Yoga
In True Voice Yoga I aim to make the connection between the key principles of yoga and the very specific and specialised demands of singing, speaking dramatically or playing a musical instrument.
Posture
Yoga reawakens our awareness of the equal and opposite forces we need to apply in order to achieve perfect balance and stability. Without perfect posture, it is difficult to free completely the upper half of the body, so it can display the effortless mastery required of the performer. Modern life tends to have weakened the key muscles involved in this process. During the five breaths of a held yoga pose therefore, we focus on the action of these supporting muscles, relating their action to a consistent flow of breath.
Breathing
In my yoga practice and training, I aim to deepen the breathing by toning and
developing the essential muscles involved, which have often seriously shortened since early childhood. To perform we need to utilise the full capacity of the lungs, not only to ensure that we always have sufficient breath, but also to optimise our potential, individual resonance.
Asanas (poses)
Yoga poses provide a highly effective biomechanical system for successfully
re-setting, lengthening and strengthening the musculoskeletal frame. By re-
lengthening the spine for example, we allow the nervous system to release
unwanted tension throughout the whole body. The consequence of this is
improved concentration, a reduction in performance anxiety and a greater
sense of wellbeing.