All the above exercise methods help with the vocal tract. Initially I found the Alexander Technique the most useful. I went to Michael McCallion for voice coaching after leaving GSMD. First, on a course at RADA and then privately. He and his partner Anna, who was an Alexander teacher, worked together on voice production. Michael’s voice coaching was the best and his book The Voice Book, although written many years ago, contains exercises that work.
It’s easy to become obsessive about the Alexander technique. There was a time when you could identify a RADA student from their ramrod neck and back alignment.
I still teach voice exercises incorporating the Alexander technique, but I am not a purist. I include exercises from the Feldenkrais Method, Yoga, Laban, Pilates. All these help us to be in touch with our breath and our bodies. When actors are training for high energy scenes, I use exercise bikes.
The joy of learning is that it’s experiential. I’ve found that being open to new exercises and techniques alleviates boredom, stimulates mental awareness and develops voice and body health.
In yoga, attention is directed to the alignment of the bones and the work of the muscles. With Feldenkrais, attention is directed to the movement of the joints.
I’m giving a workshop in Hammersmith on Saturday July 20th. It’s an open workshop, suitable for all. Click on the link for the early bird booking page. rb.gy/snawlc