“TVF has totally transformed my teaching in so many ways.”
“I have gone from a very vague teacher to a very specific and informed teacher. I am learning a new more patient and kind way to teach. I am being given the tools to teach in a student-motivated way; encouraging them to ask questions and explore so that they are better equipped to learn on their own. I am learning how to teach my students to be more kind to themselves and grow in confidence in their singing. There is not an area of my teaching that hasn’t been made better because of my work in TVF.”
–Karen Archbold, Voice Teacher & Singer in Chicago, IL
Short on time? Here are the 30-second basics…
WHAT: A 6-part live online course for voice teachers and coaches on how to practically apply the principles of the Alexander Technique to singing (and the teaching of singing).
WHEN: Classes are 90 minutes long and will take place on:
- Class 1: Thursday, October 25th @ 11:00am – 12:30pm US Central Time
- Class 2: Thursday, November 1st @ 11:00am – 12:30pm US Central Time
- Class 3: Thursday, November 8th @ 11:00am – 12:30pm US Central Time
- Class 4: Thursday, November 15th @ 11:00am – 12:30pm US Central Time
- Class 5: Thursday, November 29th @ 11:00am – 12:30pm US Central Time
- Class 6: Thursday, December 6th @ 11:00am – 12:30pm US Central Time
(Live in the UK or Ireland? Add 6 hours to the times above. Live in Central Europe? Add 7 hours to the times above.)
See below for more detailed class descriptions.
WHERE: Online via Zoom, a free video conferencing software (like Skype for groups). All classes will be recorded and available to watch on replay for up to 1 year.
WHO: This course is for voice teachers and vocal coaches who want to learn how to incorporate holistic principles and ideas from the world-famous Alexander Technique into their teaching and coaching. The course will be taught by 5 highly-trained musicians and Alexander Technique teachers.
WHY: The principles of the Alexander Technique are essential for all musicians to sing and play with minimum tension and maximum freedom. Voice teachers and coaches that have these tools at their disposal will be able to greater help their students solve body tension issues and improve at a faster rate.
COURSE TUITION: $395
Registration Limited to 20 People.
Questions about the Course? Send us a message now.
Want more information? Read on…
Dear Voice Teacher/Coach,
Hello!
My name is Peter Jacobson and I’m Founder and Executive Director of Total Vocal Freedom (TVF) for Singers.
Over 4 years ago, I founded Total Vocal Freedom (TVF) for Singers with a passion and commitment to helping singers achieve their fullest potential using the ground-breaking discoveries of F.M. Alexander, the inventor of the Alexander Technique.
Since then, TVF has grown into a diverse and international school that includes over 100 singers from nearly 20 countries in our online and in-person learning programs.
Like you, I’ve invested thousands of hours (and dollars…ha!) developing and training myself to be the best musician and teacher I can be.
I’m a conservatory-trained music educator and conductor with degrees from University of Illinois @ Urbana-Champaign, Peabody Conservatory and Concordia College–Moorhead, MN. I’m also an AmSAT-certified teacher of Alexander Technique (which requires 3 years and 1600 hours of training).
Learning the Alexander Technique 15 years ago was a TOTAL game-changer for me and I’m devoting the rest of my life to sharing it with as many musicians as possible.
I believe passionately that Alexander’s discoveries are indispensable for all musicians.
In fact, I believe they should be a part of every musician’s training.
And I’m not alone in this belief…
You probably know that the Alexander Technique is taught at nearly every major performing arts training institution in the world – places like Juilliard, Royal College of Music, Peabody Conservatory to name a few.
Professor Colin Lawson, the Director of the Royal College of Music in London says:
In our opinion, this approach (the Alexander Technique) is the best means we have yet encountered for solving the artist’s problem of communication and should form the basis of their training.”
Did you catch that?
The director of one of the most respected music schools in the world said that the Alexander Technique should form the basis of a musician’s training.
Here’s the problem though…
If you’re not in a formal educational setting it can be difficult to find regular instruction.
Even if you are able to find an Alexander teacher, it can be challenging to find one that really gets the unique needs of performing artists (unless they have a performance background themselves).
There’s also this issue…
I’ve spoken to many singers and voice teachers that have had prior experience with the Alexander Technique and enjoyed it, yet were confused about how to integrate the principles into their teaching and singing.
This is one of the main reasons I founded TVF – to bridge this gap.
In this course you will learn how to practically integrate Alexander’s discoveries into the activities you care most about – whether it’s teaching, singing or performing (or any other life activity for that matter!).
If you join this course with an open mind and willingness to explore some new ideas, I promise that will learn many new powerful and fresh holistic tools for your toolbox that will enhance, augment and enliven what you already currently do.
Here’s what you’ll learn in each class…
Course Curriculum
- This course will feature 6 x 90-minute online classes.
- The classes will happen live so you can interact and engage with course instructors.
- All classes will be recorded and available to watch on replay for 1 year.
Class 1: Getting Started with TVF & The Alexander Technique
Thursday, October 25th @ 11:00am – 12:30pm US Central Time
Class Instructor: Peter Jacobson
The course begins with an introduction to the Total Vocal Freedom (TVF) approach, which integrates the Alexander Technique into the art and craft of singing.
In this class you will be introduced to the basic tools that you will use throughout the course:
- The starting points: inclusive awareness & unconditional acceptance
- How to use and teach constructive thinking
- Practical whole body anatomy
- How to create YES plans for singing and performing excellence
- The importance of “listening” to body movement when singing
- Indirect learning and why it’s the often most direct way to learn
- The power of questions and experiments
- 6 essential points of natural balance in the body
You will also learn to some key principles about how to be a good “body use” role model for your students during the most common activities you do as a voice teacher – sitting, standing, speaking and singing – which will help you teach and sing with less pain, tension and fatigue.
Class 2: Indirect Voice Teaching
Thursday, November 1st @ 11:00am – 12:30pm US Central Time
Class Instructor: Michael Hanko
As an Alexander and Voice Teacher, Michael is committed to INDIRECTLY bringing about change in his students’ technique. In this 90-minute class, Michael will demonstrate and discuss how he elicits good vocal coordination without telling his students to DO anything. He’ll show you how you can set up exercises for your students to spontaneously bring about benefits like these:
- Coordination and strengthening of the vocal registers
- Unlocking of full vocal resonance
- Freedom of breath
- Mastery of the “break”
- Reduction in vocal and body tension
- Unleashing of each student’s own unique sound
Class 3: Body Mapping Tools for Your Voice Studio
Thursday, November 8th @ 11:00am – 12:30pm US Central Time
Class Instructors: Molly Kittle & Darci Balkcom
Paired with Alexander Technique principles, “Body Mapping” is an incredibly useful and fun tool for utilizing one’s whole-body-instrument. By addressing common misconceptions about how bodies truly move and “updating the map,” we will explore how utilizing a neutral body offers the most anatomical advantage and physiological potential for singing and performance. Without going into detailed anatomy, this class will cover some major body-mapping landmarks that directly affect vocal qualities, sounds,
and the ease with which they are produced.
Together we will explore:
- How changing your body map can change overall body movements/coordination
- Common mis-mapped areas for singers
- How to reference the experience of a neutral body
- Easy and fun language for teaching some major body landmarks
- Tools to help guide your students to discover more poise, structural support, and coordination
Class 4: The 7 Steps to Performing & Singing Confidence
Thursday, November 15th @ 11:00am – 12:30pm US Central Time
Class Instructor: Peter Jacobson
The 7 Steps to Performing & Singing Confidence is a framework developed by Peter Jacobson to help singers gain more confidence in their performing and singing. In this class you will do an in-depth exploration of all 7 steps:
- Step 1: Renewing Your Desire
- Step 2: Transforming Your Fear
- Step 3: Taming Your Tension
- Step 4: Quieting the Inner Critics
- Step 5: Connecting to the 4 Pillars of Performance
- Step 6: Singing to the YES!
- Step 7: Celebrating Success
Class 5: Natural Body Ease
Thursday, November 29th @ 11:00am – 12:30pm US Central Time
Class Instructor: Eleni Vosniadou
The Alexander Technique provides a means for accessing our naturally easy coordination and poise, while engaging with life. As you interact with your student (or yourself!) you can learn to renew the connection with yourself through body awareness, so that both you and your student can enjoy freedom in movement and easeful singing. In this 90-minute class Eleni is going to demonstrate simple ways in which you can use inclusive self-awareness in order to:
- Ease into the teaching situation
- Deeply connect with your student
- Support your student in discovering their potential
- Rest and re-energize yourself as you teach
Class 6: Holistic Teaching Strategies Overview & Review
Thursday, December 6th @ 11:00am – 12:30pm US Central Time
Class Instructor: Peter Jacobson
In this final class, you will have the opportunity to review all the holistic teaching strategies covered in the previous 5 classes. A large portion of this class will be devoted to giving you time to ask specific questions about your voice students and their individual needs.
You will learn:
- How to effectively observe and diagnose whole body movement in your students
- What questions to ask your students when they are experiencing tension
- How to use playful experiments to help your students break through limiting habits and blocks
Course Instructors
Peter Jacobson
Peter Jacobson is the Founder and Executive Director of Total Vocal Freedom. He is an AmSAT-certified (American Society of the Alexander Technique) teacher of the Alexander Technique. He is a graduate of Alexander Technique Mid-Atlantic, where he trained with Nancy Romita and Wendy Salkind. Jacobson began his teacher training at Alexander Technique Urbana, where he studied from Rose Bronec and Rick Carbaugh. His training took place over three years (1600 hours). A singer, multi-instrumentalist, conductor and music educator, he discovered the Alexander Technique over 13 years ago after suffering from back pain and tendinitis while pursuing his music studies.
In addition to his private teaching, Jacobson has taught workshops and group classes to musicians at Peabody Conservatory (Baltimore, MD), Towson University (Towson, MD), Gettysburg College (Gettysburg, PA) and the Orchestra Institute of Napa Valley (Yountville, CA). Concurrent with his Alexander Technique teacher training, Jacobson has earned advanced degrees in Conducting from University of Illinois and Peabody Conservatory.
Eleni Vosniadou
Eleni Vosniadou is a percussionist and teacher of the Alexander Technique. Trained in classical percussion, she began to take an interest in body awareness in order to treat chronic tendinitis, a persistent obstacle in the way of her professional career. In 2006, she began to study the Alexander Technique Internationale in Sommerakademie Mozarteum (Salzburg, Austria), and spent the next few years deepening her knowledge in Germany, Switzerland and England. She completed a postgraduate three – year course at the London Center for Alexander Technique and Training, followed by a complementary course in Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology in London, UK. In 2012, she began teaching the Alexander Technique at the Royal College of Music and Arts Educational London Schools in London.
Currently, she lives in Brazil where she has developed the Body Consciousness For Musicians course, specific to instrumentalists and singers who face pain or who want to improve their relationship with the instrument or with their voices. In Brazil, she is frequently invited to offer a series of training courses for the faculty of EMESP – São Paulo State School, and the Guri Santa Marcelina project, a project of the state government of São Paulo. In 2014 she presented the impact of the application of the Alexander Technique in music education at the 31st World Music Education Congress of ISME (International Society of Music Education) in Porto Alegre. Body Consciousness Lectures and Workshops For Musicians in various spaces and music institutions, including FASM – Faculdade Santa Marcelina, UNESP – Paulista State University, FAMOSP – Faculdade Mozarteum de São Paulo, Baccarelli Institute, SESC Research and Training Center, among others. In 2016 Eleni was invited to join the Internationale Sommerakademie Mozarteum faculty in Salzburg, Austria.
Michael Hanko
Michael Hanko founded his NYC-based training program, FreeBody FreeVoice, to integrate his expertise in three fields: voice training, Alexander Technique, and gentle-touch bodywork. A graduate of Princeton University with a degree in Music, he received his certification as an Alexander teacher from the American Center for the Alexander Technique. Michael studied vocal technique and vocal pedagogy for over a decade under the renowned master Cornelius Reid. He has trained in multiple bodywork modalities at the Upledger and Barral Institutes. Michael writes and performs his own musical theater works and appears as a classical baritone soloist in oratorios and concerts.M
Michael teaches classes and private lessons, both in his studio and online to students throughout the world. Along with his TVF contributions, he has taught group classes in such venues as the Juilliard School and the William Esper Studio. His classes have focused on many topics, including Overcoming Stage Fright, Vocal Technique Mastery, Alexander Technique for Performers, and The Joy of Walking.
Molly Kittle
As a teacher, musician, and artist, Molly Kittle’s mission is to empower her students and clients with tools to find ease, depth, and freedom in any activity. Not only is she passionate about conveying the power of natural movement and mechanics, she intends to help people access their own unique innateness and grace, so that they may lead richer, more meaningful lives. During her undergraduate and postgraduate studies where she majored in Vocal Performance, Molly encountered the Alexander work. Inspired by the vocal and expressive freedom she found as a result of studying the technique, she discovered her passion for working with musicians and serving others through this innovative method.
Molly holds a Bachelor of Music degree in classical vocal performance from University of Denver and has graduate education in voice performance and pedagogy from Northwestern University. Molly’s experience and love of performing is quite versatile, spanning the genres of opera, Baroque, contemporary classical, jazz, and world folk styles.
Additional training includes the International Institute of Vocal Arts in Italy, extensive training in the Body-Breath-Sound technique method, and certification through the Contemporary Alexander School, which is part of the Alexander International Alliance. Molly has trained in the Southwest, Pacific Northwest (USA), and Japan, and is honored to be a part of an international community doing such important and empowering work.
Darci Balkcom
Darci Balkcom is a singer, Alexander teacher, and yoga instructor living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Darci is the Vocal Division Coordinator and Alexander Technique teacher at New Mexico School for the Arts in Santa Fe and privately. She leads workshops in Alexander Technique, Vocal Health, and Yoga for Vocalists. She is on the faculty at Montecito Music Festival, Los Angeles, teaching both Alexander Technique and Yoga for singers. As a guest teacher, Darci has taught Alexander technique around the United States at places like University of Texas El Paso, University of New Mexico, Rio Grande NATS Chapter, Santa Fe Opera, and the University of Alaska.
Darci holds a Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance from the University of New Mexico. In 2010, after experiencing severe tension and vocal fatigue for a couple years, Darci became fascinated by body awareness and the vocal freedom that Alexander Technique made possible for her to rediscover. Darci became a certified Alexander Technique teacher by studying at The Contemporary Alexander School, a 1600 hr program. Additional trainings include becoming a certified yoga teacher with Barkan Method Yoga, currently studying Yoga of the Voice, and Body-Breath-Sound Technique. As a professional performer, Darci has sung as a soloist in oratorio and opera with groups such as Boulder Symphony, New Mexico Philharmonic, Santa Fe Desert Chorale, La Musica Lirica in Italy, and Quintessence. Darci’s experience and love of music spans many genres including, musical theatre, chant, gaelic, folk, art song, and opera. Darci is a very passionate educator and performer, constantly inspired to further her knowledge of the body, mind, voice, and music. She is dedicated to applying the principles inspired by the work of F.M. Alexander to her teaching and life.
What Course Participants Say
“There is so much I’ve learned within these six classes, it’s hard to find a place to start…so here it goes.”
When I first decided to join this class, my preconceptions for this class was that it was going to be very technical and specific to the fundamental physiology of the Alexander technique that I had experienced in my undergrad/graduate studies. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this class did just that and so much more. It also gave valuable insight on the “why” and not just the “how”, if that makes any sense. (the “how” being the physical mechanism–ie. body mapping; The “why” being the internal, emotional, and psychological drives that motivate the “how” whether we will it to or not!)
I have not had the pleasure yet to incorporate this knowledge into my lessons, however I know one thing is for certain; I have discovered more about myself and how it has helped me correct some of the difficulties I’ve experienced as a singer. Some of the most significant finds include “inclusive awareness” and finding the “ease” within my self. Another critical aspect was the body mapping, discovering my “duck tail” tendencies and allowing myself to let my “dino” tail take form—thus allowing me a more solid grounding when I sing. Thank you Peter, Eleni, Michael, and Molly! I appreciate all the work you put in to this course and hope to find my way back when I am ready to attend the Academy or Pro programs!”
–Maria Shull, Voice Teacher in Birmingham, Alabama
“Using the tool of constructive thinking and constructive language has been a helpful addition to my studio atmosphere.”
“Thank you for a wonderful few weeks! I appreciated the explorations of inclusive awareness and constructive thinking. These two elements are vital to my teaching environment. I try to incorporate an expansive and present awareness into my interactions with each and every student. Just as in meditation, when I catch my attention wandering off, I pull my focus back to the present reality and see where I can engage more fully with the person in front of me. Using the tool of constructive thinking and constructive language has been a helpful addition to my studio atmosphere. I’ve always been mindful to speak of positive aspects in addition to those items that may be more challenging for students; using the more subtle language of constructive thinking has helped bring nuance to this interchange.
I’ve noticed myself using language along the lines of “experimenting” and “exploring,” rather than “doing” and expecting a certain result. I’ve enjoyed how this frees up the room for any result, even surprising ones, and it invites students to offer their insights and experiences in a deeper way. I’m also using the term “coordination” more than I ever have in my life! 🙂 Thank you, and looking forward to continued learning with the TVF community.”
–Marisa Gray Atha, Voice Teacher in Sacramento, California
“This has been an amazing, enlightening, and educational experience.”
“Every time I attended a class or watched a replay I would finish the class needing to take a moment to process everything, and in several cases, watch sections again simply to try exercises again. They were incredible because I would find myself going into another world of peace, joy, and ease. I never would have thought to think of the minor details, minuscule movements, or my “Yes plan” as part of vocal freedom, but when I applied it all, it impacted my singing in a different way, an efficient and easier way.
My favorite part of this course was watching all of the interaction and seeing how the teachers of each workshop would tailor how they would teach to each person in the class. It reminded me that every single student that I teach is different. I recently applied the “tails” exercise from the Body Mapping class in one of my lessons with with one my students, and saw instant progress in posture and vocal production.
Much and appreciation and thanks to Peter, Eleni, Michael, and Molly! You are awesome!”
–May Leporacci, Voice Teacher in Jacksonville, Florida
“I want to express my gratitude for you and TVF!”
“Even after such a short amount of time with these concepts I have renewed confidence and increased energy and excitement about teaching voice. I was really stuck in a rut and even went as far as going back to school and becoming a massage therapist and Reiki Master because I was convinced I needed a career change! The Alexander Technique is the missing link for me, clearly, and I appreciate that you have given me access to learning it and applying it to my teaching and also to my daily life.”
–Jeanette Smith, Voice Teacher in San Francisco, CA
“The positive outcome from all ages has been startling!”
I’ve been particularly inspired by the notion of encouraging and trusting my students to really listen to themselves, taking more moments of pause for their reflection and processing and trusting in their own bodies’ innate wisdom to correct things (instead of me immediately swooping in and trying to correct things for them). The positive outcome from all ages has been startling! (The Big Greek Family has also been a hit!) I’m feeling curious and positive about my own voice in a way that has been dormant for a while too. Thank you! ❤️❤️”
–Natalie Ford Sadjak, Professional Singer & Voice Teacher in Milwaukee, WI
What Your Tuition Includes
Your course includes:
- The 6 x 90-minute classes listed above (all available on replay for up to 1 year)
- Access to the private “Teaching with Freedom” Facebook group where you can ask questions and engage with your colleagues and course instructors
- BONUS: 4 x 60-minute “Teaching with Freedom” live classes (2 classes with guest holistic voice teachers and 2 open discussion sessions)
Course Tuition
The tuition for this course is $395.
Payment plans and limited scholarships available. Send us a message now to learn more.
Participants who attend all classes (live or watch on replay) will receive an official Certificate of Completion.
To register, simply click the button at the bottom of this page.
I hope to see you on the course. 🙂
To Your Success!
Peter Jacobson
Founder & Executive Director
Total Vocal Freedom for Singers
Questions about the Course? Send us a message now.