“From my perspective, Technique should be the conscious awareness of adhereing to the natural reflexive principles of the vocal instrument. Not imposing opinions and deliberate acts on the body.”

Hello, I’m Michael Mayer and Welcome to VocalWisdom.com. The purpose of this site is to explore the true nature of the voice.

The information here is the compilation of my 20+ years of research and observations regarding the functioning of the voice. In general, the information is presented in the context of singing, but the principles are equally applicable to speaking. The focus is on the healthy, natural function of the voice to meet our objectives. The approach is the same whether singing or speaking, though the degree may differ.

We all have experienced many different ways to use the voice, multiple techniques, methods etc. Sometimes it is hard to tell which way is the right way.

I am interested in showing the underlying principles that govern the way the body is designed to operate. These principles can guide us in understanding what is a healthy way of using the voice. Ultimately, we need to transform our body into a Musical Instrument.

I personally have gradually been drawn in my research towards the underlying fundamental principles that make up the singing act. These are independent of technique, per se. The body makes a great musical instrument. But it isn’t one in its normal state.

This is where my focus on physiology lies. What needs to be created to turn the body into an optimal musical instrument. Basically, we need to change the state of being. This is where emotion comes in.

The emotional states of joy, excitement, enthusiasm – go down the list – change the state of our body from a normal everyday experience to uplifted, energetic and vital. This condition makes the act of singing spontaneous and nearly unstoppable.

I often tell people I work with that we aren’t trying to sing better in our normal condition, we are creating a better condition from which we can sing normal. It is a completely different experience. And an incomparable result.

Now, unlike just about everyone else, I do not put a name to this, like The VocalWisdom technique. The reason is because I’m interested in what the emotions and body create naturally. To put a name on it would imply that it is somehow different from other “techniques” and that there is some kind of choice.

In my mind there is no choice about how to use the voice. There is only how it wants to work. If we understand that and follow that we can use it for whatever we desire to express. Regardless of musical style.

It is taking advantage of the natural behavior that is already dormant inside of us. It is not a “technique” but tapping into our natural resources that are there for anyone to discover and use.

How can you put a name and ownership on that?