A tribute to our teachers…
Linklater Designation Part One
Alfred University, NY
June - July 2024
“Go into the laboratory of your voice and experiment” - Andrea Haring
I’m sitting in my home office on the Sunshine Coast reflecting on three intensive weeks spent completing Part 1 of Linklater teacher training. This blog is a tribute to the teachers who led this training. The two lead teachers were Andrea Haring and Judith Shahn and they were supported by additional 5 Designated Linklater Teachers: Tamala Bakkensen, Anne Brady, Dianna Cortez, Ana Laan, Sun Mi Lee, Susan Schuld and Gwendolyn Schwinke. It is also my attempt to begin to articulate what I have learnt and am in process with, ways to develop my own personal practice and teaching.
Andrea and Judy are two extraordinary voice practitioners, both having worked extensively with Kristin Linklater the founder of the technique, plus having impressive industry experience as actors, voice coaches and teachers. What struck me most about their teaching is their ability to be present with each student, curious about what is unfolding for each individual and to encourage curiosity and experimentation with the work.
Knowledge and Imagination:
Andrea’s anatomical knowledge of the voice is mind-boggling. Her particular gift is to move swiftly from detailed technical descriptions and to complete imaginative embodiment of vocal exercises. One moment she was elaborating on nerve connections within the spine, the next she became a terrified fish as she demonstrated a lower lip isolation exercise. One moment she was correcting our tongue stretch technique, the next she transformed into a four year old child excitedly singing about pirates. She is a joy to behold in the classroom. These memories make me beam with delight!
The joy of group singing:
Judy’s gift is in leading group songs - teaching songs at lightning speed with complex, often overlapping parts. It was a gift to be reconnected with the joy of song, to embody ancient and contemporary wisdoms through songs in a range of styles and to experience the joy of sharing song with our group. On our lunch break, I often found myself singing all the way home from class, and then all the way back again. Singing for the pure joy of singing rather than being worried about getting the notes right or making it ‘sound good’.
Do less. Feel more:
My top personal lesson in the three-week intensive was to be aware of how often I push my voice and on a broader scale, tend to push in other aspects of my life. I learnt how deep listening and reflection can assist us with finding how to make the most efficient use of our energy and effort. In terms of my physical awareness, the Feldenkrais group classes and one on one sessions led by expert teachers Gwendolyn Schwinke and Tamala Bakkensen gave me a deeper understanding of the way subtle movements and deep focus can develop greater efficiency in alignment and movement.
The power of images:
Linklater voice work utilises the power of visual images and the imagination to connect individuals to a free voice. Over the three weeks, we had 7 different Designated Linklater Teachers leading us in warm-ups, generously sharing evocative images and imaginative landscapes. I’ve now got an “extended tool kit” of new ‘ways into’ the work that I’m excited to try out for myself and my students.
I’m feeding in a sigh of deep gratitude and relief for my teachers over these three weeks. I’m feeling inspired, renewed and refreshed and excited to get back into the classroom.