BVA ARCHIVE: Profiles
The new editor of COMMUNICATING VOICE, interveiwed by Gordon Stewart, the departing editor.
Lynne Wayman
How did you come across the British Voice Association?
In the spring of 1997 I went to a production given by students on the newly established Musical Theatre course at the Royal Academy of Music. I was really moved because as a student at RAM 30 years earlier nothing like this had been offered and I realised it was a route I might have taken had the opportunity been there. I went to congratulate Mary (Hammond) on the performance and asked what had inspired her and how could I find out more. Her advice was to join the British Voice Association and look at the work of Jo Estill.
It's always interesting, since we are such a broad swathe of professionals in the BVA, to know more about the individual people who belong. Can you give a thumb-nail picture of your career?
After finishing my Performance Course I was one of the first artists to be sponsored by Eastern Arts; which meant that they would pay half my fee to choral societies, music clubs or any one that would engage me! I also returned to Nottingham 3 days a week to teach at my former College of FE as the singing teacher had left. So at 22 I was teaching students, often older than me, to Diploma standard. I continued at the College for over 20 years working with music and drama students and began Singers' Workshops -3 evening classes for adults and Find Your Voice. This was vital experience for when I opened my Voice Centre in 2000 and started the courses in France last year. Throughout this time I continued my solo career in Oratorio, concert and recital singing; I particularly enjoyed collaborating with actors and adding a multi-media dimension to performances.
Were there any turning points, revelatory moments, any epiphanies on your journey to Damascus?
Again I remember the summer of '97 - several friends and colleagues agree that this was a pivotal year. After the RAM production I went to the International Congress of Voice Teachers hosted by AOTOS at the Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre where speakers from around the world, including several BVA members, shared their research and ideas with over 700 delegates from many countries. I came home fired with enthusiasm and spent the next three years reading, relearning, attending and facilitating as many courses as my energy levels would allow! I joined the BVA Council in 2001.
Most of us, leaving school, have an idea of what we would like to do with this empty space of years ahead of us. Ambitions, dreams, whatever? What were yours?
Apparently I sang before I could speak or I would make melodic sounds; singers have often mentioned that this has been their experience too. It's not surprising though as our house was always full of music; my father played saxophone and other instruments so I learnt to improvise and "scat" from an early age, this also trained my ear. I began, very gentle, lessons when I was 9 and when I had to write the usual school essay "what do you want to be when you grow up?" the answer was simple, there was never any doubt -a singer. I'm very fortunate being able to spend my life doing what I love though it's a huge responsibility.
Is there anything you've found out recently, career-wise, that you wish you'd known sooner?
That the audience are on my side! When one has auditioned, entered prizes, taken exams etc it's easy to think that criticism will only be negative. It's good to be self-critical but I think I turned it into a fine art! On the plus side this has given me empathy in my teaching and I strive to be constructive.
What might a working week or month involve for you?
I think it's very easy to become insular in our studio, same pupil at the same time on the same day for 25 years (a teacher confessed this to me!) I enjoy diversity and I'm fortunate, at present, to work with experienced, committed adults on a monthly basis. I then have 2 workshops a month where singers can try out audition or performance pieces. I guest teach at 3 Colleges in the area and run a monthly Teaching Teachers Class to improve the skills of 6 established and 3 student teachers. I need time to develop projects under the Voice Centre umbrella e.g. Singing with Harpsichord, Microphone Workshops, An Introduction to Jazz and Blues etc. I also invite a guest presenter once a year.
I know some members are aware that in 2003 my husband, John, suffered a "Stroke", although he has made a remarkable recovery life has changed, again I'm fortunate to be in a profession that allows for flexible working practices.
All of us, as editors, have had hopes that we might have a benign influence on the course of the newsletter. What are your hopes in that direction?
I would like to encourage discussion and exchange of ideas through the Newsletter so if my musings have struck a chord or annoyed anyone I hope they will send an e- mail or put pen to paper!
What are your interests outside of work patterns, when you have the time to indulge them? Anything truly frivolous?
Glossy magazines - I love fashion. Far away places, I'm trekking in Peru for the Children's Society next Spring.
