REAL LIFE Example of the Benefits of
teaching voice in combination with
Alexander Technique:

Lauren's journey back to singing...

Maria Weiss is simply one of the best teachers I have ever encountered in all my training and professional experience in the theater. I have performed with a professional theater troupe in Boston Massachusetts for eight years and have struggled constantly with my voice. It was very sensitive, and seemed to go hoarse very easily. I studied rigorously at my university trying all kinds of techniques to improve my voice- some were geared toward singing others were simply geared toward freeing the voice. These techniques helped at times, yet ultimately they contributed to a lasting gravelly sound and a continued diminishing of my vocal range. Finally, as I took up singing in a rock 'n roll band I discovered that no matter how much I warmed up my voice, I could barely speak the next day.

I tried everything: I warmed up less, I warmed up more, I drank hot water with honey, I drank pineapple juice, and I wrapped a scarf around my neck. I was desperate. Then I found Maria. I had heard of the Alexander Technique but never managed to put myself into a training class. I thought it certainly couldn't hurt to give it a try.

At times, I would walk into Maria's studio and be unable to get a word or even a sound out of my voice. After about 45 minutes of working with Maria I could talk again. I know it sounds impossible, but that is the truth. I could walk into Maria's studio with no voice and walk out centered on my voice and talking on the breath. It is an amazing process. Though I am unable to stay in that place for a whole week between lessons, I now see that it is possible, that my voice can do it and that in time, I will get there.

My voice is not fully back yet, however, I can sing an entire rehearsal without losing my voice- which was a weekly event for me. I am able to understand why this happens to me and I can begin to undo those habits.

Not only has my voice started on the road to recovery, but there are other fringe benefits to the Alexander Technique as well. My posture is better; my low back says thank you every time I release it, my neck is straighter, and I feel better too!

I was nervous, as a rock 'n roll singer, thinking that Maria as a trained opera singer wouldn't want to work with a voice like mine. But that couldn't be further from the truth. She is non-judgmental and gives me every bit of respect that I imagine she gives her finest opera students. Her education, her skill and her experience, combined with her positive spirit makes for a rare and gifted teacher. Maria believes in what she does and if you study with her, you will too.

~Lauren

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Catherine's voice quality improves dramatically

Maria's expertise in both vocal production and Alexander Technique produced amazing results for me. The quality of my voice improved dramatically and I gained range and my breath control improved enormously. Maria is wonderful to work with. She is patient, creative, and always positive in her approach. She has innovative ideas and her ability to apply Alexander Technique to address issues in vocal production was a major help to me.

~Catherine

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Eliza - life changing experience

Last year was a great year for me, I enjoyed the gospel choir sooo much and had solos in both of the major concerts. I know I´ve said this before, but I really can´t thank you enough for all that you’ve done for me, Maria. Training with you was really a life changing experience. I felt that I really transformed as a person throughout the period that I trained with you, you really helped to build my confidence and really improved the way I carried myself mentally and physically. I would never have been able to get into the gospel choir, let alone get a solo, without all your help and guidance. So, again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

~Eliza
Newton, December 2005

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