Voice Work - 2nd Edition by Christina Shewell & Rockford Sansom (Paperback)

About the Book

"There were already many excellent books on different aspects of voice work in singing, speaking and voice therapy, but I was interested in exploring what is core to all those practices, whilst still acknowledging the differences. For those of us who work in voice, there is fascination and deep enjoyment in so many aspects of the everyday psychophysiological miracle that enables us to share our common humanity as we chat, persuade, whisper, scream, sing, confess, act, enquire, celebrate, mourn, request, pray, argue, complain, caress, energize, soothe - and so much more. I wanted to write a book in a style that would be easily accessible and not confined to the pages of a specialist journal. which would explore and express the artistic, and even mysterious aspects of voice, along with relevant science-based theory, and a multitude of practical ideas. Voice work involves choosing from a rich repertoire of options for action, from disciplined craft and repeated physical work, to emotional exploration and imaginative improvisation. Good voice practice involves thoughtful choices that are bespoke for each individual or group, delivered with clarity, sensitivity and adaptability; it is not about gurus, nor about the idea that one 'method' fits everyone"--

From the Back Cover

Voice Work
Second Edition

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 chapter revisions and 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
• Additional techniques and exercises

Voice Work is a valuable resource for spoken voice teachers, singing teachers, and speech and language therapists and pathologists. Endorsements from leading members of these professions for both the first and second editions are featured inside.

Review Quotes

Praise for the Second Edition

"A major contribution for voice practitioners dedicated to working with others to understand and develop their speaking and singing voice. Truly a 'tour de force'!"
--Dr Janet Baker, Speech Pathologist and Family Therapist, Adjunct Associate Professor, Flinders University, Australia

"Generous in scope and research, this new edition is a profound resource that authoritatively enshrines a rich compass of the sense and sensuality of voice. Contemporary in tone and yet also retrospectively inclusive, it is a vital and necessary companion for all with an interest in voice studies."
--Dr Jane Boston, Principal Lecturer, The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, London, UK

"The formerly and still seemingly disparate 'worlds' of voice are placed into a holistic solar system to illustrate how a diverse voice array training and rehabilitation disciplines intersect. This book can serve as a primer for new voice professionals, and a deeper dive for veteran voice professionals looking for new connections."
--Tom Burke, Speech and Language Pathologist and Voice Coach, US

"A richly comprehensive study of the field of voice--its origins and evolution--from scientific and artistic, theoretical and practical, cutting edge and historical, and many other, viewpoints. Offered without judgement, it is analytical, extremely well organized, and clear."
--Catherine Fitzmaurice, Founder, Fitzmaurice Voicework, US

"This beautifully comprehensive new edition of 2009's wonderful Voice Work is now even more essential. With color photos and illustrations, plus new material on subjects ranging from public speaking, to the voice and mindfulness, to voice work online, this second edition is a must-have."
--Dawn-Elin Fraser, Arts Professor, New York University Tisch School of the Arts, US

"A treasure trove of information and guidance for voice people. Indispensable familiar content from the first edition is now refreshed, with practical exercises galore on vocal production, not to mention the Voice Skills Framework analysis model. Each facet is explored in a measured, scholarly, yet accessible tone, allowing for both casual browsing and more detailed study."
--Simon Masterton, Head of Voice, National Institute of Dramatic Art, Australia

"In this revised edition, the authors have consolidated and refined an already comprehensive voice book, explaining the unique qualities of the human voice with meticulous science, wonderful art and the real human experience."
--Mark Meylan, Singing Teacher, UK

"What strengthens the value of this new edition is the engagement with different performance voice approaches - a powerful hallmark of the pursuit of inclusivity in the field. It makes the sometimes difficult domains of anatomy, physiology and vocology accessible. And to crown it all, it offers a generous sharing of exercises for the various interrelated aspects of voice production."
--Dr Marth Munro, Professor Extraordinaire, University of Pretoria, South Africa

"An exciting synthesis of rigorous academic research and the nuanced realities of practical application, bridging the gap between theory and practice to provide a valuable, moving and inclusive resource for all types of voice practitioners. I didn't think the last book could be bettered but this updated edition is one to cherish!"
--Debbie Winter, Managing Director, The Voice Study Centre, UK

Praise for the First Edition

"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

About the Author

Christina Shewell, MA, FRCSLT, ADVS, is a spoken voice teacher and speech and language therapist, with experience in both voice development and therapy for speakers and singers. She has been senior lecturer in voice and counselling skills at University College London, voice teacher at major acting schools, coach in the business world and international lecturer and course leader. Her extensive writing, presentations, and workshops are eclectic and exploratory, and always combine science-based fact with experiential body and voice work. Originator of the Voice Skills approach, her interests include the connections of voice to neuroscience, emotions, mindfulness, poetry, and well-being.

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.