Estill - A model of vocal functioning that is...

• Efficient ! The Estill model of vocal functioning, founded on scientific research in New York in 1970 by Jo Estill, is based on the in-depth knowledge of the anatomy and functioning of different parts of the vocal apparatus.
• Liberating! In the model of voice functioning there is no aesthetic judgment of the voice, there are simply different ways of using it. Each voice is unique and has the right to exist.
• Creative! Knowing your vocal instrument and knowing how to use it allows you to approach all styles, to discover your vocal identity, to multiply your vocal color palette, to make choices and to assume them.

Estill module 1 - 3 days

• Jo Estill has divided the vocal apparatus into 13 independent parts, and her model of vocal functioning teaches how to dissociate and master the work of each part separately, by practicing what she called:
  The Figures for Voice
• Participants will practice the Figures in small practice groups in the program for each day.

Estill module 2 - 2 days

• This module shows how to produce the Six Vocal Qualities, by combining the Figures acquired in Level 1. These Qualities, defined by Jo Estill (Speech, Falsetto, Sob, Twang, Opera, and Belting), allow a better understanding of unlimited vocal capacities, while respecting the principles of good vocal health and resonant voice.
• An open-coaching session, where participants can present a song, a speech therapy clinical case or a verbal activity in order to achieve their vocal goals through Figures and Qualities, is scheduled at the end of each day. Throughout the 5 days of training, we will also take the time to discuss and answer questions from participants.

The cours starts with a presentation of the Figures, as defined by Jo Estill.These are presented one by one, both theoretically and practically by exploring collectively body sensation exercises that enable you to independently master the function of each part of the vocal apparatus.

The days alternate between theoretical and practical lessons. At the end of the afternoon there is an open session where participants can go over specific points of the training and apply the lessons to their own choice of songs and texts, to resolve different types of difficulties.

Technical and pedagogical resources

• oral presentation of the method, using visuals, videos, audio and models
• group experimentation of the different categories of sounds drawn up by Jo Estill;
• Collective body sensation exercices
• voice analysis with Estill Voiceprint Plus software.

Educational materials

Visual documents, spectrogram software, diagrams, photos, videos, audio and models of the larynx.

Course evaluation methods

• Collective debriefing session
• Evaluation sheet to be completed by participants at the end of the course, and to be submitted to Courant d'Art
• Delivery of Course completion certificates

• You are a professional or amateur vocal performer: singer, actor, storyteller, musician, dancer
• You are a speech therapist, teacher, singing teacher
• You work in radio or television
• You are just passionate about the work of the voice

The Estill vocal model is used today by internationally renowned teachers, vocal coaches and singers all over the world.