History

Jo Estill, world-renowned educator, researcher, and singer, founded Estill Voice Training™ (originally called Estill Voice Craft™) and the Figures for Voice™(originally known as Compulsory Figures for Voice™) in 1988.

Hear Jo Estill discussing Craft, Artistry and Metaphysics in 2007 by viewing the video below.

Jo began her career as a “classical” singer of Lieder and Opera. Now she may best be known for her work with “Belting,” a voice quality heard in Pop and Music Theatre singing. Her unique approach separates the mechanics of singing from artistic and aesthetic preconceptions.

With nearly 25 years of experience in research in the vocal physiology, acoustics, and perception of voice quality, Ms. Estill was published in the Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology, Journal of Voice, Medical Problems of Performing Arts, and, most recently, in Vocal Fold Physiology: Voice Quality Control, and Vocal Fold Physiology: Controlling Complexity and Chaos.

Jo Estill taught voice at college and professional levels for over 30 years, and conducted workshops in Compulsory Figures for Voice™ from 1988. She traveled to five continents training singers, actors, teachers, speech pathologists and others. Included on her resume were four 2-month sessions-in-residence at the Shiki Theatre and the Shochiku Dance Company in Tokyo, and two visits to London's Central School for Speech and Drama.