Estill Voice Training: What it is and Dispelling Myths
After 30 years of acting, singing opera, jazz, musical theatre, and pop professionally in performances and recordings, my voice is better now than it has ever been.
I imagine that statement might attract the interest of artists of any genre, and any gender, with a similar degree of experience.
It should definitely grab the attention of performers who are earlier in their careers and seeking the resilience and versatility needed to meet modern demands, and to be able to work free from the fear of vocal damage.
Estill Voice Training has given me more control, flexibility, and endurance, as well as a versatility of tones, sounds, and range I never knew I had in me.
And the techniques I now possess have brought me a confidence that my voice will still serve me when I am ill, nervous, or fatigued.
What is Estill?
Over the decades and, indeed, the centuries, many methods and styles for teaching voice work to singers and speakers have been developed, and Estill Voice Training is one of these.
With most methods, especially for singing, the purpose is to equip the learner to perform in a particular style – perhaps opera, OR pop, OR jazz, OR musical theatre.
All styles of speech and singing
Estill is different in that the pupil learns how to master the fundamental anatomy that creates vocal sound across all styles of speech and singing.
So, there is no reason why, like me, you can’t sing opera, AND pop, AND jazz, AND musical theatre.
Science-based origins
As is common with the creators of other voice methods, Jo Estill came from a performance background; in her case as a classical singer of lieder and opera.
Not so common is that Ms Estill also devoted herself to researching the physiology, acoustics, and perception of voice quality.
She wanted to know, as did I as a young singer: ‘How am I doing this?’.
And so Jo Estill began her investigations into the science behind not only how she was creating her existing bel canto singing voice, but also how she might also create rock, jazz, and musical theatre voices, and be style-appropriate in each.
Her findings, upon which Jo Estill’s voice training method is based, are published in scientific and medical journals (see below).
Speech and language therapists
The proven scientific basis has led to Estill Voice Training exercises being taught not just by speech and singing tutors and musical directors, but also by speech and language therapists to patients across the world.
Training new Estill teachers
As a Master Estill teacher I am qualified to teach other singers to become Estill teachers.
And I am also authorised to train health care professionals interested in delivering these techniques.
Unique exercises
A series of 13 unique exercises published by Ms Estill in 1988, enable students to gain control of important anatomical structures such as their tongue, velum and larynx.
This opens the possibilities for their speaking, singing, and vocal health.
Estill Voice Training can be delivered as short half-day courses, workshops and masterclasses. Please refer to the Lessons and Workshops page for further details.
Estill Voice Training combines:
Explicit Instructions: A structured programme of specific exercises for learners
Visual Feedback: A spectogram shows a visual representation of a pupil’s voice. This diagnostic tool is useful for voice rehabilitation
Diagrams: Study books, anatomical illustrations and models are available for lessons
Audio Files: These demonstrate various sound examples
DISPELLING THE ESTILL MYTHS
It’s only for belters
A common misconception is that Estill is for young belters appearing in eight performances a week of a West End pop musical.
In reality, it is so, so much more, and enables every style of speech and genre of singing (inc. opera, jazz, pop, classical, musical theatre).
It means starting over again
It’s a myth that trained singers need to forget everything they have already learned.
Actually, with previous training they will already have developed some of the required control over facial, mouth, and throat musculature, as well as their breath.
We will work from where you are now, and I will tailor how I coach you to adapt any existing abilities to develop the voice you seek.
It all takes a long time
On the contrary, singers and voice performers will notice differences within a few weeks.
However, it will take a little longer for old habits to be completely replaced by Estill techniques to the stage where they are automatic and become your new muscle memory.
Estill Voice Training has provided me with an incredible and enabling set of tools and knowledge that can furnish any actor, presenter, singer or anyone else who uses their voice as part of their job, to have confidence in a much-improved instrument.
I had been a professional singer for 29 years before I was introduced to Estill Voice Training, with its emphasis on the physiology and mechanics that create a vocal sound, that I finally came to understand how my voice – all our voices – really work.
The techniques I now possess have brought me a confidence that my voice will still serve me when I am ill, fatigued, or nervous.
How I teach, and how I perform, have been transformed – and as an Estill Master Trainer, I want to share this knowledge with you.
Who is Jo Estill?
Taught voice at college and professional levels in the USA for over 30 years. Trained singers, actors, teachers, and speech pathologists across five continents.
Sessions-in-residence at the Shiki Theatre and the Shochiku Dance Company in Tokyo, and the Central School for Speech and Drama in London.
Scientific publications
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology, Journal of Voice: Medical Problems of Performing Arts;
Vocal Fold Physiology: Voice Quality Control, and Vocal Fold Physiology: Controlling Complexity and Chaos.
‘Estill Voice Training has taught me we all have a beautiful voice and that it can be used in many ways, not only singing. It is understanding how the anatomy side of it works. I can now apply all these techniques to any song I sing and, more so, some tricky songs that I would not previously entertain. I feel I am now equipped with the tools I need.’
‘I now feel confident singing and teaching multiple different genres and I know if ever I have any problems I have a friendly face to turn to. I’m excited to continue my journey with Taylor, working not only on my voice but on Estill Vocal International qualifications so I can become a teacher, under her support and guidance.’
