Vale
Helen Joan Tiller
4th March, 1940 - 8th May, 2024
Helen Tiller was a founding member of ANATS SA. At the inaugural meeting on 5th July 1989, she became Secretary of the fledgling Chapter. Helen was a pioneer of voice science in Australia. She introduced Jo Estill (founder of the Estill Voice Training® method, teaching isolated control of individual anatomical structures within the voice production system) to the Australian voice community in the late 80s. She believed passionately in Jo Estill’s words that “everyone has a beautiful voice they just need to know how to use it.” Over time, she became concerned this might be perceived as a conflict of interest with ANATS, so, ever-generous, she offered to stand down as Secretary of the SA Chapter, to remove any source of confusion for prospective members. Helen remained well respected throughout ANATS and the wider voice community throughout her illustrious career.
Helen commenced teaching at Flinders University in the early 90’s after a successful career as a performer in music theatre, opera and television; she was the first female television news reader in Australia. As a result of Helen’s appointment, the Drama Centre became the first actor-training programme in the world to provide Estill voice training. She was an experienced Estill Trainer and conducted workshops for many professional music theatre companies.
Helen advocated strongly for voice research for the benefit of performing artists. In the 90s, she partnered with Ear Nose and Throat surgeon John Tomich to conduct bio feedback sessions; changing the focus of endoscopy from purely diagnostic to pursuit of knowledge. She and Dr Tomich filmed educational training videos under scope demonstrating voice control. They presented many keynote addresses throughout the world in an effort to bridge the gap between performance and science.
Helen was without question a dedicated voice teacher. She mentored and trained many performing artists and voice teachers, including myself. I owe a great debt to the unwavering mentorship Helen afforded me throughout the years. Her generosity and kindness have left a lasting legacy.
Helen never did anything by halves, she was incredibly passionate and driven to succeed in whatever she pursued. Her determination saw her become one of South Australia’s first female television presenters in the 1970s and she was also very active in politics and championed women’s rights. She always found time for her true passion, which was the theatre and ultimately, voice. This led with working with Jo and bringing the Estill model of voice training to Australia. In 2005 she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by Estill Voice Training. Her professionalism and commitment to voice education has led to countless students and professionals from all over the world excelling in their craft.
- Maryanne Whitby (Helen’s Daughter)
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