Functional voice training isn’t just about hitting the right notes—it’s about discovering your true voice, and embracing authenticity. So, what sets it apart from conventional methods? Imagine your voice as a vibrant tapestry woven from threads of emotion, resonance, and self-expression. Functional voice training helps you unravel the layers, discover your true voice, and embrace the essence of who you are. But what sets it apart from conventional methods? Let’s explore the transformative journey that awaits within each resonant thread.
A. The Distinction
Traditional voice training often hands you a predetermined sound or technique, like a neatly wrapped gift. But functional voice training? It’s an adventure—an exploration of the natural interplay between mind, body, and spirit. We invite you to shed preconceived notions, let go, and allow your voice to emerge organically. It’s not about control; it’s about trust—the kind that nature whispers during a song.
II. Insights from Cornelius L. Reid’s ‘Psyche and Soma’
Our foundation for functional voice training draws from Cornelius L. Reid’s groundbreaking work in his book “Voice: Psyche and Soma”, as well as the pioneering work of Jeanette LoVetri and Somatic Voicework TM, which applies functional voicework across various styles of music. Together, they’ve charted a course across musical styles, guiding us toward three key concepts:
A. Non-Doing Approach
Picture this: You’re standing on the edge of a vocal precipice. Reid beckons you to step off, to release control. Instead of striving for a predetermined sound, you surrender to involuntary movement. Nature—the ultimate conductor—takes the baton. Your job? Listen. Trust. Sing. It’s not about doing; it’s about being.
B. Interplay of Psychological Factors
The mind, that mysterious maestro, wields its influence. Reid dives into the depths where psychology meets vocal cords. Imagine emotions as notes, willpower as tempo changes, and vocal responses as harmonies. By understanding this symphony, you unlock emotional expression—a crescendo of authenticity.
C. Rediscovery of Early Italian Methods
Reid didn’t invent the two-register theory, but he resurrected it. Picture ancient Italian opera houses—the air thick with passion, where singers navigated chest (voce di petto) and head (voce di testa) registers seamlessly. Reid dusted off these traditions, bridging the past with today’s vocalists. No abrupt shifts—just a unified, timeless sound.
III. Our Favorite Functional Voice Exercises
At Vocalogy Wellness and Voice, our treasure trove of exercises spans nearly two decades. Here are gems tailored to your unique needs:
A. Staccato
Close your eyes. Imagine raindrops tapping a windowpane. That’s staccato—a short, detached way of playing or singing. Each note stands alone, crisp and precise. We sprinkle staccato throughout fifths (do-me-so) or octaves (do-me-so-do). This musical punctuation identifies voice breaks, reveals nuances, and helps you ease into the head register.
B. Sliding Between Notes/Pitch Glides
Forget rigid scales. We slide—glide—between notes. It’s like surfing musical pitches. These pitch glides aren’t just vocal calisthenics; they’re detectives. They sniff out vocal breaks, restore pitch accuracy, and mend the fabric of your voice. Second, fifth, octave—we slip and slide through them all.
C. Octave Leaps
Imagine leaping from a moss-covered rock to a sun-kissed ledge. That’s an octave leap—a quick jump from a lower note to its higher twin. It’s not just about pitch; it’s about resetting your voice. Dysfunctional patterns dissolve, flexibility blooms, and registers play together.
IV. Other Parameters for Assigning Functional Voice Exercises
Our toolkit expands: octave leaps followed by arpeggios (do-do-so-me-do), arpeggios themselves, 5-note scales, 9-note scales, and intervals—seconds, fifths, octaves. But wait, there’s no one-size-fits-all. We adjust the dials:
A. Speed
Faster? Slower? It’s not a race; it’s a conversation. Speed unsticks voices, tests accuracy, and reveals hidden voice breaks. We listen, adapt, and fine-tune.
B. Volume
Soft whispers or bold declarations? Volume shapes your voice. Softness balances vocal registers, extends range, and promotes head register. Loudness stabilizes, grounds, promotes chest register, and commands attention. We find your sweet spot.
C. Vowels
Unlike traditional voice training, vowels in functional voice training guide register development, ensure seamless shifts between registers, mending voice breaks for fluidity, and optimize your sound.
V. Conclusion: Your Journey Begins
As you embark on your vocal journey, allow me to share a personal story. Not too long ago, I grappled with the elusive transition between my head and chest voice. Months of dedicated work with my voice coach yielded minimal progress. My chest voice stubbornly resisted ascending into the mix or belt range.
Then, fate intervened. In a masterclass led by the legendary Jeanette LoVetri, everything changed. With laser precision, she diagnosed my issue within minutes. Her functional approach pinpointed the root cause, and just like that, the barrier dissolved. I was able to successfully bridge the register transition.
That transformative moment solidified my admiration for functional voicework. It’s not just about technique; it’s about unlocking your true voice—the one that resonates with authenticity, emotion, and power.
Join us at Vocalogy Wellness and Voice. Let’s explore emotional healing, self-expression, and the limitless potential of your authentic voice. Sign up today and let your voice soar!