NEC Summer Session 2012
Estill Voice Training Institute Level I & II
Mary McDonald Klimek and Charlotte Russell, Directors
Level One: Figures for Voice Control:
July 13-15, 2012
Level Two: Figure Combinations for Six Voice Qualities:
July 20-22, 2012
Estill Voice Training, developed by singer and voice researcher Jo Estill, teaches control of individual voice production components by means of "Figures for Voice." Students learn about vocal physiology and use the Figure exercises to produce different vocal sound effects. These sound effect "ingredients" can then be mixed into "recipes" to produce voice qualities such as: opera, belting, sob (a "crooning" quality), falsetto (as in the vibrato-less sound of some early music), twang (as in a role like Oklahoma's Ado Annie), and speech. Even students interested in only one genre will add variety and expressiveness to their sound. Skills developed during these courses have direct application to the maintenance of vocal health.
Why students love Estill Voice Training
"To me, singing has been a pretty hit or miss, scatter-shot activity. Like buildings appearing out of the fog, this course has given me a glimpse of clear techniques of voice control that I know I will be able to practice and use." (MZ)
"Gave me new information about the voice and its workings." (ZB)
"Further refined knowledge of singing possibilities. Now more practice for me!
It has helped me realize a completely different approach to vocal singing."
"On the second day of the three-day Level One course, I participated in Open Coaching. This experience marked the beginning of the rest of my life." AO
The Estill Voice Training Program
Level One
This course provides an introduction to the Estill Voice Model and its philosophy. Students will learn how Figures for Voice lay the foundation for vocal mastery. Practice sessions in small groups allow students to develop proficiency in the Figures under the supervision of experienced instructors, one of whom is a practicing voice therapy clinician. During open coaching sessions, singers may present pieces of their own choosing-ideally with problems to be solved. The weekend ends with a panel discussion on topics of student interest. This course is suitable for both beginning and advanced singers, voice teachers, voice therapists (ASHA CEUs will be offered), choral conductors and actors.
Prerequisites: None, aside from interest in the voice.
Level Two
This course begins with a review of the Level One Figures for skill refinement, and then moves through discussion, training and applications for each of the six voice qualities described above. Students learn to "mix" each of the arbitrary voice quality "recipes." The advantages, limitations, and risks of each quality will be discussed as well as appropriate application to repertoire. Once again, there will be a focus on production in the context of vocal health. During open coaching sessions, singers may present pieces of their own choosing, focusing on mastering the elements of a new quality or exploring the expressive boundaries of using multiple qualities in a single selection.
Prerequisite: Certificate of Attendance from a Level One course in Estill Voice Training.
Auditors: Only those who have already taken the Level One and Level Two courses may audit with advance permission of the instructors.
To learn more about Estill Voice Training, visit www.estillvoice.com.
Schedule
The schedule below applies to both weekends.
Friday & Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Classroom presentations, practice sessions and open coaching.
Sunday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Practice sessions, open coaching and panel discussion.
Both days: Daily mid-morning and afternoon breaks (snacks provided); students on their own for lunch hour.
Note: Participants may register for Level One only, Level Two only (see prerequisites above) or for both Levels One and Two.
Tuition
1 CE credit: $575 per level
Non-credit: $TBA per level
Auditors: $TBA per level
Discounted tuition for Levels One and Two together:
2 CE credits: $TBA
Non-credit: $TBA
Returning Student Tuition(Available to those who have completed Level I at NEC in previous Summers):
1 CE credit: $TBA
Non-credit: $TBA
Materials fees (to be paid with tuition):
Session One: $TBA
Session Two: $TBA
All plus $40 NEC registration fee
Registration for Summer 2012 is not yet open.
Housing
The New England Conservatory houses Summer Session participants at Emerson College in The Colonial Building, 100 Boylston Street, Boston, an air-conditioned, 24-hour-a-day secured conference center in the heart of Boston in the Boston Common (two/three stops away from New England Conservatory on Boston’s MBTA Orange Line). There is plenty of room for participants here and can generally choose a single or a double room (bathrooms down the hall) or a room in a suite (bathroom in the suite). Housing arrangements and payments are made through New England
Conservatory; please contact NEC’s Continuing Education Office at
617-585-1131 or continuingeducation@necmusic.edu.
Check-in time is 12 p.m. and Check-out time is 2 p.m. Please check in at the registration desk on the second floor. You will be issued your key upon checking in. (Please note that Emerson College does not accept payments at the door; admittance requires that your name be on the list of people who have paid through New England Conservatory.)
Provisions: Towels and linens are provided in addition to breakfast; please note that the air conditioning can be very effective and you may want to bring an extra layer of clothing just in case. Single and double rooms have bathrooms down the hall; suites have bathrooms within the suite. There are kitchens in each hall with sinks and stovetops – no microwaves or refrigerators.
To learn more about Emerson College and its location (and directions to it from the airport bus or train stations, etc) please consult the Emerson College Web site
www.emerson.edu.
2012-01-10
CLAUDE DEBUSSY