Why Learning Werbeck Singing?
If you never heard about Werbeck, here’s a concise summary: It is a singing and voice training method developed by Valborg Werbeck-Svardström, a Swedish singer and voice teacher. The method emphasizes the use of the whole body in singing, including the breath and posture, and aims to develop a free and natural singing technique. It also emphasizes the use of imagination and visualization in the singing process. The Werbeck method is used by singers of various genres, including classical, folk, and popular music, and is taught at several music schools and vocal studios worldwide.
When I started attending Werbeck singing workshops in 2008, I realized that this was exactly what was missing in my voice training since I had begun taking singing classes. However, it didn’t take me long to discover that this approach wasn’t for everyone. This would be a complete waste of time and energy for people, who don’t see the value in finding their true voice.
The Spiritual Dimension of Werbeck
From the spiritual evolution point of view, the main purpose of learning Werbeck’s singing is to experience Unity with the Universe through cultivating and uncovering the true voice. This process includes three phases: 1. Direction 2. Expansion and 3. Reflexion.
Therefore, this type of singing is for individuals who appreciate and value the non-material aspects of singing. In fact, Werbeck is as mysterious as Yoga. While many students can benefit from the exercises, only a few can attain the ultimate goal. This isn’t about elitism but about the sad reality that most people won’t be able to dedicate their time and energy to “find their true voice”. In our fast-paced lifestyle, everyone expects instant results and if it doesn’t happen overnight, it’s blamed on the method. But every process needs time to be learnt and practised before it can give its fruit. Only a wise and open-hearted person can appreciate this fact of life.
Stages of Vocal Development
- Breathing: The first stage focuses on developing a natural and efficient breathing technique, using the whole body and diaphragm to support the breath.
- Sound production: The second stage focuses on producing a natural and free sound, using the breath and body to create a resonant tone.
- Articulation: The third stage focuses on clear and precise articulation, using the tongue, lips, and jaw to shape the sound.
- Phrasing: The fourth stage focuses on shaping the sound into musical phrases, using rhythm and dynamics to create expression.
- Interpretation: The fifth stage focuses on interpreting and communicating the meaning of the text and music, using imagination and visualization to bring the song to life.
- Performance: The final stage focuses on performing in front of an audience, using the skills and techniques developed in the previous stages to communicate the music to the audience.
It’s worth mentioning that the stages can vary depending on the teacher or school, and also the specific methodologies of the teacher can be different.
The Elementary Level of Werbeck Singing
I have been coaching the basics of Werbeck as a part of my holistic voice development classes. Most of my students were enthusiastic about learning these basics because they experienced the benefits from day one. Here are the main “techniques” I teach in every singing class:
- Exercises for forgetting breathing (or how to return to natural, diaphragmatic breathing)
- Exercises for uncovering the true voice ( direction, expansion, reflection)
- Exercises for integrating speech and vocal functions
- Exercises for relaxation to develop effortless singing
- Practising singing from the heart (beyond the ego)
Are you interested in finding out more about Werbeck and holistic voice classes? Book your free consultation using this link: https://calendly.com/binovabarbour/1-on-1-with-kate
