Meet Lucy
Specialist Vocal & Singing Coach
BAHons PGDip MSc MCertRCSLT HCPC
I’m Lucy! Welcome to Dexter Vocals - my private practice offering specialist Voice & Singing Coaching. This practice runs alongside my other role within the NHS as a Speech and Language Therapist, in which I specialise in clinical voice disorders and performers voice rehabilitation.
I work with elite & professional voice users who are finding some difficulty within their singing or speaking voice. This includes a range of professions including; professional musicians, singers and actors, amateur performers, teachers, public speakers, lawyers, anyone who relies on their voice on a regular basis.
I hold space for my clients to focus on, and explore the areas of their vocal system to inform, healthy positive and efficient voice use. I sometimes work with private and NHS ENT departments to aid clients pre and post ENT/speech therapy referrals, to begin or continue their rehabilitation and vocal journeys.
In your sessions with me we will take a holistic approach to coaching your voice, considering your whole person, the body, the mind, and your environments.
Your voice is precious and unique to you, so your sessions are completely centred around your vocal and personal needs and goals.
Building awareness of your whole vocal system with mindfulness, and respect for your body will all be essential. I am always working toward empowering you with the knowledge to take charge of your own voice and feel confident doing so.
Areas we could cover include: Vocal health and self-care // alignment and postural work // breath-work // tension release // the spoken voice // the singing voice // vocal efficiency // strengthening techniques // vocal stamina // resonance // SOVTe // knowledge and awareness of your vocal system // awareness of vocal load // exploring all areas and possibilities within your voice // acting through song // character work // text analysis. I work with clients of all ages, voice types and genres.
Release, Reset Restore Vocal Workshops
The very popular 'Vocal Reset' where you will work in a private peaceful studio to Reset, Re-align and Nourish your voice, mind and body.
You will focus on finding balance in your voice and 'reseting' yourself physically, vocally and mentally. We look at posture and alignment, tension release, breath work, breath to phonation balance, resonance and 'effort' levels.
We also take time for self reflection and future goal setting if that's something that fits with your needs for the day.
With the full day Reset, the day is split into a morning and an afternoon session and a Veggie/Vegan lunch is provided as part of your day. This is also offered in small groups of up-to Ten.
My Background
I began my journey into coaching when performing professionally as an Actor and Singer in London, touring the UK and Europe from the age of 17.
Throughout my own training and professional career, I have (and continue to) shadow/ed and work/ed alongside some of this country’s finest practitioners in Voice, Singing, Movement, Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais and Acting Techniques. These practitioners, and my own vocal and performance journey inspired me to move further into coaching rather than performing, and dedicate myself to learning more about our fascinating vocal system and what affects its performance potential. I have now been coaching privately for 11 years with 8 of those years purely as a vocal coach. I have seen clients privately as well as in institutions and performing arts schools, coaching singing, voice, acting through song, technical acting and audition technique. In my own time I practice Kundalini yoga and breath work techniques as well as hiking in the glorious Peak District and a spot of wild swimming when I'm brave enough.
My Training and courses include:
BAHons in Drama and Theatre Studies
PG Diploma in Acting
MSc in Speech and Language Therapy
Postgraduate Cert in Dysphagia Management in Adults
Advanced Singing Teacher Training- The Vocal Process
SOVT 1 + 2 - The Vocal Process
Mastering Musical Theatre - The Vocal Process
Best Practice Update in Singing Teaching - The Vocal Process
Managing Laryngeal Injury - The British Voice Association
Neuro-Laryngology - The British Voice Association
Working with the CCM Singer - The British Voice Association
Recovering from illness - BAPAM
Understanding Autism - LSCFT
The Estill Model Level 1+2 - The Voice Explained
Personal: 9 years Classical singing study with: Sarah Rhodes AGSM
Conferences:
Newcastle Voice Conference 2022
Cutting Edge Laryngology 2022
Manchester Head and Neck Symposium 2022
Incorporating SOVT for Voice Disorders- North West Voice CEN 2023
Speech Therapy for Performers - Voice Study Centre & Newcastle Voice Team 2023
Feldenkrais for the Voice Studio - Voice Study Centre 2023
Upcoming:
Applied Vocal Skills for client-relevant strategies - North West Voice CEN & Vocal Process 2023
Following the Science - The British Voice Association Nov 2023
My MSc Research:
"Knowledge levels of Professional Singers in Typical to Atypical Vocal Function and the SLT’s role in their vocal management in the UK."
My Availability & Working Hours:
Monday & Wednesday: NHS Manchester Royal Infirmary ENT.
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: NHS Manchester Wythenshawe Voice Team.
Monday & Wednesday: Private Vocal Coaching - Bechstein Studios, Manchester.
Friday: Private Vocal Coaching - Online
Saturday: Private Vocal Coaching - Vibration Studios, Huddersfield.
Workshops: Sat/Sun UK Wide, throughout the year.
Conservatoires:
I am currently open to music and drama colleges to discussion around teaching one to one coaching or providing modules on Voice, Vocal Health, Anatomy and Physiology, and the ENT Pathway
