What are Vox Properly courses?

They are intensive weekend courses in non-classical singing voice for those of you who would like to learn more about voice development in a logical, simple and effective way.

Both experienced singers with former training as well as beginners will find attendance useful in understanding the way that voice works in singing, as well as speaking.

The aim is to teach this understanding and transfer this to voice skills during the weekend. This is not a course for those who are expecting to learn new songs; harmony singing or have a sort oh choral experience. We do sing both individually and together during the weekend but it is merely as a vehicle for the development of vocal sounds and qualities.

There is a limit of 20 participants so there will be plenty of opportunity for "hands on" singing practice.

All participants should be prepared to

a) spend BOTH days on the course

b) dress comfortably (as for an exercise class)

c) learn some new and challenging concepts about voice

d) have a go !

Many people find exploration of voice very challenging and are worried that they may feel too exposed in a group situation. While all participants are encouraged to practice their voice skills during the course, no-one is expected to do anything with which they feel uncomfortable.

The Philosophy:

Ros sees her role as teaching the skills to produce the type of voice required for a particular style of use, but in the safest possible way, so that vocal damage does not occur. She believes that

• it is possible to produce loud voice over a prolonged period, without suffering vocal fatigue or damage.
• the traditional approach to the tuition of voice skills is often flawed and
• voice development can be achieved in a much shorter period of time than is often thought to be the case.
• it is necessary to learn about how voice is produced, and work from this knowledge in altering faulty vocal techniques.
• Non-classical styles (eg contemporary voice, jazz, folk/acoustic/country, rock, world music) require a different physical "set-up" of the voicing system, therefore do not always benefit from teaching techniques best applied to classical styles.
• Singing requires conscious control of the vocal instrument which is made mainly of cartilage and muscle. This control requires physical training, and very specific application of work in within muscles of the vocal apparatus.

Ros Barnes has a private speech pathology and voice coaching practice in Fremantle, Western Australia. As well as teaching individually, she also consults to the W.A. Academy of Performing Arts, and runs short courses for interested groups in Perth and at the National Voice Centre, University of Sydney.

She is married to Steve Barnes who also has dual interests as a scientist and award winning songwriter/ musician. They have twin five year old sons. Ros and Steve have recorded two CDs, and have performed at folk festivals around Australia and the UK.

To contact Ros Barnes visit her home page
Ros and Steve Barnes music website