Most people have never given much thought to their voice. Whether talking on the phone, delivering a seminar or workshop, communicating with their child or spouse, teaching yoga or dance, each situation requires different skills to allow for effortless communication.
Is your voice communicating the physical and emotional tensions you are feeling, perhaps making people uncomfortable? Do your listeners sometimes become agitated and impatient or react in a way that leave you perplexed and forceful? Imagine the benefits to your personal and professional communications if you worked with a voice coach!
Huria Schulte encourages people to get to know their own voice.
“Everyone has a voice, your voice is your instrument, your voice is a reflection of you,” said Schulte, who is now offering classes in voice coaching and Linklater Voice Training at the Vernon Community Music School.
Through workshops and private lessons, Schulte introduces skills to enhance presence and to boost effortless performance through self-awareness of habitual patterns which inhibit a free voice. These skills empower clients to live up to their true authentic communicative potential, and reclaim their birthright — free vocal expression.
Vocal expression is strengthened through the development of resonance, breath power, range and the release of tension in the jaw, tongue and throat.
“Voice coaching is very personal and unique. According to the client’s needs and goals, the sessions are custom-tailored. Sometimes companies would like group workshops for their employees or business professionals will request public speaking seminars. The range of my work is wide-spread. That is what I love about it.”
The Linklater Voice Method, also known as Freeing the Natural Voice, is based on a series of precisely structured exercises. The method releases, step-by-step, psychological and physical tensions. As a result clients experience the use of their free voice and true authentic expression.
“The Linklater Voice Training resonates with every part of my being. It emphasizes the unity of body, mind, soul, imagination and emotion which are not only important tools for performing artists but as human beings,” said Schulte. “I want my clients to explore, grasp and utilize their voice as human instruments in all their facets.”
Recently, a world renowned singer-songwriter arrived at a voice coaching session after realizing she experienced tightness in her throat while singing high notes. Schulte customized her teaching to help her move past that.
“She taught me so many different techniques ranging from resonance and breathing to actually working on one of my songs. Even though we didn’t have a lot of time together, the effects of her excellence and generosity as a teacher are still with me a month later.”
Schulte, voice coach, designated Linklater Voice teacher, actress and naturopath, has a background of international and versatile work experience. She is passionate about teaching voice and bringing the Linklater Voice Method to the Okanagan.
“Whenever I am asked about my profession, people will most commonly ask: 'So, you are a singing teacher?' My response is, 'No, I am a voice coach.'”
Schulte is offering a free introductory session for those interested in improving their voices: Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the VCMS.
She will also present two workshops: Introduction to the Linklater Voice Method Workshop Level I, Jan. 30 and 31 from 9 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., both days, and Workshop Level II Feb. 5 to 7 from 9 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., all three days. For more information, call Schulte at 250-308-5207. To register, contact VCMS 250-545-4977 or vcms@shaw.ca