Freeing the Natural Voice: Imagery and Art in the Practice of Voice and Language (Revised & Expanded)

Kristin Linklater is a genius. I have been taking a Linklater class in college, and it has forever changed my life for the better. This book is not therapy by any means but the work is therapeutic and helped me realize so many chronic tensions I had been holding. Get this book, commit to the program and work days. I promise that I am not over exaggerating, but believe me when I say this is the best book I have ever read. Even though Linklater (these days) says that she thinks the book needs revisions, this edition is almost perfect. It has dramatically improved my singing, acting, speaking, and wellbeing. This book is everything, especially to those like myself in the entertainment industry. Anyone who can speak needs to get their hands on a copy of this.

I haven’t finished the book but it was exactly what I was looking for. “To free the voice is to free the person.” A quote that is found in the back. It’s a book that helps cultivate one’s voice through bodily awareness and she gives exercises. I’m loving it so far and it was incredibly informational from the get go. At the very least, it helps me remember to be aware of my body and to relax.

On Thursday, June 4, 2020 YouTube suggested a video to me. At first I dismissed it. I then watch 90 seconds in complete awe. I watched everything I could get my hands on with immediacy. On Friday, June 5, 2020 I was floating. I would not shut up about the things i learned. On Saturday, June 6, 2020 I was in line at Whole Foods and was reminded that I needed to order this book. I then learned that on Friday, June 5, 2020, Kristen Linklater passed away. I was devastated. You see, as a voice teacher, I usually start of by telling new students that I am, (proudly) weird. I teach in a very unconventional way. Kristen Linklater and Freeing the Natural Voice changed everything for me. I found my hero...I found a tribe. As a singer, I have confidence in my work and my art. As a teacher, I approach my studio time with confidence and a point of view that I will never again question. I still get overwhelmed by the fact that I am not going to meet my hero. The crazy part is that I spent a couple of weeks in Scotland in the summer of 2018. i have never been somewhere that I felt was my forever home. There was a magnetic draw...now I know where. I was so close to my hero and didn't even know it. I love knowing that this book has had an impact on others as it has on me. I also love the fact that there are people who didn't connect with it. It's like a personal philosophy i hold very dear in my studio...I am not the teacher for everyone...and I SHOULDN'T be. Kristen and this book were revealed to me because it was time for me to read it. I am forever grateful!

Amazing book, you must have a quiet and area you can be loud in to express yourself and learn your voice to its maximum potential. The author did good with this book may she rest in piece💜

had to purchase this book for a graduate voice class. the professor used the book for many years previously so we ultimately did not use it much.

Es un libro de gran ayuda.

As a theatre director, I have read a lot of books about other directors and stagecraft, and far fewer about the intimate work of the actor. I never got around to making a close study of voice until now, and FTNV has been a wonderful revelation for me. Not only is Linklater's work imagistically strong and physically clear, but the thoughtful and careful way she approaches "release" seems a metaphor that extends well beyond the borders of the voice. It has inspired me in all facets of my artistic work. Wonderful, insightful, highly recommended.

So happy this is still available!! this is THE BEST BOOK FOR VOCALISTS!! I first used it way back in the early 80's when i was in music school majoring in voice. all the talk of breathing properly can be sooo confusing and this just makes it happen. Singing is truly a matter of mind and this book will free it!! ALL vocalists need this when they begin and as a reminder thru out their lives! try it you'll love it!

If you did the training sessions, you'll be in known territories. The only annoying thing that puts me off is the way exercices and workouts are laid out. It's text only, with no headers, etc. which make them very hard to use as it. You'll have to rewrite your own stuff. Pictures and/or a more visual way to present them would be a huge improvement.

Livro fantástico.

I studied Acting in college and my professor taught me how to properly breathe and take use of my breathing as a way of opening up all the channels for a free flow of voice and emotions. It was mind blowing to deeply understand how simple the idea was. A complete life changer, highly recommended. Shad Modir

il libro è rivoluzionario. esiste anche in italiano, ma mi hanno detto che questa versione è più aggiornata della traduzione. poi costa meno della metà della versione italiana. certo, se uno non legge l'inglese, non gli resta che sborsare 40 euro e accontentarsi della versione vecchia.

Excellent book. It’s a different world & understanding of knowledge how we can rebuild our voice through several exercises provided in n the book. I cannot appreciate more. I must recommend the book for those who are truly want , true voice for anything. It may be for singing or speaking.