Vocal manual therapy & holistic voice work for singers & speakers
Why Saoirse
/ˈsɪərʃə seersha (some other pronunciations are acceptable!)
Saoirse simply means freedom in Irish. It also became a popular given name for girls in Ireland from the 1920s as a way of celebrating Ireland’s recent independence from Britain. It was my mother’s first choice of name for me but was abandoned because they thought no one would be able to pronounce it! Since then the Irish actress Saoirse Ronan has led the way and there are now many more Saoirses in the world.
Freedom in the voice is ease, power, clarity and choice.
What is vocal manual therapy?
Vocal Massage (or Manual Therapy) is a non denominational treatment process comprising of Manual Maxillofacial Therapy, Clinical Massage, Myofascial Release techniques, Stretches, Medical Acupuncture and even Low Level Laser Therapy.
Dancers and movement artists will regularly see a physio or massage therapist as part of their litany of self-care and injury prevention, so there is no reason why singers and professional voice users shouldn't do the same, as there are limitless benefits to be had; it can be simply a part of a holistic, responsible and self-directed programme of self-care and injury prevention. It is painless and non-invasive.
Some singers and voice users may, of course, have a specific issue and manual therapy is one pathway to exploring change. Others may use it to reset the larynx after a taxing work or rehearsal period. The larynx is a small complex moving mechanism and as such responds quickly to even the gentlest of movement and touch. The structures that surround it also play a role in how it moves and sits, structures and muscle groups we use all the time in speaking, eating and swallowing.
Barbara trained at the Voice Care Centre, London.
