Freeing the Natural Voice

This book was introduced to me when I was doing my degree in theatre at Simon Fraser University of BC. We practised most of these exercises throughout the program and it was also the basis of further work I did with my own explorations. It is fundamental. It is something you will use over and over. It is a book that will give you reminders of ways to improve your practise. It will help you if you find you are losing your voice too often if you over work. It will help you give melody to your language even if you are "just" giving a lecture. It is fantastic.

The techniques in this book are essential to actors, speakers, and singers alike. I am a classical singer with a Master's degree in voice and many years and varieties of voice teaching, learning and performance experience. Engaging Kirsten Linklater's techniques helped to "fill in the blanks" of my technique, and make vocal production (and breathing for speech and song) freer, less manipulated and more natural. It has proven itself time and again in application with my students of many genres as well. The basis of the Linklater technique in freeing and centering the voice is so simple that it's hard to trust -- but it works. I can imagine the book being difficult to digest without any previous vocal pedagogy and/or Linklater experience however.

I am absolutely amazed with the progress I have made this semester in my Stage Voice class which utilizes the Linklater method. When I began her method two months ago, I had problems with articulation, projection, and breathing. In addition to that, my muscles in my throat had atrophied to the point that I was a AltoII in vocal range. However, with persistent work with her method, my vocal range is between SopranoII and AltoII, and I can project and articulate my words with no problem. Indeed, I am currently in a mainstage production at my school that demands I use a West Indies accent. Because I have learned to "free the voice" my performances have literally knocked my audience dead. People just can't believe the change! Run, don't walk to buy this book.

Reading this book has helped me break away from the bad habits used in everyday speech in our society. It frees the body and soul along with the voice. The only thing better than reading this book and using the Linklater Technique is having Kristen teach you the technique herself. I was lucky enough to have that experience years after I bought the book.

This book is an amazing resource for those who are looking to become more self aware in terms of breath and vocal control. Many teachers incorporate some of Linklater's philosophy and method -- both found in this book -- into their particular teaching of acting method and self freeing vocalization. The drawings in the book may be a little difficult to get past, but this book is overall an incredible place to find ways of doing just what the title suggests.

This book is a perennial favorite of mine - I use it to support my teaching of voice and speech for the actor. Linklater method voice work, based on the work of Iris Warren, has helped to redefine the voice of American performers in the second half of the 20th century. Kristin Linklater's book helps the actor to clarify what is essential to their art, and communicate it vocally. Hu-humm-uh!