Awakening Your True Voice

Jean McClelland

Apr 2-4, 2010

Everyone possesses a powerful, natural voice that reveals who he or she truly is — a voice that is spontaneous and free, open and expressive. It is a voice that we discover when we are completely at ease and comfortable in our surroundings. Often, however, past experiences, fears, and mental and physical tension lead to inhibit the natural flow of the voice, resulting in a forced, unnatural sound. In our work together you will learn tools that will help you to uncover your true voice.

Awakening Your True Voice is a process of discovery that connects us to the deepest, most authentic part of ourselves through voice and song, connects us to our creative energy or “impulse.” Impulse, a creative vital force, is the connecting power between body and mind. Awareness of and connection to impulse make singing, or any activity, centered and seemingly effortless. Our workshop will explore ways of experiencing and connecting to this innate power.

The goal of Awakening Your True Voice is to experience the joy, aliveness, and freedom that come from singing on impulse. Individual hands-on work in the Alexander Technique, a method of relieving pain and stress caused by misuse of the body, will help to restore the ease and grace of our bodies. Group singing will help us bring body, voice, and mind together, resulting in joyous and open expression.

Jean says, “When people working with me sing on impulse they are truly living the music rather than ‘trying to sing,’ and I, as listener, am moved and energized. We are both completely present, in synch, connected to something much deeper than our personalities. Their connection to the music is organic and results in voices filled with sensitivity, beauty, and power.”

Soprano Jean McClelland appeared in the Broadway production of Camelot and has performed leading roles in numerous musicals and operas. including The Music Man, Guys and Dolls, My Fair Lady, Show Boat, A Little Night Music, The Pirates of Penzance, and The Marriage of Figaro. She is a renowned teacher of voice and of the Alexander Technique and has studied at the Psychosynthesis Institute and the Micheal Chekhov studio. She has been on the faculty of the New York Open Center since 1986 and has given workshops at drama and music schools, universities, and holistic learning centers throughout the country. We are proud to welcome her return to Rowe.