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The Embodied Voice, Basics Toolkit

10 January 2023 • 18:00 - 19:30

Event Series Event Series (See All)
60€ – 100€
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“It makes loads of sense! Each time I left feeling energised, happier, and more connected to my body/voice”

The Embodied Voice Online – “Basics Toolkit”

Integrate the mind, body, and voice; an introduction to the basic principles behind The Embodied Voice

In this 4-week course, we will do something that may seem counter-intuitive in the voice training world – teach you to be the expert on your own voice! We are going to look at how you learn, how you navigate your physical-mental biological system (aka. body), and it’s not through repetition of scales, it’s not through fear and judgement, it’s not even through top-down instruction!

Instead, we are going to learn to learn from the “body up”. We’ll work with neuroscience of the brain, primal functions of the body, and our innate intelligence. We will touch on anatomy, psychology, arts practice, and life practice.

All of this to begin to correct our culture’s original sin – the separation of mind and body. I like to add voice to the mix. Do you recall how as a young child there were no distinctions – between expression, movement, sounding, learning, exploring, being? It takes some unlearning and stripping back to rediscover that integration, but with practice and curiosity we can access moments of flow where the distinctions between mind-body-voice melt away, and we live joyfully in the present.

Oh and your voice will feel full, expressive, and easeful. Not bad eh?

Course Syllabus:

1. Self-image

You can’t change yourself until you know yourself.

An introduction to some neuroscience basics.

2. Do less

Before jumping into action, learn to listen to what is already present and occurring.

Practicing movement as a form of deep listening.

3. Everything everywhere all at once!

Your whole body organises to create sound – it’s all relevant.

A brief tour of anatomy as relates to the voice.

4. Play

The fastest way to learn is through play – what shall we discover today?

Exploring the role of community and connection in widening our range and depth of expression.

What is “The Embodied Voice?”

The Embodied Voice is a practice that brings together movement and singing in order to help us live more joyfully in our bodies and minds. Developed over many years, drawing from a diverse range of influences from somatic movement practices to theatre and dance, The Embodied Voice offers a holistic vision of how the voice can serve to bring us back to ourselves.

While we do improve our vocal ability by developing the connections between voice and body, the aims of The Embodied Voice don’t stop there! By singing, moving, and creating, we nurture our mental and physical well-being, our self-expression and creativity, and our connection and collaboration with others.

Dates:

Tuesday evenings

January 10, 17, 24, 31 2023

6:00-7:30pm (GMT) 1.5hrs

You will need a space/carpet/matt to lie down, as well as a cushion or block for sitting. Please wear clothing you feel comfortable moving in.

**Classes will be recorded so that people who are unable to attend in person can catch up later. However, we will need a basic quorum present in order to run the class, so please let me know in advance if you will not be able to attend some sessions in person. Recordings may be shared publicly after the course concludes, so please inform me if you prefer not to be recorded.

Prices per class:

Prices are offered on a sliding scale in order to enable people from all backgrounds to share the space together. With no questions asked, please select the contribution that matches what you feel able to offer in support of this work. Thank you.

Reduced £60

General £80

Abundant £100

Donations accepted

Spaces are limited to 15 people.

www.theembodiedvoice.net

http://facebook.com/theembodiedvoice

@theembodiedvoice/

* * * *

Why “Embodied”?

Many of us live with an unspoken assumption that the body and mind are separate. While the mind is caught up in thought, abstraction, planning, and judging, we may only notice the body when it speaks up via sensations like discomfort, hunger, or tiredness.

Embodiment simply implies that we are not separate from our body and that it has more to offer us. When we bring our whole self to rest inside the body, when we let the body lead us to internal congruence, we discover a full expression of “yes”, a feeling of being fully in and of our experience.

Why “Voice”?

Moving and sounding are primal functions, they are fully integrated; our whole body engages in the creation of sound, while bringing sound into our movement helps us access our vitality. Movement and voice brought together can be powerful means for processing, expressing, and changing ourselves, others, and the world around us.

About Kate

Once declared the “singing madame” of Beijing’s cabaret scene (Global Times), Kate Smith has travelled the globe, crossing borders and musical genres alike, continually defying labels. With experience performing professionally in classical, folk, pop rock, improvisation, musical theatre and more, Kate eventually landed in London, studying classical singing and earning her MMus in Leadership at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where she also began developing The Embodied Voice. Since then, Kate has become an in-demand performer and maker in British vocal theatre. She is passionate about transforming our relationship to the body by creating music – and facilitating collective music-making – for voices and bodies in motion.

Kate’s teaching draws on many influences including yoga, Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais Method®, Body-Mind Centering®, mindfulness, contact improv, dance, and theatre. She has studied with Meredith Monk, Seke Chimutengwende, Margaret Pikes (Roy Hart Theatre), Grzegorz Braal (Song of the Goat), Guillermo Horta (VABAS) and more. She is a cast member of Verity Standen’s Undersong and Artistic Director of THAT! Ensemble.

www.KateSmithMusic.com

Testimonials

“Kate’s lightness and joy combined with her obvious deep feelings for her work have made the sessions an amazing and happy environment. She is an alchemist and her work is transformational.”

“Brilliant, as usual! A delightful and charming personality blessed with a sharp and creative mind, an articulate and joyful delivery, and a passion for what she does, can’t fail to engage people! Plus her warmups are always felt and directed from the inside with great awareness. She is able to inspire, support and work with a wide variety of people of all ages and backgrounds.”

Details

Date:
10 January 2023
Time:
18:00 - 19:30
Series:
Cost:
60€ – 100€
Event Category:
Website:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/katesmith/822327/
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