The Vocal Work in this Studio
The work in this studio is based on my own experience
from my career as a singer, from over ten years of teaching and of using old
world techniques.
Singers seek accurate information and means to
encourage their particular vocal instrument to work well for them. Some singers
are familiar with some of the concepts of the Old Italian school to a greater
or lesser degree. Intellectual knowledge of old world concepts and what this
actually physically means for you as a singer and then closing the gap between
these two things; well, that is rather a different thing. The information as to how to do this seems to
have become to put it plainly – rather lost. Can one even find a workable
language to communicate the subtle internals bodily strings and pulleys that a
singer struggles with? That is what old world vocal exercises were designed
for. They are extremely effective, full of simple, healthy vocal common sense. Accurate
explanations and appropriate sequences designed by the teacher will slip the
singer into, a more appropriate, co ordination of body and voice and mind.
This technical work has its roots in the work of Alan
Lindquest, himself an outstanding tenor, whose life spanned most of the last
century. He was trained by students of Manuel Garcia who was one of the last
great master teachers of the nineteenth century. Lindquest was American with
Swedish parents and later he went to study the
In work of this kind there should be authentic, very
progressive and gentle physical guidance of the pupil using the vocal exercises,
accurate explanations, of what is happening and why. Questions should be
answered. These things should be evident when working with a teacher.
Lindquest did not discriminate between amateur and
professional; all with a passionate desire to sing were welcome and had his
full attention. I follow this example in my studio.
This studio is
associated to
Cathy Pope
Email cathy@cathypope.com