Release... Align... Engage

Most people take their instruments for granted when they stand up to speak or sing. The Hennessy Breath & BodyWork approach begins with the understanding that actors, singers, and speakers must both create and play their own instruments. The exercises and concepts found here are designed to help you learn to access your optimally responsive and resonant instrument, by following these three steps, in order:

1. RELEASE After identifying misplaced tension, simple exercises are used to release both tension that occurs from daily life, as well as tension that occurs from current habits of speaking and singing. Tense, effortful speaking and singing is very inefficient and causes inconsistency in performance.

2. ALIGN Once your body is more released, a healthier, more productive alignment is now possible. I often compare the vocal result of having poor alignment to putting a sock inside a clarinet and then wondering what happened to the resonance. Your resonance is made up of sound waves, which travel everywhere unless they are impeded. Learning to get out of your own way--in this case, literally--opens up more resonating space.

3. ENGAGE Engaging your instrument in speaking and singing AFTER releasing and aligning will result in an instrument that is more responsive and a sound that is more resonant. When you have a responsive instrument, all vocal production becomes easier and more fun.