Voice Work
Art and Science in Changing Voices
An invaluable guide in voice work
The voice is one of the fundamental modes of self-expression, a key touchstone of identity and sense of self. Many people in all walks of life are looking to change their voices, whether to modify a speaking challenge of some kind, to cultivate a professional skill, or for other reasons. Voice practitioners have an invaluable role in guiding clients along the path to their desired voice outcomes.
Building on the success of the first edition, Voice Work continues to offer a wide-ranging introduction to the repair, improvement, development, and exploration of the spoken and sung voice. Balancing rigorous scholarship with practical insights, the book draws from all major vocal professions and paths within voice work. It offers guidance for developing the voice alongside detailed, up-to-date insights into the work of voice instruction.
Readers of the second edition of Voice Work will also find:
* Numerous new colour illustrations
* Extensive reference updates
* Original chapters on the history of voice work, public speaking and voice work online
* Updated material on voice and emotions, mindfulness and imagery, voice work and well-being, the applications of technology and the value of practitioner supervision
* New techniques and exercises
Voice Work is a valuable resource for spoken voice teachers, singing teachers, and speech and language therapists and pathologists.
'I think of it more as a companion with practical knowledge and helpful insights. Who would have thought a book about voice would contain so much heart?'
Dawn French
'Christina Shewell has merged her extensive experience in voice training, and her practical insights into carat concepts in voice science and care. This well-grounded work provides a broad, interesting and useful perspective on principles and techniques for voice modification.'
Professor Robert T. Sataloff, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Associate Dean, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, and Chairman of The Voice Foundation
'Although it's a textbook, there's interesting and important information for a vast number of people.'
Petroc Trelawney
'This book allows a more exciting, experiential approach to working with voice clients, is great value for money, and a pleasure to read. A must for all voice practitioners.'
Alice Poulter, Speech and Language Therapy in Practice, Autumn 2009
'The text explores with consistency the uniqueness of the multidisciplinary voice world... a must-have publication for all health, educational and arts professionals working with individuals who want to improve or rehabilitate their voices.'
Mara Behlau, the International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders
'This book is a deep exploration of what it is to work with voices and how to use that which is offered by science, clinical research and evidence, as well as our imagination and empathy.'
Annabel Bosanquet, Bulletin of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
'An important and unique book--a book that should be embraced by the voice world and owned by anyone working with the human voice.'
Patsy Rodenburg
'Shewell's encyclopedic look at voice exercises holds a vast quantity of useful information... In this compilation of approaches to exploring free and effective voice use, Christina Shewell has given her readers a treasure trove of useful voice exercises and diagnostic tools. This book is an essential resource for voice practitioners from all parts of the art-science continuum.'
Erika Bailey, VASTA Voice and Speech Review, 2011
'For voice teachers and practitioners looking for an essential book to add to their collection of vocal reference books, this is the perfect choice... an enormous amount of information regarding the functionality of the voice, along with tools and strategies to help achieve a positive change in the voice.'
Shawna Gottfredson, Classical Singer
'The very skilful and readable interweaving of academic understanding with rich thoughtful communication makes this book both an absolute winner (artistic enthusiasm) and a thoroughly researched vocal handbook (scientific objectivity)... an essential reference book and an inspiration for years to come.'
Sue Anderson, Journal of the Association of Teachers of Singing UK, Issue 56, Summer 2009
Rockford Sansom, PhD, MFA, is a voice teacher and communication coach. He has worked with senior leaders in business and politics and with actors and singers in major productions around the globe. As an educator, he has lectured at more than 30 universities on five continents. For seven years, he was the editor of the Voice and Speech Review, a leading communication journal. His book publications include The History of Voice Pedagogy, Vocal Traditions, Voice and Identity, and Practitioner Research in Voice Studies. His interests include connecting voice to history, teaching, learning, research methods, and sociolinguistics.