Farrington helps to fine tune voices of rising opera stars

World-acclaimed classical voice teacher and vocal "troubleshooter" Paul Farrington loves his work, loves his life and loves his annual opera vocal classes in Wanganui.
Over the past six years he has taught and held special master classes at the New Zealand Opera Summer School at Collegiate College. "I really look forward to coming here every year, and hope I keep being invited."
He is welcomed with open arms every year by the local Wanganui people involved in setting up Opera School Week.
"They are so good to me so it makes it a very special time."
Even though he initially trained as a classical tenor, the machinations of the voice, how it works and how to keep it in fine shape led him 20 years ago to work with ear nose and throat surgeons at a University Hospital in Britain.
For 17 years he was just one of two clinical vocal consultants employed by the National Health Service at a Professional Voice Users' Clinic.
Paul emphasises he is not a doctor, he is a phonetician (a specialist in vocal sounds).
He is currently vocal consultant to the Royal New Zealand Opera House Covent Garden and Goteborgs Operan in Sweden and teaches annually at the Samling Foundation (UK) and the New Zealand Opera School here in Wanganui.
Classical singing is all about controlling your physiology, he said. "Your body is an instrument, and you need to set yourself up every time you sing.
"The body is not an instrument like a piano with a solid wooden frame or a clarinet with a wooden pipe, your body doesn't have that outer protective frame, so it's all about posture and strength."
He believes in a holistic approach to vocal training and advises strengthening the body through the Alexander Technique, Pilates or yoga - whatever best suits the needs of each vocal student.
He personally has a weekly massage and attends yoga classes ever aware that the human spine needs careful nurturing and looking after.
"Most of us spend our days in unnatural positions sitting at computers for example and for me sitting at a piano for most of the day too.
"It is so important to stretch your spine out. It helps to keep everything fluid, keeps the flexibility and stops the body becoming rigid."
As well being based at the Royal Opera House, Paul has a vocal clinic in London.
He is internationally recognised for his talents as a vocal "troubleshooter" with his advice constantly sought by agents, managers and television/record producers about a wide range of artists.
He is also called upon by a number of production companies in London who are working with artists experiencing vocal difficulties.
He described the 21 students at the Wanganui school this year as a great team of young singers.
"I've so enjoyed working with them all ...
"It's been an absolute joy and a pleasure, and I'm already looking forward to 2012."