TEACHING STATEMENT:
“My goal as a teacher is to help you open yourself to more of your potential, whether it be releasing habits and finding more freedom in your body through the Alexander Technique or discovering more vocal range, ease and flexibility in your singing voice. We are all capable of so much more than we imagine! In Alexander class this manifests as a connecting to a deeper understanding of and stronger sensory relationship to our body/mind. This allows us to be more aware and present in the moment. As we free ourselves we become more sensitive to and able to take on different physical patterns for roles we might play. In Singing it’s a matter of connecting to our whole selves, using the principles of the Alexander work to free and develop the voice. We use body awareness, breath work and vocal exercises working as a group. We play with finding comfort equally in movement and in stillness. This work establishes a supportive sense of ensemble so individual work can feel safe and supported by the whole class. All the technical work is in support of allowing freedom of expression. In the end, singing is all about communication. We aim to be able to communicate as freely through song as we do when speaking. I love the voice and it’s my great pleasure to help you find yourselves as singers. ”
BIO:
Certifications: Matthews School for The Alexander Technique and The Institute for The Alexander Technique, member of AmSAT, Reflexologist (ARCB certified), and Reiki Master. Singing: NYC recitalist, on French TV in TARATATA and background vocalist on several recordings. Opera Orchestra of New York, Teatro Lirico Spirimentale di Spoleto (Italy), the National Grand Opera, New Jersey State Opera, and the Juilliard Choral Singers. Teaching: Dance Center, NYU School for Continuing Education, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Matthews Alexander Teacher Training Course, Playwrights Horizons Theater School (NYU), The Open Center, and The Vital Energy Source. Ms. Bernard trained in Auditory Integration specializing in pitch problems, based on the work of Dr. Alfred Tomatis.