CPD Day: Working with Singers
13 May 2017
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For this full day of workshops - for Alexander teachers and 9th term trainees - Performing Self has brought together five people highly experienced in teaching the Alexander Technique to singers of all ages - in schools and colleges, in private lessons, and to amateurs and professionals. They will give you practical material which you can use in your own teaching, both with groups and individuals.
'Warming up' - consolidation of habits or opportunity for change? Penny O'Connor and Dorothea Magonet Singers all have their own daily warming-up routine to get themselves ready for singing. In this first session Penny O'Connor and Dorothea Magonet will take the group through different activities - light hearted and serious - that may highlight how habits are practiced indirectly in these daily routines. This is followed by a series of AT informed activities that can bring about change and offer the singer different ways to prepare and tune themselves more mindfully and directed for singing. The "Whispered Ah" Lindsay Wagstaff Working with singers, professional or amateur, can be daunting when they have acquired what F M Alexander might refer to as ‘erroneous preconceived ideas’ through unquestioning acceptance of the instructions given by singing teachers. As Alexander teachers we can offer them the opportunity to unpick some of these ideas, without directly challenging their beliefs or recruiting resistance, by working with the principles and teaching the whispered ah. In this workshop we will work through a progression based on the whispered ah which can be used to help singers towards greater awareness of their psychophysical habits and the means whereby they may make some helpful changes. We will be making some noise and getting ourselves moving but no one will be asked to ‘sing a song’ – unless they really want to! The Classical Voice Patrick Ardagh-Walter In this session with Patrick we will look at the particular demands that classical and operatic singing places on performers, and the ways that Alexander Technique teachers can support their vocal efficiency and health. We will look at how the best singers achieve drama and power without excess breath-pressure, and beautiful, quiet singing without constriction. We’ll identify where and how strength is required, and how the body coordinates this work to give the classical voice what it needs. Come prepared for some hands-on work in pairs, but fear not – singing won’t be required of you! Moving into Song Niamh Dowling This session will focus on the impact of movement on the singing voice of both the beginner and experienced singer. It will explore what movement contributes to our understanding of working with singers and introduce ways you can work with performers who may feel less confident about singing. This is a practical session for all so wear loose comfortable clothes. Date 13 May 2017 Time 09:30 to 17:30 Cost £80 Booking Deposit (non-refundable unless your place is filled) of £20 to confirm your booking. Balance due by 12 April. Email Performing Self to check availability and for payment details. Venue London School of Musical Theatre 83 Borough Road London SE1 1DN Directions |
Previous Performing Self CPD workshops
"Fabulous: very competent teachers with easy-going but effective way of passing on practical stuff"
"Fine for non-musician to ask basic questions without feeling silly" 
" ... fabulous to see and share AT in movement. Was very well rewarded with interesting and new ideas from all the teachers"
"I discovered how going into movement using minimal hand contact can work in large groups" "Four very different practitioners all highly skilled in their own specialisation"
"It was a very rich day for me in terms of learning and experience so many thanks to the organisers, helpers and presenters" 
"Each workshop connected to the other. Immense amount to contemplate. Inspired!"
"I have enjoyed it all. I have learned a lot both intellectually and experientially." |
