Many great singers are actually masters of surrender. In one way or another, they have practiced the art of letting go and they understand the necessity of this for their craft. Many people long to be great singers. Yet, there is something holding them back. Often they struggle to figure out what it is. At NYVC, we help people to transcend their limitations because we are devoted to training the full artist. Vocal Technique is not one-dimensional. It is a study that incorporates the entire singer- body, soul, mind, and spirit. In taking a holistic approach with our singers, we address the needs of our singers on many levels.
Physical
All singers have some amount of unwanted physical tension. Possible vocal tensions can include the jaw, the tongue, outer-laryngeal muscles, and also posture and alignment muscles. Physical tension can manifest from poor vocal habits, stress and anxiety, and alignment tendencies. Thankfully, physical tension is often the easiest to address because it is so tangible.
Much of this may indeed be purely physical, but some of it may also stem from deeper places in the mind, emotions, or spirit. Whatever the root cause, physical tensions can restrict vocal growth in severe ways. At NYVC, our Voice Teachers incorporate a wide variety of physical exercises and strategies (including Yoga and Alexander Technique) to help singers become more attuned to their physicality and eliminate physical habits that may be standing in the way.
Mental
Some vocal problems are purely mental. And, many vocal limitations originate in the mind. Difficulties can stem from overthinking the voice, from technique confusions, or from negative or misguided thinking. Vocalists often feel confused, even when seeking guidance from a Voice Teacher. It’s all too common that singers take voice lessons, but aren’t quite sure exactly what they are learning.
NYVC Voice Teachers are not just teachers of singing, but also lifelong students of the voice. We are passionate about constantly expanding our vocal knowledge so that we can explain difficult vocal concepts clearly to our students. Not only this, but we are acutely aware of the common mental patterns that tend to frustrate and limit singers. By identifying unhelpful mindsets, singers make serious breakthroughs and overcome vocal issues that have been “all in the mind.”
Emotional
Maybe someone told you you couldn't sing when you were younger. Maybe a casting director criticized a certain element of your singing. Maybe you have anxiety about high notes or even stage fright. Maybe a Voice Teacher in your past discouraged you. Maybe no matter what you try, you simply don’t like the sound of your own voice.
Singing is very emotional. Many times when audiences admire a singer it’s because of the “emotion” in their voice. Yet, there are so many negative emotions that can become attached to our singing. At NYVC, we create an environment where our students feel that they are emotionally supported and cared for. We are committed to helping singers move through trapped emotions that have stifled their singing and their self-confidence. With some work, NYVC singers often find that they can move emotions through their singing, instead of keeping them trapped inside. This results in healing, giggles, tears, giddiness, honesty, Joy, evolution, inspiration, and self-actualization. It also results in breathtaking performances that are emotionally connected and authentic to each singer's journey.
Spiritual
Many singers find singing to be a very spiritual experience. In fact, singing can be as deeply spiritual as just about anything. Singing has the power to heal wounds, to inspire great purposes, and to transform lives. At NYVC, we have witnessed countless occasions where singing has been directly responsible for radical inner change. The study of singing can liberate parts of the spirit that have been neglected or undiscovered and can be the catalyst for spiritual awakening and inner growth.
There is no specific “method” that we use for helping singers to connect with the deepest and truest parts of themselves. It is simply something that just happens as singers pursue the Joy of their singing under the care of a Staff that is devoted not just to vocal technique, but also to people. We soulfully stand beside our singers and are so proud to witness them “Make A Joyful Noise.”