Resources

Dr Nelson's Inhaler

Invented by Dr. Nelson in the mid 1860's, for the treatment of chest infections and inhalation issues. Dr Nelson’s Steam Vocal inhalers are perfect for the treatment blocked sinus, flu, coughs and colds in the home. Used by singers and performers worldwide to hydrate the vocal folds and provide immediate relief from irritation or inflammation of the throat.

Adam Rouilly Anatomical Models

The anatomical models of the larynx we use on courses.

Bounce: The Myth of Talent and the Power of Practice (Matthew Syed)

If you have not read this yet and teach voice to actors or singers you need to buy it now and read it. If like me you believe that technique in voice and singing training is primarily muscle training then you must read this book. It will change your whole way of thinking about talent and the nature of the artistic gift.

The Power of Mindful Learning (Ellen Langer)

Mindful learning is the key to effective, long term and measurable development. This wonderfully clear book from the seriously smart Ellen Langer will change the way you teach. If you approach voice training from a basic position as training and encouraging a change in muscular behaviour (as I do), then it follows on that you can’t change behaviour you’re not aware of. I strongly recommend this book to everyone who wants to improve the quality of their teaching and communication. You will wonder how you taught without it.

Cracking the Menopause: While Keeping Yourself Together - Mariella Frostrup

This book will infuriate you, in absolutely all of the right ways. All women go through the menopause but not all women experience the same symptoms or severity of symptoms. Some women hardly even notice it. If you have found yourself suffering from a myriad of apparently inexplicable symptoms in your forties including sleeplessness, weight gain, hair loss, migraines, anxiety, short term memory loss and the infamous hot flushes, it is likely you are peri-menopausal. Mariella Frostrup and Alice Smellie clearly lay out the causes, symptoms and consequences of the menopause, the sudden stopping of oestrogen production as well as the importance of HRT in staving off not only symptoms but the long term impact on health including osteoporosis and heart failure. It’s not all bad news but women need to be much better informed about something that is completely unavoidable but which need not cause so much suffering. Read this and change your life.

The Skylarks' War

I love children’s books as the best ones remind me of how much I loved reading as a child. This beautiful book by Hilary Kay won the Costa Children’s prize in 2018 and is definitely worth considering as a Christmas present. So engaging and evocative but with a modern feel, you won’t be able to put it down. I read it in an afternoon, very enjoyably and immediately bought her next book set during WWII.

How to Enjoy Poetry (Little Ways to Live a Big Life)

In this short, easy-to-digest and delightful book, Frank guides us through the twists and turns of 'Pad, pad' by Stevie Smith, a short, seemingly simple poem that contains multitudes of meaning and a deceptive depth of emotion. Revel in the mastery of Stevie Smith's choice of words, consider the eternal mystery of the speaker of the poem and be moved by rhyming couplets like you never have before.