Some prestigious institutions that have hosted Professor Cheng's Tao of Voice workshops include: the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, The Royal Conservatory of Singing and The Royal Conservatory of Dramatic Art in Madrid, Espace Expression in Paris and The Juilliard School in New York City. .

An Interview with Stephen Cheng
The Tao of Voice

(Mr. Cheng) So far, I have no knowledge of anyone else in the business doing so.

(DJ) It's refreshing to find that your approach to singing is, in fact, directly related to what appears to be your lifestyle, in general. You've taken time-tested teachings and mixed them with creative, yet, simplistic techniques which I find quite amazing. For instance, your exercises for circular movement in developing breath control are fascinating. Why, in your opinion, is mental imagery so important to singers?

(Mr. Cheng) The mental imagery is very important to singers because seeing is believing – even though, it is imagined. However, some singers may not need the mental imagery to help them when they understand well, and feel what they are singing.

(DJ) We all know how important exercise is for increasing strength, endurance and, in general, improving our overall health. However, I was surprised to read how you have tied musicianship with what seems to be such strenuous exercises for the body and the mind. What is the advantage in using kinesthesis in helping visualize and direct sound?

(Mr. Cheng) I don't use strenuous exercises for singing. It is against my harmonious philosophy. If the exercises are strenuous, they are not being done properly! The advantage in using kinesthesia in helping visualize and direct sound is to pre-condition a singer to visually, physically and sometimes even musically feel what he/she is going to do in a real performance.

(DJ) I'm quite sure that you hear this next comment often when you are working with various people around the world at your workshops, one of which will be presented in New York City at the end of this month. Many of us know the benefits of meditation are bountiful, yet, we have conditioned ourselves to believe that we are too busy for such. Just how important is it to use meditation, as a musician, and please give us the answer you give to so many when they complain that they just can't seem to meditate!

(Mr. Cheng)The purpose of meditation is to clear and quiet the mind so that the person can think clearly and calmly. When the mind is calm, a person's physical being will be relaxed, too. Besides, when the mind is quiet and clear, a person can use his intuitive power more effectively. A singer or musician definitely needs to have more opportunities to use their intuition to create. Therefore, meditation will benefit them. Some people can't meditate mainly because they are not accustomed to sitting a long time and trying to think of nothing and be calm. They simply can't ward off thoughts, which keep invading their mind. There are alternative meditations such as walking and moving meditation, which are described in my book. One of the simple-yet effective ways to help yourself to meditate effectively is to count the inhale breaths, 1-2-3-4-5 and then the exhale breaths, 1-2-3-4-5, continuously.

(DJ) How important is it for a beginning singer or musician to be knowledgeable in Tai Chi, Taoism and Meditation techniques, if they are considering using your methods?

(Mr. Cheng) It is not that important, because my method is easy to learn. I do give a short talk about Taoism in my workshop.

(DJ) Have you had many people in the Western Hemisphere make comments to you about the spiritually based exercises in your book, The Tao of Voice, as being adverse to their protestant and Christian beliefs and if so, what do you say to them?

(Mr. Cheng) So far, I have not encountered people like that. If I did, I would simply tell them that Taoists don't force people to believe what they can't. I can only suggest to them to allow themselves to be open-minded enough to experience something new and effective – they may like it! Besides, my teachings are not religious at all.

(DJ) Why should singers and musicians use your approach, or philosophy, in practicing their instrument? Does your method work for everyone?

(Mr. Cheng) I offer my approach to those who are open-minded and are seeking new ways to fulfill the potential of their voice – and rapidly.

(DJ) I especially enjoyed the last few chapters in your book. One particular section aroused my curiosity to the point that I found myself practicing the exercises right where I sat! The exercises that I am speaking of, are the ones that use certain percussive, syllabic sounds that actually stimulate specifics parts of the body, including internal organs! I was enthralled with this idea. Are there any facts to substantiate these benefits relating to the exercises offered in your book?

(Mr. Cheng) I don't know if there are any facts to substantiate these exercises. These are therapeutic sounds taught by the masters, in some variations. One fact is sure: You! You did it. You felt it.

(DJ) Please share with our readers a little about your personal life, if you don't mind. Were your parents instrumental in developing your love of music? Were either of them musically inclined?

(Mr. Cheng) None of my family members were musicians and my parents were not instrumental in developing my love of music. My Chinese and foreign high school and college teachers (American, English, Jewish) did encourage me to develop my singing talent. However, my father did connect me to the music and drama worlds in some interesting way. He had the biggest photography studio in the Chinese Theater District of Shanghai. He photographed many famous Chinese opera stars. When I was five years old, I started to watch them singing with joy in a tearoom at the studio before they had their pictures taken. (My father wanted them in a good mood for the photo session!)

(DJ) How would you summarize your overall philosophy in your approach to developing musicianship to singers?

(Mr. Cheng) I believe strongly that harmonious voices and smiling hearts can bring people together in a peaceful and joyful way. My teaching not only aims at accelerating vocal progress for professional use and for enriching our personal lives, but also for helping people to get together in a peaceful and joyful way. My book, The Tao of Voice, is dedicated to people who are using their voices to promote peace and harmony around the world.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share with us the importance of your studies. I truly appreciate having your book as a resource. I teach elementary children how to sing in tune, read notation and write music. I'm sure that your book will serve to be most helpful and insightful for years to come.

Some of Stephen Cheng's upcoming events, may be in your area. If you have an opportunity to attend his workshop, please let us know and we'll offer your feedback at this site.

Feature, Calendar/Events and Entertainment Editors
ADVISORY - Stephen Cheng's Tao of Voice Master Workshop for Singers



Web Site:www.voice-tao.com
Email:info@voice-tao.com
WHAT: Those who love to sing, or sing professionally will not want to miss Stephen Cheng's Tao of Voice Master Workshop. The master workshop is held in New York City only once per year.
WHO: Acclaimed author, educator, singer and actor Stephen Chun-Tao Cheng, creator of the Tao of Voice technique.