Just getting better: Claire Martin OBE on vocal training and why it matters for jazz performers
Critically-acclaimed British jazz vocalist, recording artist and presenter Claire Martin OBE has enjoyed a glittering career both on stage and in the recording studio.
She's performed at iconic venues worldwide, including New York City's prestigious Algonquin Hotel and Ronnie Scott's legendary jazz club in London, and has collaborated with many celebrated artists, including the late Sir Richard Rodney Bennett. And if that weren't enough, she's also won eight British Jazz Awards, released twenty-four albums and received a BASCA Gold Badge Award for her contribution to jazz.
With critics celebrating Claire Martin as “one of the finest jazz singers in the world today,” there's no doubt she can sing and sing well. But until recently, she just didn't know how she was doing it.
As the world locked down during the pandemic, Claire used some of her new-found free time to seek out more information that could help her develop her artistry even further. She found voice teacher and Estill Master Trainer, Stefan Holmström, and the two started working together online. Stefan introduced Claire to Estill Voice Training, a scientific, evidence-based system for vocal development and it wasn't long before she saw a whole new world of vocal possibilities open up.
"I felt fantastic because I had stumbled upon something I could see being very helpful. And it has helped me a lot," Claire recalled. "Meeting Stefan and delving into the Estill technique gave me so much more insight into how my voice actually works. It added on to the knowledge I'd gained over the years and filled gaps."
Founded in the 1980s by Jo Estill, an American singer, educator and voice researcher, Estill Voice Training identifies structures in the larynx and vocal tract (i.e. throat, mouth and nose) that are then trained in detail to give conscious, predictable and reliable control of the voice. Committing to this process of self-discovery can help people become stronger and more emotional performers by giving them effective tools to improve their craft.
"I became much more informed. It took away the 'breath is king' thing that I had gone along with for years."
"I became much more informed. It took away the 'breath is king' thing that I had gone along with for years and introduced me to a much more vivid sense of how I'm producing sound," said Claire. "I actually think about my larynx now and what the set-up needs to be to make the sounds I want. I'm also much more aware of my alignment on stage and how much effort I'm using."
Identifying and quantifying exactly how much effort is needed to sing and speak comfortably is a key approach in Estill Voice Training and vital for maintaining vocal health and sustainability. Claire has also found that other techniques like SOVT bubbling exercises make a big difference to her overall vocal health.
"I belt better with much less effort. I'm kinder to myself and realise I don't have to go hell for leather all the time."
"I find myself stepping back on the effort and adjusting it on stage," said Claire. "I belt better with much less effort. I'm kinder to myself and realise I don't have to go hell for leather all the time."
Another aspect of sessions with Stefan that has made an impact on Claire is the clear imagery she gets from Stefan's anatomical models of the larynx and tongue. She also finds it incredibly useful to watch endoscopic videos showing the inside of the larynx when voice is being made or what it looks like when the vocal folds are inflamed from overuse or infection.
"It's wonderful knowing what you're working with, knowing what's going on," said Claire. "When I got laryngitis, for example, I didn't freak out. I knew what it was because I'd seen it in one of the videos Stefan showed me. I knew it would subside and I knew my voice would be OK. It's really calmed me down."
Use of this strong, anatomical imagery also extends into Claire's artistry where she now uses it to create the vocal colours she wants. She can decide if she wants to change her sound dramatically or only very subtly depending on what she wants to say and the emotion behind it. And she can make those changes happen consistently because she knows what it feels like.
"Before if I wanted a smoky sound, I used to imagine being in a smoky lounge," said Claire. "But now that I know how to make that sound by controlling my larynx and false vocal folds, I can do it easily every time."
By learning more about Estill Voice Training with Stefan and applying some practical concepts to her work, Claire is not only investing in her future and ensuring that the years to come are as easy and sustainable as possible, she's also becoming an even more formidable jazz vocalist.
"When you become a professional singer, you get to a certain standard and you know you can sing, but I wanted to get better. I want to keep getting better."
"When you become a professional singer, you get to a certain standard and you know you can sing, but I wanted to get better. I want to keep getting better," said Claire. "Stefan's such a great teacher. To have someone with such a good ear hear the nuance of my voice and be able to tweak it a little bit is really refreshing."
Be sure to catch Claire Martin OBE this summer at the Iford Manor Jazz Festival where she's once again serving as Festival Curator. The festival takes place near Bath from 20th-23rd June 2024 and features national treasure and jazz legend Elaine Delmar, The Martin Sjöstedt Trio and multi-award winning vocalist Ian Shaw.
Looking ahead to September 2024, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Claire's next album in collaboration with Sweden's Martin Sjöstedt Trio on Stunt Records and a tour throughout the UK and Europe.
Stefan Holmström is a professional opera singer and voice teacher who works with a diverse range of clients. He offers online and in-person vocal coaching and workshops from his studio in central Brighton in the UK. As an Estill Master Trainer (EMT), Stefan uses Estill Voice Training (EVT) as a baseline for safe and sustainable voice use.
