Master SOVT and Unlock Vocal Potential

Service Description

Presented by Natalie Sheppard, BM, MA, CCC-SLP Lori Sonnenberg, MM, MA, CCC-SLP You know SOVTEs. But do you know how to make them work for the voice in front of you? Straws. Lip trills. Humming. Resonant sounds. Most singers, voice teachers, and voice clinicians are familiar with Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercises (SOVTEs)—and chances are, you’re already using them. But knowing which exercises to use, why you’re choosing them, and how to adapt them to a specific voice or vocal goal is where the real value begins. SOVTEs are not one-size-fits-all exercises, nor do they belong to one genre, teaching philosophy, or clinical approach. In this interactive workshop, Natalie Sheppard and Lori Sonnenberg will explore SOVTEs as versatile tools that can support vocal efficiency, technical development, vocal wellness, and sustainable artistry across a wide range of voices and singing styles. Rather than simply asking, “Which SOVT should I use?” we’ll explore a more useful question: “What am I trying to help this voice accomplish—and how can I shape an SOVT to get there?” What You'll Learn During this workshop, you'll learn how to: Understand the why behind SOVTEs, including the acoustic and physiological principles that make them effective. Move beyond one-size-fits-all exercises by adjusting SOVTEs for the individual voice, task, and desired outcome. Use SOVTEs toward specific vocal goals, such as balancing registers, navigating higher pitches, improving efficiency, and exploring resonance. Bridge the gap between exercises and actual singing, using principles of motor learning, phonetics, vocal acoustics, and voice physiology to create meaningful transitions into repertoire. Apply SOVTEs across genres and vocal styles without assuming that one sound, aesthetic, or approach represents the standard for “healthy” singing. Make more intentional choices about when, why, and how to use SOVTEs in the studio, practice room, performance setting, or clinic. From Exercise to Application One of the most common challenges with SOVTEs is that a singer can feel wonderful during the exercise—only to lose that ease the moment they begin singing a song. We'll explore how to close that gap. Through live demonstrations, practical applications, and case examples, Natalie and Lori will show you how SOVTEs can become more than isolated vocal exercises. They can serve as a bridge toward the actual vocal