Bodywork and Singing Voice: An Educational Tool for Voice Optimization

Abstract

Bodywork applied to vocal technique is an increasingly used tool in teaching practice. However, there is little research that can provide evidence of its effectiveness. This research is an exploratory and descriptive case study that investigates the self-perception of 14 voice major students after receiving a bodywork program. The main objective is to analyze if a bodywork program designed for singers affects the emission and vocal quality and, therefore, may be a good pedagogical tool in voice education. The body-mind method applied is the Méthode de Libération de Cuirasse © (MLC). To conduct the intervention, the participants performed different vocal tasks and answered a questionnaire to reveal their perceptions in relation to vocal emission, body balance, frame of mind, and degree of well-being before and after each of the sessions of bodywork. Two months after the last session, a second questionnaire was administered and a free narrative of the lived experience of participants was collected for subsequent analysis and interpretation. Results showed more comfort when singing, greater harmonic richness, greater facility in the high register, and better breath control as well as an improvement in general well-being and state of the body.