Estill Voice Training
Estill Voice Training (EVT) is a scientific, evidence-based system for vocal development. Founded by Jo Estill in 1988, EVT is a life-changing approach that can help you become a stronger and more emotional performer by giving you effective tools to improve your craft.
Simple everyday sounds are used to identify structures in the larynx and in the vocal tract (throat, mouth and nose). These are then trained in detail to give conscious, predictable and reliable control of your voice in the 13 Figures for Voice.
Estill Figures for Voice
Estill Voice Training uses a Power-Source-Filter model to explain how the voice works. Within this model there are 13 structures, which are trained independently for maximum control and freedom. The 'figure' is an exercise for conscious control of the structure. The figures are:
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True vocal folds; onset-offset
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True vocal folds; body-cover
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False vocal folds
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Thyroid cartilage
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Cricoid cartilage
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Aryepiglottic sphincter
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Larynx
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Jaw
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Tongue
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Lips
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Velum
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Head and neck anchoring
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Torso anchoring
How the figures can help you
Mastering the Estill Figures for Voice will take you on an exciting journey of discovery, immediately helping you solve many vocal issues. For example:
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Thyroid cartilage control helps you overcome breaks in your voice, access your full range and helps you control vibrato.
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False vocal fold control helps you sing and speak without strain and cultivate clear tone.
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Larynx control helps you sing both high and low pitches easily and enables you to switch genre effortlessly.
Estill Voice Qualities
The 13 figures for voice can be combined to create 6 distinct voice qualities. The 6 Estill voice qualities are:
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Speech
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Falsetto
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Sob
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Twang
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Opera
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Belt
How the voice qualities can help you
The Estill voice qualities are starting points with endless possibilities for variation. For example:
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Speech quality helps you find the right vocal set-up for rock, pop, jazz, folk and musical theatre.
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Opera quality gives you a flexible recipe that can be altered to suit any classical singing.
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Belt quality helps you hit the high notes safely and effectively every time.
Next steps
