Spotlight Seminars > The Healthy Voice: A Singer’s Guide

The Healthy Voice: A Singer’s Guide

As we welcome a new year, many of us resolve to make healthier choices for our bodies, and to “get in shape”. What would it mean if we made these resolutions about our voices as well?

During our Winter seminar series on The Healthy Voice, you’ll explore many types of answer to this question: physical, behavioral, musical, mental, and spiritual.

What does this experience include? 

• Four working sessions. Four 90-minute online meetings (Thursdays Feb. 16, Mar. 2, 16 & 30), which will include presentation, self-assessments, discussion, and master class (in two of the four sessions). All sessions will be recorded, and can be accessed through April 30, 2023 PT.

• Ongoing support. Julia will offer brief assignments, coaching, and reminders each week, and participants can share experiences and questions.

• Accountability group. Every participant will have the option of being assigned to a small, singer-led accountability group of 3–4 program participants who will encourage each other informally, and meet on their own time occasionally if they choose.

What elements of vocal health will we work on this winter?

1. Care of the voice (vocal hygiene). How do you care for your voice in terms of every day behaviors like diet, sleep, and exercise? You will complete an exhaustive Healthy Vocal Behaviors audit, and plan for “vocal lifestyle” changes where necessary.

2. Age and the voice. What special care and exercise does your voice need as you age to maintain your vocal health? Learn about "age-related" voice changes and how to both prevent and address them.

3. Vocal load. How do you use your voice, both personally, professionally, and musically? How can you best balance all of your vocal demands? You will learn how to become mindful of your vocal load, and adjust daily and weekly schedules accordingly.

4. Speaking voice. How do your speaking voice habits help or hurt your vocal health? You will experience speaking voice exercises used by voice therapists and speech language pathologists to support healthy speaking coordination.

5. Singing exercise. Do you have a vocal exercise routine? If so, what does it currently consist of? Is it appropriate for your needs, your age, and any vocal challenges? You will develop several versions of exercise routines appropriate for you, and craft a plan to establish or reinforce good practice habits.

6. Repertoire practice. Does the way you practice repertoire support your vocal health? During a special “Practice Room” session, Julia will guide you in best practices in working on a piece of your own current repertoire.

7. Mindset. How would you describe your mental, emotional, and spiritual relationship to your voice? To singing? To music? You will explore how you can adjust these attitudes and beliefs, if needed, to support your vocal health.

The Healthy Voice program is a series, and participants are registered for all four dates when they sign up.

Date: Thursdays: Feb. 16, Mar. 2, 16 & 30, 2023
Time: 6:00-7:30pm (PT)
Cost: $260 for the series

Level: All levels

Recordings available! All participants are encouraged to attend all four live events. However, recordings of our meetings will be available to all registrants through April 30, 2023 (PT).