Rethinking the Diaphragm
Applied Physiology of the Voice
Brussels, January 17-18th, 2026
Rethinking the Diaphragm
Applied Physiology of the Voice
Brussels, January 17-18th, 2026
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Deadline for registration expiring soon for our next Brussels workshop!
Applied Physiology of the Voice
Brussels, January 17-18th, 2026
Voice professionals need to combine intensive use of their vocal cords with a high degree of performance. They need a voice that is sustainable as well as pleasant to listen to and resonant. This course offers both.
Voice professionals need to combine intensive use of their vocal cords with a high degree of performance. They need a voice that is sustainable as well as pleasant to listen to and resonant. This course offers both.
A healthy, vibrant, long-lasting, and effortless voice that conveys authenticity is a valuable asset in all kinds of artistic performances, as well as professional and personal settings.
A healthy, vibrant, long-lasting, and effortless voice that conveys authenticity is a valuable asset in all kinds of artistic performances, as well as professional and personal settings.
The diaphragm has long been hailed as the powerhouse of the voice—the great engine of breath, the muscle singers and actors are taught to “use” or “control” to support their sound. Its role in voice production is undeniable, yet its function has often been misunderstood. The diaphragm is not an instrument we can play at will; it belongs to the realm of the autonomic nervous system—the same quiet machinery that regulates heartbeat, digestion, and every rhythm we depend on but rarely notice.
The diaphragm has long been hailed as the powerhouse of the voice—the great engine of breath, the muscle singers and actors are taught to “use” or “control” to support their sound. Its role in voice production is undeniable, yet its function has often been misunderstood. The diaphragm is not an instrument we can play at will; it belongs to the realm of the autonomic nervous system—the same quiet machinery that regulates heartbeat, digestion, and every rhythm we depend on but rarely notice.
Because we cannot truly feel or command the diaphragm, every attempt to control it directly becomes a paradox. The more we try to master it, the more we disturb its natural coordination. Generations of singers have been taught to stabilise their sound by managing breath pressure or “engaging the core.” This tradition has produced remarkable artistry, but it has also come at a cost.
Because we cannot truly feel or command the diaphragm, every attempt to control it directly becomes a paradox. The more we try to master it, the more we disturb its natural coordination. Generations of singers have been taught to stabilise their sound by managing breath pressure or “engaging the core.” This tradition has produced remarkable artistry, but it has also come at a cost.
Recent studies increasingly link gastroesophageal reflux to this kind of breath management, and reflux is strikingly common among trained voice professionals. The very methods that have built successful careers can, over time, lead to discomfort, fatigue, and physical strain—reflux being only one of several problems that arise when the body’s own self-regulating systems are continually overridden.
Recent studies increasingly link gastroesophageal reflux to this kind of breath management, and reflux is strikingly common among trained voice professionals. The very methods that have built successful careers can, over time, lead to discomfort, fatigue, and physical strain—reflux being only one of several problems that arise when the body’s own self-regulating systems are continually overridden.
This workshop takes a different path. Instead of trying to control the diaphragm, we explore how to interact with it—how to let its natural rhythm take part in conscious vocal work. You cannot order your autonomic functions about, but you can learn to listen to them, to integrate rather than dominate.
This workshop takes a different path. Instead of trying to control the diaphragm, we explore how to interact with it—how to let its natural rhythm take part in conscious vocal work. You cannot order your autonomic functions about, but you can learn to listen to them, to integrate rather than dominate.
Through guided practice, participants will experience how awareness and subtle coordination allow the diaphragm to respond to the voice instead of driving it. Airflow, as science shows, is governed not by the diaphragm but by the vocal folds, and when their fine balance is restored, the diaphragm follows with quiet precision. When the body’s intelligence is invited rather than resisted, balance replaces effort, and the voice begins to sustain itself—naturally, effortlessly, and without the need for “support.”
Through guided practice, participants will experience how awareness and subtle coordination allow the diaphragm to respond to the voice instead of driving it. Airflow, as science shows, is governed not by the diaphragm but by the vocal folds, and when their fine balance is restored, the diaphragm follows with quiet precision. When the body’s intelligence is invited rather than resisted, balance replaces effort, and the voice begins to sustain itself—naturally, effortlessly, and without the need for “support.”
The workshop is mainly practical, and it is open to participants who speak any language, irrespective of their occupation (singers, actors, therapists, voice professionals) or walk of life. Neither previous knowledge of the subject nor previous training are required. The workshop will be given in English, but interaction in French will be possible. Tone-deaf participants and participants with voice problems are also welcome. Just bring your diaphragm and vocal cords and expect to be surprised!
The workshop is mainly practical, and it is open to participants who speak any language, irrespective of their occupation (singers, actors, therapists, voice professionals) or walk of life. Neither previous knowledge of the subject nor previous training are required. The workshop will be given in English, but interaction in French will be possible. Tone-deaf participants and participants with voice problems are also welcome. Just bring your diaphragm and vocal cords and expect to be surprised!
Places are limited: as the trainer uses a hands-on approach, only 10 active participants will be accepted. A minimum number of participants is required for the workshop to be confirmed.
Places are secured by paying the registration fee and they are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will close on the 5th of January, 2026. Please specify: Voice workshop 17-18th January as the reason for your payment.
The early-bird fee is only available for a limited amount of time (please see below).
Practical details:
Practical details:
Venue: the beautiful headquarters of the Centre Benenzon Belgique, in the middle of the Josaphat Parc in Brussels (Chazal stop, STIB line 7), full address: Av. Général Eisenhower 132 1030 Schaerbeek
Date: January 17-18, 2026 10-18, with lunch and coffee breaks (self-catering).
Fee: Early bird (until Dec. the 2nd): 170 €, regular fee: 210 €.
Final deadline for registration: 5th of January, 2026
A minimum number of participants is required to activate the workshop. The registration fee is non-refundable, save in the event that the workshop is canceled (force majeure or lack of participants).
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