Feldenkrais & Voice

Feldenkrais & Voice – Unfolding Resonance

Movement, breath and voice are closely linked in the development of the human being. These three systems are intertwined and mutually dependent. Our voice gets its power and specific shape from the fact that we move and stand upright in the field of gravity. Our voice becomes full and resonant when our body is permeable to breathing movement and vibration. The more awareness we have of our inner body spaces and the space surrounding us, the more presence we develop; presence that also becomes audible acoustically.

In Christoph Habegger’s online seminar series „Feldenkrais & Voice – Unfolding Resonance“ we will work with our own voice, experiencing and developing it with the help of two methods: Feldenkrais and Atem-Tonus-Ton („Breath-Tonus-Tone“), a method founded by the breathing therapist and body psychotherapist Maria Höller-Zangenfeind.

This workshop is open to voice professionals and non-professionals. It is designed anyone interested in experiencing their voice in connection with their entire body and wishing to grow personally through this work.

The main topics of the 4 day online series are as follows:

Day 1: Our relationship with the floor

The dynamic relationship to the ground takes place between being carried by the floor and being upright against the floor. Ideally, our diaphragm can move freely and our breathing movements can spread into the lowest parts of our torso. The support of the legs and the pelvis allows for a powerful voice, while the sensitive areas around the larynx remain relaxed.

Day 2: The chest

The thorax, together with the spine, ribs and sternum, offers a stable and flexible space. It contains the heart and lungs and connects to the diaphragm, our main breathing muscle, during the respiratory movement. If bones and tissue are able to absorb and conduct the resonance vibrations, warm, rich and deep sounds are produced. This can be heard and felt especially in the speaking voice.

Day 3: Hands, arms, shoulder girdle and torso

The connection of the hands and arms, shoulder girdle and trunk affects our breath and voice. The sensitive areas around the larynx, our “voice generator”, should feel light and wide, and ideally our gestures support our personal expressions.

Day 4: The spaces in our head

The throat, mouth, nose and skull contain spaces that can be experienced and enlivened through movement, conscious perception, breath and vibration. They open and feel wider, freer and more permeable. The voice gains in brilliance and range, communication becomes more lively. Our diaphragm is stimulated and our entire body tension is balanced.

About the teacher

Christoph Habegger, born in Zurich, has lived in Vienna since 1991. After studying at the Vienna Conservatory, he worked as an actor and musical performer. He completed his Feldenkrais training with Carl Ginsburg in Lewes, England. This was followed by further training in Atem-Tonus-Ton and Embodied Life. He teaches in Vienna, is a trainer for Feldenkrais training programs and a lecturer and director of Breath-Tonus-Tone supplementary training courses in Europe and Japan.

Please note:

For your participation in this online seminar please have a mat and a stool or chair ready.