11 October 2013

10 Things a Voice Teacher Wants you to Know

So - talking to a few of my voicey colleagues - and here are some of the things we’d really like to let people know:

1. Trust me - we’ve heard it all before - there is no sound (oral or otherwise) you can make that will even raise an eyebrow.

2. A cigarette does not constitute a pre-voice-class warm up.

3. Jeans are just not cool for voice class. Ever.

4. If you snore during floor work, you may receive a nudge. With a foot.

5. When you call us at 3am with to verify pronunciation of a word, don’t be surprised to learn it’s “ɐːjuːfʌkɪŋkɪdɪŋmiːɔːwɒt”. Yes - this has happened in the past.

6. Shakespeare’s writing is in English - it does not require ‘translation’ in the English speaking world.

7. Red Bull is not an acceptable hydration method in class (or anywhere).

8.You wouldn’t ask a dentist to extract your teeth at a party. Don’t ask us to demonstrate our full repertoire of accents in same scenario.

9. We work in an industry of beautiful people - but beauty to us is an aligned spine, an engaging TA and an open channel. DAMN that’s sexy!

10. Most importantly of all - don’t forget that golden rule: Play - just play.