Arthur Donald Hewlett

In 1925 a young man, doing post-graduate work at the University of London, found himself trying to sing, none too successfully, in a church choir in south east London.   He noticed a fellow chorister retiring into the corner of the vestry humming quietly to himself.   His explanation of why he did this, led Arthur Hewlett to Ernest George White and to a lifetime’s commitment to the technique for which this Society was formed, only ending 80 years later at his death on 2nd March 2005 at the age of 102.

Although pursuing a professional career firstly as a teacher and then in educational administration, Arthur continued to support White’s work, influencing Sir Percy Nunn to complete a course of lessons for which he expressed much appreciation.  He edited the 1938 edition of White’s “Sinus Tone Production” suggesting refinements to the basic theory.    Whilst adhering to the basic tenets of the method, his considerable intellect and logical thought led him to develop the sinus tone concept still further, culminating in “The General Theory”.  Defining as it does that voice is produced by the integral activity of the whole vocal tract but in training and practise attention is best directed to the sinuses, this represented a development from White’s initial proposition.  This, however, was as far as he would go, arguing passionately both within and outside the Society with any who might wish to give greater credence to the vocal fold theory.

In 1977 he was asked to present a paper entitled “Still bearing Fruit” to the Association of Teachers of Singing meeting in Aldeburgh.     He returned again in 1978 with “Voice Training – Finding a Common Approach” and with students and fellow teachers from this Society gave a demonstration at Dartington in 1981.  Although received with polite interest by many of the Association he was saddened by the hostility of several and the general indifference to a technique that could prove useful to fellow teachers in their work.   One who did accept the challenge was Sir Peter Pears, who, having read of E.G. White’s books, requested a lesson and was promptly given one!     When Arthur’s book “Think Afresh about the Voice” was revised and enlarged to contain the papers presented at Aldeburgh, together with the General Theory, Sir Peter Pears wrote the foreword.  
 
By his own admission, Arthur was only moderately gifted vocally, although coming from a Methodist background was steeped in the singing traditions he learnt as a boy.     After his voice had “broken” he recalled trying to sing bass and despite lessons at the London College of Music found the high notes beyond him.  However in 1956 he obtained a musical diploma as a tenor performer at an age when many singers might be giving up - a tribute to sinus control and a course of lessons in the Alexander Technique that he believed complements our work so well.   He performed locally in Kent and regularly at Society gatherings, mastering the Beethoven Song Cycle, An die ferne Geliebte, in German, in his 78th year and five years later sang Love went A-riding by Frank Bridge.   How many others would have felt so confident that our method could achieve such success?  Although students had benefited from his teaching since the 1950’s it was on retirement that he set about ensuring that the work in which he believed so passionately became more widely known.     He taught both at the Wigmore Studios in London and in Dover.    Whilst many of his students have sadly died or are constrained by other commitments, some are still active in the Society and can, themselves bear witness to his enthusiasm and inspired teaching.   Always generous with his time he gave consultations to any experiencing voice difficulties, amongst these being Dr. Mark Dellar who acknowledged the help he had received by attendance at Arthur’s funeral.

Arthur continued to teach, write articles, attend conferences, meetings of our Society and concerts where his former pupils and “grand pupils” were performing until increased physical infirmity prevented much travel.   With his mind still active he revised the Rules of the Society to ensure its continuation despite the decline in members and the disinclination of others to attend meetings.   He gave encouragement to his younger colleagues and corresponded with anyone who might be persuaded to investigate the benefits of the technique for themselves.

Arthur Hewlett’s tireless work in promoting White’s Technique is unrivalled and without his devotion this Society would have long ago ceased to exist.   In death he has provided generously to allow the work to continue and had wished that his skull could have been used for further research.   However this was not possible but his legacy lives on in the lives of those who whatever their initial talent have achieved success and enjoyment through the use of their voice.

Dorothy Douse