In nutshell, IVA pedagogic exercises will be assigned to intimately establish the method with your vocal instrument. This teaches your neurological and mental processes (connection) between all of your vocal registers, unifying them into one connected whole. In IVA language, you will learn to “mix” all of your voices as one. Exercises are also assigned to keep the larynx down and relaxed, (i.e., in a speech level position). And we will work on creating strength, control, agility, and balance within the “mix” while applying sustains, vibrato and dynamics. During the learning process and after the voice has shown improvement, application of the technique to songs is taught as it relates to style and specific genre.
The IVA technique is based on 17th and 18th Century principles of singing developed by the Schola Cantorum. Our goal is to train voices to sing in a free and natural manner, smoothly, from the bottom of the range to the top with no breaks or sudden changes in quality. Training in this technique gives the singer access to all dynamics, with tonal clarity and flexibility. Also, training in this technique helps improve a singer’s range, endurance, stamina, breath control, resonance, vocal strength and vocal quality across all styles of music without fatigue or damage to the voice. We accomplish these results by training the singer to find a balance between airflow and intrinsic muscular resistance, all within a resting laryngeal posture.
Alexys Paris extensively trained in the Speech Level Singing (SLS), Seth Riggs Technique, The Technique of Legends for over 15 years and continued training as an Advanced Certified Instructor of The Institute For Vocal Advancement (IVA)-the largest organization derived from the ashes of Speech Level Singing, SLS.
The IVA technique seamlessly blends a singer’s various vocal registers [chest, middle and head] voices into one voice, without breaks and with better tone. By learning to “mix” all of your vocal registers into one voice, you will acquire mastery of this skill in descending from the bottom and ascending to the top of your voice and back again which makes singing easier, allowing for your style to be supported by solid technique.
No, applying the IVA Technique to songs can be done right away. However, often it is often times better to learn the IVA Technique prior to singing songs and then apply the technique to songs, particularly when a student has vocal bad habits.
I will conduct an initial analysis to determine what your vocal habits are. Based on what I find determines where we will begin. I will work with each person’s individual tendencies and move along as quickly as possible. For beginners, those new to IVA, and those who need to correct unwanted habits and issues, I will introduce the IVA Technique in an easy and simple manner to acquaint you with your chest, middle and head voices and begin to blend all the vocal registers as one voice. This will establish the technique as a natural part of your vocal instrument’s process. Once this is established, we will work on strengthening, agility, balancing and vibrato to move you towards applying the technique into songs as quickly as possible.
To restate from above, I will conduct an initial analysis to determine what your vocal habits are. Based on what I find determines where we will begin. I work with each person’s tendencies to move him or her along as quickly as possible. However, for intermediate and advanced students who already have good habits, I will strengthen those (where necessary) and educate them (from an IVA perspective) on what they are doing that is good and why it is important to maintain what they already do naturally. I will build upon those good habits, correct any bad habits and strengthen their voices where necessary and move them into songs quickly as possible. Or if they are performing or desire to sing right away, we will apply the technique to songs while continually working on balancing the voice through technique simultaneously.
Yes, every lesson is recorded.
You will receive an audio file of each lesson to practice with. Daily practice is highly recommended.
This process will take some singers longer than others. Much depends on what your natural tendencies are, how often you practice, how adaptable you are to accepting the IVA way of vocalizing, how well you are at feeling the IVA technique working inside the body, your vocal instrument, how easily you allow it to become second nature, and the teacher’s ability to guide you there, by allowing you to experience the technique through cause and effect.
