Comments by participants in voice workshops for teachers

Just wanted to say how grateful we are for your input to our Special Needs Dept.  We use the bouncy balls, wobble boards and bean bags daily and the children love chanting their spelling, etc. while on the ball.  It altogether makes lessons more fun.
Wendy Harrison, special needs teacher

Many teachers and lecturers have trouble with their voices, particularly toward the end of term. I think that the work you are doing could be beneficial to my colleagues as well as myself.
Christopher Carter, lecturer

I had always been perplexed by the problems which I had with my voice ... I have a naturally warm and friendly voice but as soon as I tried to announce something to a larger group of children my voice became tight, felt awkward.I have found exercises, which she has taught me, extremely useful.They have made a considerable difference to my performance at playgroup and in other situations.Communication is easier at all levels. Being more able to rely on my voice has made a big difference to my sense of well being too!
Julia Bryan, pre-school teacher

Tiredness early in the school day, exhaustion at the end of the week… recurring sore throats… periodic back pain, stiff neck and increasingly frequent migraine attacks. I learned to live with this situation using weekends and end of term to recover. Many teachers were using the same system to cope.  I have learned to use my body in such a way that the voice is not under stress.  I am certain that all teachers could benefit from this work.  Not only will they benefit their own health: their teaching potential will improve vastly. Pupils will have teachers with voices, which stimulate and hold their attention as never before.
Susan Chater, home economics teacher

My husband finds that more effective use of his voice has increased his command of the classroom and makes him appreciably less tired at the end of the day.  As we are both modern language teachers our voices are vital tools of our trade.  She made me aware of how much more effectively I could use my voice… Her exercises have improved my posture and breathing …and for the first time in over twenty years of teaching I feel confident about singing in front of my class.
Margaret Outwin, modern languages teacher

For the last ten years I have found that my voice felt very strained on returning to school following a holiday. I was also prone to frequent ear and throat infections.  Since attending Angela's course I have had very few of these problems and feel less tired.  Although the exercises take up valuable time I can put more energy and enthusiasm into the remaining part of the day.  I feel that in teaching my voice is a very important necessity, and that all teachers should be given training in the best use of the voice and how to maintain it effectively throughout their career.
Hilary French, deputy head teacher

I cannot speak too highly of the work that Angela Caine is doing.  Not only does the help strengthen the voice for both speaking and singing, but she also develops command and presentation in front of an audience which is an added bonus.  I wish I had met her at the start of my teaching career - I have no doubt that I would have been a much more effective teacher right from the start.
Lorrette Bilby