Merrill
Shea and the McClosky Institute by
Sarah Whitten*
On one of the few warm days in May, I spent an hour and a half talking
with Merrill Shea, a Certified McClosky Voice Technician* (CMVT) and former
student of David Blair McClosky (1902-1988). Shea serves as the Boston
contact for the McClosky Institute, is on the voice faculty at Boston
Conservatory and teaches voice privately. He did his undergraduate work
at Boston University, where he studied with McClosky and Mary Davenport.
For all intensive purposes the McClosky Institute is a virtual organization.
It is a national non-profit professional organization of people trained
in the method. Officers are scattered throughout the country, coming together
for meetings and summer programs held at various Universities. Those who
are CMVTs are speech language pathologists (SLP), voice teachers and singers.
They are trained in the treatment of vocal fatigue, loss of function,
chronic laryngitis and the resolution of nodules and polyps. Patients
are referred to a CMVT by Otolaryngologists (ENT), an SLP or just by letting
their fingers do the walking through the yellow pages.
Who is David Blair McClosky?
The McClosky method represents a fusion of the artistic and scientific
worlds. Based on the principles of singing, Blair McClosky, himself a
teacher and opera singer in Boston, developed the method after experiencing
his own vocal crisis in the 1950’s. To mend his own voice McClosky
fell back on the training he received as a singer and over time worked
to codify his thoughts, building a bridge between science and singing.
In his lifetime McClosky was head voice therapy clinician at the Massacusetts
Eye & Ear Infirmary and worked with many prominent individuals including
John F. Kennedy Jr. during the 1960 campaign. He published two books:
Your Voice at its Best, and Voice in Song and Speech, both published by
Boston Music Company.
What does the method involve?
The McClosky method is designed to both enhance a healthy voice and help
to heal an injured voice. Relaxation of the extrinsic laryngeal muscle
groups and alignment of the body to free the breath form the crux of the
McClosky method. All patients, even non-singers, who work with a CMVT
will immediately begin with finding a healthy singing tone as a way of
achieving healthy speech production. The end goal is to move from speech
to song and back again with no change in timbre or resonance. (Incidentally,
for those who wish to incorporate McClosky method into their singing or
teaching regime, Shea commented that regardless of what kind of singing
one wants to do, the foundation of the McClosky method remains the same.)
Specific techniques are taught to each patient to relax the extrinsic
musculature of the larynx. These exercises focus on the muscles of the
face, tongue, jaw, neck, shoulders and the strap muscles. Once relaxed
these muscles help to free the movement of articulators. Shea pointed
out that CMVTs will NOT talk about placement of the voice, as every person
senses things differently and use of imagery can lead to compensatory
behaviors.
The second aspect that is addressed right away is body alignment and breathing.
In this respect, McClosky shares similarities with the work of F.M. Alexander.
The Alexander technique focuses on the 6 points of alignment, and changing
habitual posture problems to free the breath and the voice. CMVTs work
with patients to keep the back flat and the rib cage expanded with energy.
Shea often employs the use of a belt around an expanded rib cage making
the wearer aware as soon as the rib cage contracts (the belt will slip
off).
Can you learn to be a CMVT?
Anyone
can become a CMVT. The certification process takes place over two summers
and is held at Indiana University. During the first summer students study
anatomy and physiology and observe CMVTs working with patients. In the
second summer work from the first year is continued, and a supervised
practicum is also completed. All CMVTs must be able to demonstrate the
actions they ask patients to complete. Before entering a summer certification
program, one must attend a weekend workshop.
These intensive programs are held at three locations around the country
and can be done for Continuing Education Credits or Master’s Credit
(from Indiana University). Workshops include small group work, instruction
on technique, study of anatomy and physiology and relating speaking to
singing.
For more information:
If you think your own singing or teaching could benefit from the McClosky
method you can get more information by writing to Merrill Shea at:
McClosky Institute
162 Boylston St., Room 45
Boston, MA 02116
617/ 350-8990
The Merrill
Shea web site is:
http://www.MerrillSheavoice.com
The McClosky Institute of Voice web site is:
http://www.indiana.edu/~mcclosky/home.html
.
On this
site, you can search for a CMVT in your area.
* The law dictates who can be considered a voice Therapist, and who
can be considered a voice Technician. In Massachusetts, McClosky Certified
individuals can be called Therapists, but in other parts of the country
they may only be considered Technicians.
Merrill Shea’s
Recommendations to Singers
* Watch your speaking voice, be sure you speak as you sing
* Strive for good body alignment – a steady ribcage
* If you want to study belting, find a good teacher who knows something
about science, artistry and classical technique
* Take care of yourself physically
* Watch what you consume every day and treat reflux
* Eat for long term energy ( Shea follows the Atkins diet)
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