Introducing Responsive Breathing ™️ IN PERSON

Task Based Breath Training for Speaking and Singing

Taught by
Portrait of Anne-Marie Speed
Anne-Marie Speed
West End and International Vocal Coach – Film, Theatre, Musical Theatre, TV; Estill Mentor and Course Instructor (with Service Distinction & Advanced Testing Privileges), Estill Lifetime Achievement Award 2019 Read more
Date Friday, December 5, 2025 to Friday, December 5, 2025
Time 10:30–4:30: (Pacific/​Auckland)
Venue EXCEL School of Performing Arts, 20 Portage Road, New Lynn, Auckland 0640 (map)
Price NZ$280.00
Early Bird NZ$240.00 (enter code EARLYBIRD at checkout, valid till 11/14/2025)
Student NZ$200.00 (enter code STUDENT at checkout)
Suitable for
actorssingersvoice teacherssinging teachersstudentsprofessionalspeople familiar with Estill Voice Trainingpeople new to Estill Voice Training

How much breath is needed to begin speaking or singing?

The answer to that question is the cause of enormous confusion among teachers and performers. While the answer is straightforward, it is not simple. The question highlights the multiple contradictions surrounding the role of breathing in voice production, pitch production and dynamic control. This leads to instruction that is not only functionally, physiological and acoustically inefficient but also the cause of major stressors on the voice leading to potential trauma.

This new course will look at how to train Responsive Breathing™️ in accordance with the Estill principle of “the breath must be free to vary according to what it meets on the way out”. This includes at laryngeal level with closure of the true vocal folds (phonation) as well as speech sounds.

The guiding principle here is that breathing that is identified as being consistent is often the complete opposite. Sub-glottic pressure is constantly adjusting in line with pitch, dynamic, Voice Quality, consonants and of course, emotion.

What training principles allow for breath to ‘respond’ instantly to these changes, leaving the performer free to focus on artistry, characterisation and acting, in both singing and speaking?

This workshop will look at how this should be interpreted, what it means and practical application in training, teaching, rehearsal and performance at whatever level of experience.


The day will include:

• Top 5 Common Misunderstandings

• The key difference in ‘breathing for life’ vs ‘breathing for voice’

• Where to start – setting up optimum conditions

• Common breathing problems – causes and correctives

• The problem with ‘traditional’ teaching – where it works and where it fails

• Practical afternoon session followed by IN PERSON and ONLINE afternoon masterclass

• Q&As

Cancellation Policy:
In the event that a participant wishes to cancel their place on the course they are entitled to the following refund:
4 weeks or more = 90% refund
Between 4 -1 weeks = 25% refund
From 1 week to the day of event = no refund (under any circumstances, including illness)
Should The Voice Explained cancel a course, a full refund will be offered.
Please note that tutors and content may change from that advertised without notice.

Taught by
Portrait of Anne-Marie Speed
Anne-Marie Speed
West End and International Vocal Coach – Film, Theatre, Musical Theatre, TV; Estill Mentor and Course Instructor (with Service Distinction & Advanced Testing Privileges), Estill Lifetime Achievement Award 2019 Read more