A Wicked Vocal Coach: The Difference Between Pros & Amateur Actors with Anne-Marie Speed.

When a singer’s phone stops ringing or an actor’s voice begins to falter, the career can feel fragile. Anne‑Marie Speed has spent three decades turning that fragility into strength.

From the rehearsal rooms of West End productions to the sound‑stages of Hollywood biopics, her expertise in accent and vocal coaching has become a behind‑the‑scenes secret weapon for some of the biggest names in entertainment.

This post dives into her journey, her teaching philosophy, and the practical tools she shares with performers today.

Who Is Anne‑Marie Speed?

Anne‑Marie grew up in Dunedin, New Zealand, the daughter of broadcaster George Speed. Her childhood was filled with amateur theatre, script‑reading at the kitchen table, and a love for both speaking and singing. After moving to London, she discovered a niche that combined her theatrical instincts with a scientific approach to the voice.

• Career highlights: Voice coach on Britain’s Got Talent, The X‑Factor, The Voice, the film versions of Wicked, the Cilla Black biopic, and the Amy Winehouse biopic.
• Academic role: Spoken‑voice teacher at the Royal Academy of Music, where she has been on staff since the programme’s inception in the mid‑1990s.
• Industry respect: Recognised for her work on high‑profile projects while maintaining strict non‑disclosure agreements, which keeps her contributions largely invisible to the public eye.

The Estill Method – A Scientific Backbone

Anne‑Marie’s teaching is built on the Estill Voice Training system, pioneered by Jo Estill. The method breaks vocal production into discrete, controllable “figures” (such as support, onset, and tone) that can be practiced individually and then integrated. This scientific framework gives performers the confidence to belt, speak, or sing with power while protecting their vocal health.

Why Estill Works for Modern Performers

• Safe belting – Enables singers to reach high chest‑voice notes without strain, a skill that became essential after the resurgence of belting in shows like Wicked.
• Vocal individuality – Trains artists to keep their unique timbre, so a voice sounds like “them” even when adopting a new style or character.
• Cross‑disciplinary benefits – Strengthens breath support for actors, improves resonance for singers, and enhances articulation for accent work.

Core Techniques You Can Use Today

Anne‑Marie often recommends a handful of simple, high‑impact exercises that performers can integrate into any routine.

• The Siren Warm‑Up
  • Glide smoothly from low to high and back, keeping the tone soft and connected.
  • Benefits: Laryngeal flexibility, even vocal‑fold contact, and breath regulation.
• Jaw‑Tension Release
  • Gentle mouth opening and closing for five seconds each, followed by neck rolls.
  • Pair with diaphragmatic breathing (inhale 4 sec, hold 2 sec, exhale 6 sec) to reduce anxiety‑related tension.
• Accent Clarity Drill
  • Focus on vowel precision and clear consonant articulation while maintaining the natural rhythm of your native accent.
  • Goal: Intelligibility without sacrificing personal vocal identity.

These exercises require only a few minutes a day, yet they target the same muscles and coordination that professional coaches work during intensive studio sessions.

Managing Performance Anxiety

The pandemic heightened performers’ anxiety, often manifesting as jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and reduced vocal freedom. Anne‑Marie stresses that anxiety is a physical state that directly affects the voice. By recognizing the physical symptoms and applying the jaw‑tension release techniques, singers and actors can preserve vocal quality even under pressure.

She also cautions coaches to respect professional boundaries: offering encouragement and practical tools while directing clients to qualified therapists for deeper psychological issues.

From Stage to Screen – Adapting the Voice

Working on film projects presents unique challenges compared to live theatre. On set, there is little time for new vocal instruction; coaches must provide concise, actionable reminders that actors can apply instantly. Additionally, film recordings capture every nuance, leaving minimal room for post‑production fixes.

Anne‑Marie’s approach emphasizes:

• Preparation – Actors arrive with a solid, rehearsed vocal foundation, reducing the need for on‑set coaching.
• Consistency – Using the siren warm‑up before makeup and lighting ensures the voice remains stable throughout long shooting days.
• Efficiency – Minimising ADR (automated dialogue replacement) preserves the authenticity of the performance and saves production costs.

Teaching Philosophy – Voice as a Personal Asset

At the heart of Anne‑Marie’s work is a simple belief: a voice should always sound like its owner. She avoids imposing a generic “style” and instead focuses on helping each performer discover the fullest expression of their own instrument.

• Positive feedback – Constructive, non‑personal guidance builds confidence without shrinking the artist’s sense of self.
• Relaxed environment – Creating a low‑stress studio space allows learners to experiment without fear of criticism.
• Holistic development – Encouraging actors to explore poetry, script analysis, and movement further enriches vocal expression.

Where to Learn From Anne‑Marie

• Estill Level 1 & 2 Courses – Designed for singers, actors, and speakers looking to build a solid technical foundation.
• Specialized Workshops – Short, focused sessions on topics like the siren warm‑up, jaw‑tension release, and accent clarity.
• Psychology for Performers Seminar – An exploration of anxiety management, boundary setting, and effective teaching strategies.

All details, including enrollment links and upcoming dates, can be found at thevoiceexplained.com.

Closing Thoughts

Anne‑Marie Speed has quietly reshaped the vocal landscape of modern performance. By marrying scientific rigor with a compassionate teaching style, she equips singers and actors to sustain long, healthy careers without compromising their unique voice.

Whether you’re preparing for a West End musical, a film biopic, or simply want to sound clearer on a video call, the tools she shares can make a dramatic difference.

Ready to give your voice the care and expertise it deserves? Explore her courses, try the siren warm‑up, and experience the confidence that comes from mastering your own instrument. The next time the phone rings—or the microphone lights up—let it be a reminder of the power you now hold in your own voice.