More about our service…

Voice is about movement, movement is about muscularity, muscularity is about balance. A balanced voice produces clear tone more efficiently.

Muscle tension around the larynx, as well as more general issues of tension around the cervical spine and shoulder girdle can have a significant impact on the efficiency of vocal function. Small changes in postural alignment here adversely affect the resting position of the larynx, and make clear tone without pressure harder to achieve.

We both get regular manual therapy to help keep our own vocal function in good working order and we are delighted to be able to offer that service to you all. No elite athlete would consider an on-going programme of training and competition without the regular support of a manual therapist, and a multi-disciplinary approach is needed to optimise the training and conditioning of a modern singer.

The hours and days following treatment provide the best opportunity to establish improved patterns of muscle recruitment in voicing, so sessions always conclude with some vocal coaching and practical advice on specific exercises to help maintain laryngeal mobility.

Ian trained at the prestigious LSSM school in Regents Park, London and holds the highest qualification level of Soft Tissue training available in the UK. He was the first person in the UK to hold this qualification in conjunction with the Estill Master Trainers Licence, and combines his work with the Estill Model with Laryngeal Manual Therapy for voice users pioneering an integrated model for the treatment and rehabilitation of Muscle Tension Dysphonia and other issues.

Ian works as a Vocal Rehabilitation Coach as part of a multidisciplinary voice clinic team in South Wales, as well as working closely with the senior laryngeal surgeons in London. How The Voice Works are regular contributors to the CPD programme of the South West Clinical Excellence Network based at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. 

He has undertaken advanced training in Myofascial Release techniques with Alex Fugallo at LSSM and with Walt Fritz, and also Osteopathic Techniques with Jacob Lieberman. He draws upon a range of therapeutic techniques including Neuromuscular Techniques (NMT) , Muscle Energy Technique (MET) , Soft Tissue Release (STR) and Positional Release Technique (PRT).

Ian lectures in Singing at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff, and was formally a senior member of the vocal faculty on the BA and MA (Musical Theatre) Programmes at Mountview, London. He also maintains a busy private practice, and works extensively in the commercial music sector with recording artists.

His clinical practice is split between Wales, London and Helsinki and provides support for many West End cast members, onsite support for major touring productions and the Helsinki City Theatre Company.

With more than 20 years experience as a singer, musician and teacher, alongside many years of clinical practice as a therapist, Ian is uniquely qualified to help restore efficient function.