What is Embodima?

​Embodima™ is a ground-breaking anatomically based teaching tool that uses visual images and gestures to activate complex muscle co-ordinations in the technical training of singers.

Tested for over a decade

Created by Nicola Harrison, it has been validated, tested by anatomists and neuroscientists for over a decade, and used in the teaching studio for over 14 years. Many graduates have passed through the programme, some of whom have become trainers themselves.

Training the muscles of singing

Approximately 100 muscles are in use when we sing, and their coordination is in a constant state of movement and change.

The act of singing is highly complex. It involves:

The coordination and synchronisation of entire muscle systems from the pelvis to the lips.

In other words pretty much the whole body!

How does it work?

We use around 100 muscles for singing.

Individual muscles or groups of muscles are not under our conscious control during the very complex activity of singing. So how do we coordinate them?

Embodima is a new approach which uses simple images and gestures that speak to the unconscious mind. This enables the correct muscles to be activated for flawless and solid vocal technique.

​What is imagery in singing? 

Nicola explains: ‘We cannot elect to activate the muscles of singing on our own voluntarily. The act of singing itself coordinates these muscles and, for this to take place effectively, gesture-based motor imagery can be used. This prompts the brain to orchestrate the pattern of muscle activity required.’

How do we coordinate all these muscles to create a beautiful, healthy sound? 

Emdodima™ gestures are used to create mental representations of muscle use. These supply neurological ‘prompts’ to the brain, which then responds with the appropriate muscle coordinations. 

Simple scientific studies that compare muscle activity before and after instruction using Embodima™ gestures are shown in training. 

Learn more

Singing is a dance

​”Singing is a complicated internal dance that involves the coordination of around 100 muscles. ​Embodima™ is the choreography for that dance.”

Nicola Harrison

Media

Classical Music magazine

​Read about Embodima™ in Classical Music magazine:

classical music magazine