A Brief Introduction to Listening Therapy

French ear, nose and throat physician, Alfred A.Tomatis began developing his method in 1947, based on research into occupational deafness among factory workers and the spectacular vocal production of classical singers. His technique aims at understanding and structuring the control circuits of voice, speech, language, social-emotional functioning and behaviour via listening.

He discovered that sound production is directed by the auditory system, which in turn is linked to the brain as centre of thought, feeling and behaviour. The interaction between audition and phonation, that is, the hearing and production of sound is now known medically as the "Tomatis Effect".

THE TOMATIS EFFECT

The electronic listening device developed by Tomatis over many years is at the heart of listening therapy. This device re-trains the muscles of the middle ear to respond to frequencies that we have lost the ability to listen to. It is genuine gymnastic exercise for the ears, tailored to the individual requirements of the client. Throughout the training period you will undergo listening assessments to monitor programme and progress.

By fine-tuning your listening you may:

Chanting is the active part of the course. Using the electronic listening device you will learn to chant or sing, as you have never dreamed possible.

About The Listening (Voice, Music and Language) Centre, London

The Listening Centre, London was established by Ella Williams in May 2001. Ella first became aware of the work of Dr.Tomatis whilst performing in Strauss's "Elektra" at the Sydney Festival in 2000. Fascinated by what she read, she resolved to take a course of therapy in the pursuit of an ever more perfect presentation as a singer and performer, but what followed changed her life fundamentally. Ella resolved to learn more about the therapy, rather than just to undergo it's powerful effects.

Ella brings to the therapy a lifetime of experience from the stage and in particular the correct technical use of the voice. Ella's direct experience of the change the Tomatis Method made in her own vocal production is best summarised in Tomatis's own words, "we sing with our ears". For Ella, the foundation of any career in which effective communication plays an important role, is based on correct listening.

Because of Ella's background, the Listening Centre, London, deals with voice, music, language and sports performance. The centre has to date treated successfully; actors, musicians, singers, choristers, golfers, barristers, public relations executives, public speakers and teachers. Although Ella is a classical singer, she deals with all forms of singing and music; popular, new-age and musical, as well as classical, but she derives the greatest pleasure in teaching those to sing who always thought it was impossible for them to do.

Ella has had articles published in Positive Health, The Singer and Fanfare (Friends of the London Philharmonia Orchestra).

The Listening Centre, London, is open six days a week from 8.30am to 9.00pm and its nearest tube connections are Highbury and Islington on the Victoria line (one stop north of Kings Cross) and Arsenal on the Piccadilly line.

For further information visit, www.tuneyourears.com or call on 0207 359 5268