Why Bones for Life?

This article is a report of the somatic practice, Bones for Life (R), as both a therapeutic tool for self-healing and as a simple and readily accessible tool to increase students' somatic awareness in the voice studio. The author's experience with a congenital defect of the left temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and the access to relief that this somatic modality has afforded her, is articulated. Four of the ninety processes are explored-specifically focused on improved alignment and ease of movement in the upper shoulder area-as presented in Workshop format at the 2021 Virtually PAVA Symposium. Finally, some thoughts on why these processes work to create changes in vocalization are offered.