Freedom of the Singing Voice: An Exploration of the Mind-Body Connection, Performance Anxiety and Confidence through Methods of Fitzmaurice Voicework, Organic Intelligence, and Ziva Meditation

ABSTRACT

The psychological aspect of elite performance is increasingly recognized. Indeed, many elite athletes and sportspeople employ psychological techniques within their practice to reduce excess physical tension and feelings of performance anxiety. However, similar practices are less often part of standard singing training. Therefore, this study aimed to integrate mindfulness and wellbeing methods into private voice practice and explore whether increasing the mind-body connection had a positive effect on the singing voice. The methods adopted were Fitzmaurice Voicework®, Organic Intelligence®, and Ziva Meditation, which were implemented alongside singing practice over the course of four months. This study adopted a practice-as-research methodology, so all results are self-reflective. Integrating Fitzmaurice Voicework, Organic Intelligence, and Ziva Meditation into regular singing practice (1) reduced feelings of performance anxiety and (2) increased feelings of confidence and physical ease during singing. The findings of this practice-as-research suggest that increasing the mind-body connection may reduce performance anxiety and thereby—in conjunction with meaningful singing training—improve vocal health, enjoyment, and the rate at which singing technique is acquired.

KEYWORDS:

• Fitzmaurice
• meditation
• singing
• attention
• awareness
• mindfulness
• practice-as-research

Acknowledgments

Thank you to Paul Barker, Maria Huesca, and Deborah Garvey at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama for supporting this work.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. See Oram (2015) for a discussion of practice-as-research methodology.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lydia Flock

Lydia Flock is the founder of Flockstars Coaching, a holistic performance coaching company based in London that uses the speaking and singing voice as a vehicle for healing, confidence building, and personal development. She is Senior Voice Tutor at the Kogan Academy of Dramatic Arts and has worked with voice faculty at Arts Educational Schools, London. She holds an MA in music theatre from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and a BA in drama (with honors) from the University of Virginia. She trained for 2.5 years at Ithaca College in their BFA Musical Theatre program.