Format One: A long-term course for schools, colleges, universities, theatres etc. Normally 10-12 weeks. Requires a pianist.

• Techniques address the 5 tools of the singing performer: eyes, hands, facial muscles, spine and voice.
• The beginning of each class is spent on vocal exercises and group singing.
• The rest of the class focuses on the acting of the song ~ first exercising in groups and then working individually in front of the group on solos of their choice.
• The class culminates in at least one public performance.

* Note: All comments by the teacher in all workshops are framed positively. There is no critiquing by other class members. (We encourage students not to offer unsolicited criticism to another student as that can wound her confidence. It is the VMV philosophy to encourage people to work on clearing the mind of judgments in order to open space for a deep internal sense of peace and well-being. This is a daily practice, not something we expect people to have accomplished already.)

Format Two: The Body of Your Song - One-day workshop:

For schools, community centers, etc. and at times/places arranged by VMV. This is an informative Body-Mind workshop that focuses on the physical aspects of delivering a song successfully.

Topics include: breath, spinal alignment, integrity of gesture with thought, focus of the eyes, use of the space, letting go of mannerisms, how to generate the right energy for the material (without pushing or pressing), vocal resonance, articulation, working intuitively with images, and issues of taste such as over-emoting, pressing, imitating etc.

A highly physical Workshop!!!

Format Three: Acting for Singers - One-day workshop:

In this workshop students learn and/or practice tried-and-true acting values that make singes, especially Theatre and Cabaret singers believable and comfortable to watch onstage:

• Physical-izing an 'action' (active verbs)
• Choosing a powerful objective
• Fighting for your goal (energy and stakes)
• Knowing who you are singing to ~ your relationship, fact and feeling

*For all VMV Singing Workshops:

Participants chose their material ~ any genre.
All lyrics must be memorized.
Songs should be in a key the student is comfortable with.
Students should be prepared to sing both a capella and with an accompanist.