FITZMAURICE VOICEWORK® FOR SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS & VOICE TEACHERS
Workshop participants will learn ways to enhance vocal strength, confidence, and ease. Exercises are introduced for use in both in-person and virtual settings and can be modified for small spaces and seated positioning. Discussion will include empathy and patient/client communication, potential applications to specific voice disorders, and ongoing research on Fitzmaurice Voicework. UK-based speech pathologist Christina Shewell (and Sansom, 2025)1 notes that "there is a two way connection...breathing affects phonation and laryngeal behaviour affects breathing patterns." In their approach, which addresses both speech therapy and voice training, "attention to breath will generally be the first part of the equation." The multidisciplinary nature of this course continues in the path of existing, well-established techniques of voice therapy whose sources are the performing arts (Verdolini’s Resonant Voice Therapy and Stemple’s Vocal Function Exercises). Fitzmaurice Voicework is suggested as a fruitful source that is worthy of further investigation. 1Shewell, C. and Sansom, R. Voice Work: Art and Science in Changing Voices, John Wiley & Sons, 2nd ed. (2025).
COURSE WORK WORKSHOP LEADERS: RACHEL HIRSHORN-JOHNSTON & LYNN WATSON
Foundations of Fitzmaurice Voicework – Destructuring, Restructuring, Presence, and Play “Destructuring” and “Restructuring” –
Exploring the dynamics between body, breath, voice, imagination, and language. Destructuring incorporates physical exercises, including modified yoga positions. Restructuring focuses on physical/muscular use to balance effort and ease in breath support. Presence – Somatosensory practices for enhanced awareness of self, the surrounding environment, and others within the flow of communication. Play – As an effective and motivating learning modality.
GUEST PRESENTER: JOANNA CAZDEN
The Nature of Empathy in Clinical Practice & Education
A Neurophysiological Hypothesis of Fitzmaurice Destructuring
GUEST PRESENTER: ADI CABRAL
Individual Expression in “Destructuring”
Registration Details
DATES: May 23-25, 2025
COST (includes daily lunch, coffee, tea):
$600.00 USD* Full price
$480.00 USD* Early registration discount for the first 10 registrants
$50 (Add-on for ASHA CEU registration fee*)
$480.00 Current full-time student discount
LOCATION: Texas Tech University, Charles E. Maedgen Jr. Theatre Building, Studio 267 2812 18th St., Lubbock, TX 79409
CONTACT: rachel.hirshorn@ttu.edu - for other questions about the workshop, and for information about rates and discounts for lodging if you are joining us from out of town.