The continuous efforts to correct defects

Still trying to correct my vocal defects, I began studying with France’s leading speech therapist, Dr.  Lia Gaches, in her Paris office.  Dr.  Gache’s method of voice production, based on physiological laws, rehabilitated abused voices of both singers and speakers.  I have successfully incorporated this method and the “bel canto” technique that I learned in Italy into my own singing and teaching.  Finally, I met the great technician, Claude Heater (himself a helden tenor who performed the Wagnerian and Verdian repertoire at the best theaters in the world).  After a short time working with him my vocal defects, began to disappear.  His methods to develop the diaphragm were revolutionary.  My throat opened as my diaphragm could now sustain my voice, and all the tensions in the throat, jaw, and shoulders that had compensated for support began to disappear.  It was a miracle.  These diaphragmatic exercises literally cut the time it normally takes to learn how to sing by two thirds. 

Is it true that only he who experiences the near ruination of his voice AND GAINS IT BACK can become a great teacher? 

Precisely because I had experienced so much bad technique, had so many bad habits and because I was able to correct them did I become a great voice technician.  I had this incredible passion and love of singing which forced me to continue searching until I finally found gold.  Having my voice almost ruined and then gaining it back again enables me to understand and have the practical knowledge to correct just about any vocal defect that I encounter including vocal cords that have undergone surgery.

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