Speech Level Singing (SLS)


Speech Level Singing is a revolutionary technique devised by the great Seth Riggs (www.sethriggs.com). The technique allows singers to sing in a healthy relaxed and connected voice with no breaks or flips.

Speech Level Singing is used by some of the world's most successful singers and movie stars including the late Michael Jackson, Lionel Ritchie, Madonna, Diana Ross, Enrique Iglesias, Nicole Kidman, Stevie Wonder and Tina Turner... to name but a few.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

A certified Speech Level Singing teacher will be skilled in knowing which vocal exercises to use when improving a student's voice. He/she will train your voice using the appropriate vocal tools which will allow you to sing freely throughout your range including those sometimes difficult bridges. Any muscular tension will be eliminated and the result will be a healthy connected voice.

WHAT IS A HEALTHY CONNECTED VOICE?

This is one where the vocal cords stay adducted (closed) throughout your entire range with your larynx remaining relaxed, low and stable.

Many vocal problems arise when the vocal cords come apart when we sing. This can happen throughout the entire vocal range, or just in our lower register (chest voice) or in our higher register (head voice). A larynx that is not relaxed, low and stable i.e. one that is rising for high notes or pressing down for low notes, is also a major obstacle for a singer in obtaining the healthy connected voice they want.

WHY DO SINGERS NEED THIS TRAINING?

When we swallow our larynx rises as the outer muscles are engaged. Although this is a healthy condition for when we need to swallow, it is not a healthy condition to sing in. Most singers consciously or unconsciously use excessive muscle in order to sing higher, louder or with more emotion. When the swallowing muscles engage in an attempt to help the sound, the vocal cords are prevented from vibrating freely and the sphincter action of swallowing (high larynx) will have begun.

In correct Speech Level Singing vocal production the outer muscles of the throat (the swallowing muscles) are not engaged, the larynx remains relaxed and stable, the vocal cords remain appropriately adducted adjusting easily throughout the entire vocal range, and the singer easily negotiates the bridges.

This results in the singer being able to sing easily through an extended vocal range with an even connected production, no voice breaks and no strain. The singer's words will be clear, easily produced and easy to understand and the sound will be natural and unforced.

HOW CAN I BE SURE THAT MY TEACHER IS A CERTIFIED SLS INSTRUCTOR?

Becoming a certified instructor involves at least 12-18 months of training. After this a Speech Level Singing teacher will continue his/her training through attending master classes and having regular assessments to ensure his/her voice and teaching is up to standard. Every two years, as long as your teacher has met all the necessary requirements, he/she will progress to the next level where you can expect his/her fees to also rise!

Your teacher will have a certificate to prove he/she is in good standing within the organisation and will be listed on the main website www.speechlevelsinging.com as a certified teacher.