June 2018 Newsletter - Esteem Vocals Update and Offerings

It's been a while... 

Those who know me well are aware that in Sept 2017 I took a plunge and went back to University starting the Music Degree Program at VIU.  I deeply wanted to strengthen my knowledge of music, and what I could offer my students and community. My first year has taught me a lot, not just about the technical aspects of the craft, but also about where my passion lies when it comes to this wonderful world of music and singing.  To be honest, some of it didn't resonate well with me, but there were other areas that were captivating because they have so much potential - and feel completely aligned with what I want my offering to the world to be.  The first is Community Music.

Community Music simply is music that is made by a community for itself.  It is often interdisciplinary, which means it can combine dance, arts, and other practices, and in its best form is inclusive, up-lifting,  and creates connection between a participants.  Integrating music into community is ancient, and has been practiced in cultures around the world, since time recorded. I feel a call to create fresh opportunities for community to gather in interactive singing, rhythm making, and music playing, as I see this important art form being lost in our North American Society.

My second area of passion is focused on the use of singing to empower, heal, and encourage authentic self-expression.  Singing and voice work is powerful, emotionally because of the vulnerability's it brings up, and the courage it requires, and physically as singing is being proven to be a valuable tool in voice recovery healing after stroke or other neurological illness of injury.  I have being incorporating personal empowerment work into much of my Vocal Lesson content (with my students permission of course) and am adding to my skills as a Vocal Empowerment Coach, with continuing training in Compassionate Inquiry, Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology.  

I have a number of offerings this summer, and I am hoping you will take a moment to give them a look, or perhaps share them with a friend, if you see something that might interest another.  Please don't hesitate to connect if you have a question, or would like more information about current programs or my up-coming plans.  

June 14th, 2018 - Sound Connection Choir Seasons End Concert and Showcase. 

Our weekly choir nights are an example of community music at its finest.  Twice a year we gather with friends, family, and community members to share a taste of what we have been working on during the year.  This concert is playful, interactive, and full of heart!  If you would like see what Sound Connection Choir is all about, please come by our showcase night.  We will be starting a new session September 2018, and welcome new singers, of all experience levels.  

For more information visit the Sound Connection Website by clicking the button below. 

Sound Connection Choir

June 17th, 2018- Free Your Voice Vocal Lesson Workshop

Every week I have a conversation with someone who tells me they like the idea of singing, but they are pretty sure they can't sing. Mostly because they have been told this repeatedly since childhood.  If this story sounds a bit like yours, this workshop is for you.  
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In this workshop participants will be guided through a series of exercises and activities to help them understand their singing voice better, and encourage vocal freedom.  It will be safe.  No one will be put on the spot, or made to sing or do anything they are not comfortable with.   We are all in this together!

Hey, it could make a good gift for Dad too! 

For more information, or to register visit my Workshops and programs page by clicking here ...

Free Your Voice

June 23rd, 2018 - Sing! Sing! Sing!

Megan Keene and I are excited to be offering this playful singing opportunity as part of the GroundZero Acoustic Lounge Workshop Series.  (If you haven't heard of GoundZero yet, check them out - lots of great things happening in this new Parksville Hot Spot) 

Last summer at the Vancouver Island Music Fest, Meg and I saw a duo from Toronto teach an audience of thousands how to sing a song in harmony in just an hour.  Was it ever fun!  
Afterwards we looked at each other and said "We want to do this too" - maybe not in front of thousands of people, (yet) but certainly with a group from our own community. 

Let's give it a go!  A fun, interactive, musical-community- building experience for people of any singing level.  
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You can register for this workshop through the GroundZero Website by clicking the button below. 

GroundZero

July 15th, 2018 - Circles of Sound. 

A few years ago I had the opportunity to take a week long retreat style training from the amazing Rhiannon; a gifted singer, song-writer and improvisational singing performer who works around the world.  It changed my life. 

At the retreat I was introduced to the concept of circle singing. This is a guided improvisational singing style that is easy to do, and creates amazing results.  
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There are Circle Singing groups around the world, and I want us to have one here. They are so much fun!

In this workshop I will guide you through the elements of circle singing, and together we will play around with creating a variety of improvised songs - it could be anything... 
You don't have to have any musical experience to attend this workshop.  I will support you in whatever you need.  You just need a willingness to have fun and try something new.  

​For more information, or to register visit my Workshops and Programs page by clicking here.

Circles of Sound

One Last Thing...

I have a few spots open for summer vocal lessons, should you be thinking of freeing your voice in a more one-on-one environment.  
You can learn more by clicking here...

Vocal Lessons

Or by sending me an email.  

I really hope to see you at one of my summer programs.  The world always feels  better when we sing together. 

Love,

​ Sharon.  

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