NATS National Convention 2010: Unleashing Bodily/Kinesthetic Intelligence

Heralded as the “new direction” in vocal pedagogy and the “missing link” in mind/body integration, Cognitive Bodily/Kinesthetic Awareness (CKA) and the Systems of Singing reveals the key to unleashing bodily/kinesthetic intelligence to sing like a “natural” in the richly rewarding state of optimal performance—that sublime moment of time and space that embodies the essence of creative excellence. Leigh-Post notes, “The CKA and Singing research study began with an appreciation for the distinct relationship between the quality of a singer’s movement and the quality of a singer’s sound. The look of presence radiates not only from the eyes, but from the physical self.” The research findings revealed a hidden resource in audiovestibular sensorimotor processing, forming a cognitive link between instinct and intuition. Thus, with a shift in perspective from the anatomy of singing to the functional anatomy of singing, mapping not only our bodies, but also our neurophysical pathways, guides us to work in conjunction with, rather than at cross-purposes with, our conscious and subconscious systems and leads to practical methods for activation and maintenance of an optimal performance state. Additionally, an unexpected finding characterized by extraordinary ease in maintenance of heightened awareness and vigilant attention, coupled with physical ease and inhibition of anxiety, suggests a link between autonomic balance and optimal performance. The “Recurring Stimulus Theory,” (Leigh-post 2010, unpublished) rests on the reciprocal interaction of the vestibular, reticular, and autonomic systems for successful performance of complex motor behavior in response to cognitive rhythmic organizational planning for the task at hand--one second, one pulse, one sound-bite at a time.

Reviews and Recommendations

“…Leigh-Post’s cutting-edge research study into the connection between cognitive kinesthetic awareness and singing should find a large audience among voice teachers.…an excellent clinician---charming, amusing, but dispensing valuable information every second.…highly intelligent artist with a matching intellectual curiosity.” (Shirlee Emmons)

"I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation at NATS [2010]....I am SO excited about your points - I've already used some thoughts with students today, to great amazement (on their part) as well as success….it is such an exciting area of research, that I wish to learn all that I can. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise." (Rachel Velarde, Valley of the Sun NATS President, Phoenix, AZ)