Cross-Train Methods are Different for All, But There are a Few Models and Ideas

Cross-training methods may be different in each individual and each individual voice studio.  However, there are a few places to get solid ideas and solid training to do so. Trying out a few methods will help you as a teacher or as a singer find what is comfortable and works for you.  We are in a time of changing music which requires us to embrace and meld the new with our older tried and true techniques.  Use the building blocks of breath support, posture, and palate lift and alter them slightly to achieve the desired sound.  You simply cannot belt or sing country without slightly altering the classical techniques of singing.  Not everyone is going to agree with every new technique, but that is part of what makes singing teaching and singing in general a science as well as an art!

A ground-breaker in this philosophy is Jeanie LoVetri who created Somatic Voicework, the basis for the CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute at Shenendoah University.  It is a balance of voice science, classical vocal training, yoga, movement, dance, acting and speech training. It is more widely trusted because it is based on what the voice is doing.   Register balance, vowel sound changes, posture, breathing and stylistic authenticity are the primary tools.

'When done in an informed manner, CCM accomplishes results without compromising a singer's health.  The technique of mixing chest tone into a sound, rather than continual chest belt keeps the voice versatile and healthy.  An educated ear can guide this development.' Marcelle Gauvin, Shenendoah Conservatory

The key words here are to do it under an educated ear and careful guidance.

'Vocal damage can happen in any style of singing if there is improper technique, abuse, or overuses, especially if the vocal gymnastics are on a daily basis!  Get well-informed training to stay healthy.'  Wendy DeLeo LeBorgne, Ph.D., CCC-SLP. Clinical Director. Singing Voice Specialist & Voice Pathologist


With first hand experience taking some of the classes, I learned a great deal about healthy ways to manipulate sounds to achieve overall vocal goals, it just must be closely monitored by a singing teacher and what the vocalist feels.  Going back and forth between singing a variety of styles helps you solidify your technique and minimize vocal abuse just as a runner who instills yoga into their training for a marathon keeps them flexible and strong.  It is by no means the only method of cross-training the voice, but valuable.

The continual development of music and the arts necessitate that we embrace cross-training and to help our singers to be versatile singers!  If we educate ourselves, we ensure their success.

Stay tuned next week for a discussion from another leading 'cross-training' pedagogue, Mary Saunders-Barton at Penn State University.

Read more detail about cross-training the voice in these sources:

NATS  (they now have a Classical and Musical Theater Competition)

Master of Fine Arts Degree in Voice Pedagogy in Musical Theatre at Penn State University

Sing like you speak by Sally Morgan www.singlikeyouspeak.com

What do you think and what methods do you use?