What is the course about?
This integrated Voice and Pilates training course offers you an opportunity to begin to develop a holistic approach to body, breath and voice use.
The course aims to encourage improved postural awareness, strength and balance through Pilates exercises. Abdominal training will focus on key core stability muscles to strengthen breath support musculature for vocal power.
By integrating Pilates with Voice training, this innovative course will encourage you to develop improved voice quality for increased clarity and confidence in communication, whilst developing vocal skills and an understanding of how the voice works.
What will we cover?
Basic Pilates principles will be taught through precise isolation and control. Body awareness will improve as you develop functional movement with ease and flow. You will be introduced to a variety of vocal skills, designed to guide you towards free and supported vocal use for clear communication.
The following basic principles of Pilates will be explored:
1. Breathing
2. Centring: neutral spine and abdominal engagement (core)
3. Ribcage Placement
4. Shoulder-blade Placement
5. Head/neck placement
And by working at the foundations of body and breath, we will then start to develop into Voice training; exploring the following key areas for vocal development:
1. Voice and Power
2. Resonance Exploration
3. Pitch and Vocal Energy
4. Clarity of Articulation for Speech.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Demonstrate an awareness of the body and its effect on the voice.
Demonstrate the basic principles of modified Pilates
Demonstrate improved spinal mobility, flexibility and targeted muscular training
Demonstrate improved posture and self-awareness
Demonstrate deep breathing/support of sound.
Demonstrate a more powerful voice and richer tone.
Articulate clearly in speech.
Demonstrate vocal confidence and awareness.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Beginners through to experienced students who wish to practice basic exercises that are fundamental to effective voice production. Please note the course may not be suitable for you, if you suffer from acute injuries or chronic pain; or if you are pregnant
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
• Move freely and participate physically in a group setting
• Speak English fluently.
• Communicate in group situations.
• Give and receive constructive feedback.
• Read and respond to a range of texts.
• Take course notes for your own use.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Group, pair and individual work. You will be taught through tutor explanation, demonstration, feedback and correction, copying, repetition and practice in class and at home. There will be Q&A and occasional homework assignments. The work will be practical-based.
HEALTH CHECK
You may or may not be asked to participate in rigorous activity from time to time. Please consider whether you could do this, if you are in any doubt consult a medical practitioner.
As part of the course content, your tutor may record your image for initial and ongoing assessment purposes. You are entitled to decline to participate in the recording of your image.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please wear clothes that are comfortable enough to move freely in (legging/vest and grip-socks, and extra layers in case you get cold). Exercise mats will be provided but please bring a small foam pillow or folded hand towel to support your head and neck. Please bring to every session: water, a notebook and pen, and a folder to file hand-outs and homework.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Any related Voice courses run by the Drama Department; specifically Communicate with Confidence.
