voicework suggests a means of jumping into the discovery of the self with joy, surrender, safely and courageously.
There is so much healing to be gained from working with the Voice. As we vocalize from the most simple and quiet place of our being, we look into the mirror of the soul and listen.. Authentic Voicework® is a vessel that can be used to help reset our relationship with the world by boosting our confidence with our very own voice. The voice taps into “unknown territory” yet to be explored. Rather than fearing this portal, Authentic Voicework suggests a means of jumping into the discovery of the self with joy, surrender, safely and courageously. It is about the creative process, not the product!
Authentic Voicework classes address the body as the instrument of the voice to facilitate a cathartic experience. As we warm up our voices and breath, we release tension in the body. Simple stretching helps to deepen the breath and activate the body. Participants then learn more about their voice through classical voice technique exercises, followed by playful singing games that untangle the complex set of emotions people can at times feel about the voice and singing. We work on improvising and harmonizing with others to share our newly found creativity. Intentional listening is taught and encouraged to connect to the authentic place within. Finally, we end the class with a group improvisation where participants explore their ideas and respond to the group’s collective sounds.
The result of this work is inspiration. Creativity research expert, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, said that the “flow” experience of creative activity is one that yields a great sense of fulfillment, wellness, balance and joy. Authentic Voicework® brings flow experiences that connect us to our bodies, quiet the mind, deepen our listening, and leads to an experience of lightness and exhilaration.
Authentic Voicework is also known as Yoga of the Voice.
Yoga of the Voice benefits
Body
breath
increases oxygen intake, mindful breathing induces parasympathetic system (rest and digest, relaxation, anti-stress and wellness)
heart
lowers heart rate, decreases blood pressure, synchronizes our heart beats
immune system
Increases Immunoglobin A (protein in antibodies)
Mind
anti-stress
decreases levels of cortisol, lowers stress; increases anti-stress hormone hydro-cortisone
connection
singing in groups triggers the communal release of serotonin and oxytocin, which are linked to feelings of trust and bonding
mental health
singing combats depression and loneliness
pleasure
stimulates part of brain that produces dopamine and releases endorphins, associated with pleasure.
Spirit
creativity
enhances creativity in everyday life
flow
your whole being is involved, and you’re using your skills to the utmost. To achieve a flow state, a balance must be struck between the challenge of the task and the skill of the performer. If the task is too easy or too difficult, flow cannot occur. Both skill level and challenge level must be matched and high; if skill and challenge are low and matched, then apathy results.
Sessions
Authentic Voicework is a therapeutic sound healing modality that utilizes the voice as a means of expressing blocked energy and releasing the authentic vibrational identity through the voice. With a somatic approach that instills a deeper connection between body, breath, and voice, this unique experience stimulates many of the psycho-somatic benefits of singing, as well as meditative states of consciousness.
Stephanie offers private voice lessons and Authentic Voicework sessions that cater to your goals. Whether you are a singer looking to improve your technique, a beginner looking to learn basic fundamentals of singing and ear training, or someone who wishes to be free of inhibition and fear around singing to build confidence in your voice, Stephanie will work with you at your level.
Private Sessions
How does it work?
When the voice has been shut down for very long periods of time (sometimes decades), and is finally struck with humming and sighing sounds, the client may feel an immediate rush of emotion. The process of opening the voice may take you back to the time when you last felt freedom in the voice, when it became hindered or inhibited and why. Clients may initially feel the grief which initiated the blockage. Creative catharsis cleans out the cobwebs, opens the energy flow in the body, bringing relief of the weight of the burden, and more of a sense of freedom to the individual.
What is the difference between voice lessons and Authentic Voicework® Sessions?
Authentic Voicework® explores the journey of your soul through your voice – stories from the past that have molded you, held you back, inhibited you from speaking up or allowing your voice to be heard; and opens the channel of your voice. Disentangle the stories from the past, liberate your mind and spirit, and set your voice free. (ONLINE OPTIONAL) Sessions are 60-90 minutes.
Unlock your vocal potential with a voice lesson! Whether you’re a beginner, or looking for a tune-up to refine your skills, we will guide you to sing with confidence and express your unique voice. Discover the joy of singing and book your lessons today. Packages offered to students interested in consistent lessons. (Online or in person) Sessions are 60 minutes.
What shall I expect in a session?
Sessions begin with simple stretching and breathing exercises, grounding the connection into the body. Simple vocal warm-ups follow, drawing from classical voice technique. Facial stretches open the muscles of the jaw, throat, neck and folds of the vocal tract, opening the breath, drawing awareness to the body as instrument. Singing games foster a place for exploration, bringing out the child-like essence. Improvisation is used for cutting new ground, building self-trust, without harmful criticism and judgment. It is a learning process to explore without self-judgment. As we vocalize, we willingly bring ourselves closer to the borders of our inhibitions. When we begin to sing authentically, the heart immediately responds by melting stiff body armor and setting it free.
Pricing & Schedule
Authentic Voicework Session 1-hour $80
Authentic Voicework Session 90-min $120