"The effect Estill has had on the group so far is incredible," noted Morgan. "Not only has it given us a common vocal language to work with, but it has provided me with a range of vocal tools I can use to help the group focus and bring our music to life. I can't wait to see – and hear– how these trainings will influence our future rehearsals and concerts!"

Both Morgan and Sussuma hope that Ars Nova will become a model for other vocal ensembles, large or small, professional or amateur, that are interested in bringing Estill Voice Training^TM to their organization. Contact Robert Sussuma at 303-589-4365 or Thomas Morgan at 303-449-3165 with questions or for more information.

 

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“We are committed to developing easily accessible tools that provide objective acoustic ‘voiceprints’ and corresponding statistics to back-up the standard aural evaluation of voice disorders. The Voice Evaluation Suite^TM and Virtual Voice Trainer^TM are software programs that reinforce the professional judgment of the therapist and lend credibility to the process in this era of evidence-based practice,” said Kimberly Steinhauer, Vocal Innovations CEO and Voice Specialist/Scientist.

Steinhauer continued, “We are very excited about the positive feedback from voice therapists, physicians, coaches and trainers who previewed the software programs at the Symposium.”

The Voice Evaluation Suite^TM (VES) automates the collection, analysis, storage and retrieval of standard clinical voice measures and offers the report in a paperless/electronic format.

“VES is a great new instrument for voice evaluation," said Dr. Cari Tellis, Speech-Language Pathologist and faculty of College Misericordia. “It is easy to use and provides a comprehensive, printable copy of the evaluation without the need to handwrite data.”

The Virtual Voice Trainer^TM (VVT), a program designed for voice rehabilitation and training, provides pre-recorded, exemplary aural models and clear visual feedback for patients / clients throughout the voice treatment process. The home-study companion software kit is easy-to-use and offers the clinician the ability to customize home self-study exercises for their clients or patients. Clinics and independent therapists are also given the opportunity to “private-label” the home-study CDs and / or online “mini-websites” where the software can be downloaded.

“VVT’s visual biofeedback significantly enhances speed of learning and clients often report that it’s the best part of our sessions. The customization options and ability to email homework exercises ensure a tailored program for each client outside the clinic,” said Tom Burke, of Metropolitan Speech Pathology, LLC.

With these releases, Vocal Innovations provides much needed solutions that allow voice therapists to have access to an acoustic voiceprint and corresponding numbers to back up their standard aural evaluation of voice disorders.

Additional information, including free trial software offers can be found at Vocal Innovations’ website: www.vocalinnovations.com or by calling 800-795-0399

ABOUT VOCAL INNOVATIONS:
Vocal Innovations (VI) is a leader in vocal training and rehabilitation through the development of products and services for individuals and groups seeking to achieve their personal vocal goals. By merging science and art through progressive research, accessible technology and innovative teaching techniques, VI maintains the balance of vocal health and aesthetic freedom.

VI delivers unparalleled educational opportunities, software solutions, specialized healthcare products, and the world-renowned Estill Voice Training^TM to performers, speech professionals, vocal injury victims and general retail customers who seek to increase vocal range and endurance.

Steinhauer and other experts from the fields of voice science, voice medicine, and voice teaching will unite in interdisciplinary discussions on past and current performance practices. The conference entitled, Care and Cure of the Professional Voice: The Mozart Voice, will join the world renowned Salzburg Festival in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the birth of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Mozart embraced singers and even wrote to his father in 1778, “I love to have an aria fit a singer like a well tailored dress.”

Information about the Estill workshops at the conference can be found at http://www.austrianvoice.at/de/vii_int_voice_symposium/workshops.html

About Vocal Innovations, LLC:
Vocal Innovations (VI) is a leader in vocal training and rehabilitation through the development of products and services for individuals and groups seeking to achieve their personal vocal goals. By merging science and art through progressive research, accessible technology and innovative teaching techniques, VI maintains the balance of vocal health and aesthetic freedom.

VI delivers unparalleled educational opportunities, software solutions, specialized healthcare products, and the world-renowned Estill Voice Training System^TM to performers, speech professionals, vocal injury victims and general retail customers who seek to increase vocal range and endurance.

Each year thousands of Americans experience voice problems from cheering on their favorite football teams. With a high-profile event like next week’s game approaching, and with winter weather here, it’s a safe bet that many fans will suffer from raspy or even absent voices at the water cooler following the big game. Whether you are one of the lucky few to attend the game in person, or one of the approximate one billion who will watch it on TV or listen to it on the radio, your voice plays an important role in expressing your feelings. Therefore, it is imperative to remember not to neglect your vocal health.

Vocal injuries don’t just affect sports fans on the weekends, but also cost businesses world-wide millions of dollars annually in lost time and productivity.

“Just as the body is the athlete’s instrument, the voice box is the speaker’s instrument,” said Dr. Kim Steinhauer, CEO of Vocal Innovations, a vocal training and software company in Pittsburgh. “The serious side to cheering is that, done incorrectly, the resulting hoarseness could last a lifetime. To prevent a serious vocal injury that could sideline you to the bench, be sure to hydrate, exercise and rest your voice.”

Vocal Innovations recommends that all fans remember the following three things to help maintain their vocal health:

1. Hydrate – drink plenty of liquids – 6 eight ounce glasses of water per day are recommended; cold, dry winter air, especially in places like Detroit will de-hydrate your system. Keep alcohol consumption to a minimum, if possible. Breathe through your nose – nasal passages are natural humidifiers providing 100 percent hydrated air.
2. Exercise – put on your game-face and do some warm-up exercises – just like the pros...don’t go into the game cold or you will hurt yourself. At a minimum, begin with soft cheers before really letting loose. (Visit www.TrainMyVoice.com/exercises for examples.)
3. Rest – it’s as simple as that. Set aside down time during breaks in the game to quietly enjoy the entertaining, expensive commercials from your favorite sponsors.

Three things to do to produce a power-cheer:

Open your throat by pretending to suppress a laugh;

Inhale through a sudden gasp of joyous surprise;

Keep your body anchored and let out a “yaaaay!”

These steps help provide a healthy structure to what is most times a primeval response to the exciting events of a game. A safe cheer is done without constriction, without a growl or grunt, but rather with an open, unrestricted voice box. Openness avoids trauma. An open/unrestricted power cheer is safer and will allow you to continue to cheer all the way to the final whistle.

For three simple exercises that exemplify vocal range, anatomical range and a good / bad spectrum of cheers, fans can visit www.TrainMyVoice.com/exercises

NOTE: Vocal Innovations recommends that anyone who may be experiencing trouble with their voice, especially those with pro-longed difficulties consult their doctor immediately.

About Vocal Innovations, LLC:
Vocal Innovations (VI) is a leader in vocal training and rehabilitation through the development of products and services for individuals and groups seeking to achieve their personal vocal goals. By merging science and art through progressive research, accessible technology and innovative teaching techniques, VI maintains the balance of vocal health and aesthetic freedom.

VI delivers unparalleled educational opportunities, software solutions, specialized healthcare products, and the world-renowned Estill Voice Training System to performers, speech professionals, vocal injury victims and general retail customers who seek to increase vocal range and endurance.

Although VI provides products and services to a worldwide audience, the Pittsburgh-based company hopes that Steelers fans might prepare better and cheer more efficiently to help spur the team to victory.

For more information about voice issues, voice training or specific uses by “vocal athletes” (such as quarterbacks) – please contact: VI.