You know your body and sensing a change in your voice, for example vocal fatigue; hoarseness; or a change in your vocal range; can be unsettling for any singer and getting support from a qualified vocal specialist really helps.

Helen is a qualified Vocal Habilitation Professional (VHP) which means that she has:

• already qualified as a Vocal Health First Aider (VHFA) and agreed to the VHFA scope of practice.

• demonstrated the ability to apply her knowledge of the biopsychosocial causes of voice problems, including: a range of working environments, the impact of psychological stressors on voice function, evaluating vocal loading, awareness of overall wellbeing and lifestyle factors

• demonstrated the ability to apply her knowledge of the impact of a range of musical genres and professional working environments on vocal health, for both professional and amateur singers

• understands the changes to the voice over a lifetime, and be able to apply this knowledge to her interactions with a client

• knows and understands the role/s of the other professionals who are part of the rehabilitative team

• is able to follow on from work undertaken by a Vocal Rehabilitation Specialist with longer-term habilitative singing voice work, rebuilding healthy vocal function after injury or dysphonia

• is able to habilitate a singer with muscle tension dysphonia and no vocal fold pathology using vocal function exercises

• knows when to refer a singer for clinical assessment or help from a professional in another field

• receives ongoing supervision and support from Vocal Health Education

“I consulted Helen for two reasons. First, my breath control had diminished such that I could no longer sing through phrases without breaking for air; second, the quality of my voice had changed….notes were sounding harsh and I had lost my high range. These problems had been with me for several months, resulting in loss of enjoyment and loss of confidence when I sang.
Helen was wonderful. She listened to all I had to say, then gave me vocal and breathing exercises, and told me exactly what I needed to do. I followed her instructions to the letter, and a few weeks later my breath control is much better, the quality of my voice has greatly improved, and my top range has gone through the roof! I have recommended Helen to several people, and will continue to do so because I have every confidence in her.” [S]

Getting help

Helen offers an Inital Consultation (lasting 90 minutes and costing £50). If you wish to continue with coaching thereafter, Helen charges her usual rates.

To find out more contact Helen at Sing4Life