Feel comfortable, confident and original when you sing.

Circle Singing Workshop

Saturday, November 12th from 1:30 to 4:30 pm

Jazz Central Studios • 407 Central Ave SE • Minneapolis • 55415

Hi, I'm Sarah,

I invite you to spend an afternoon with me improving your singing while exploring your voice and developing new vocal skills.

This 3-hour workshop provides time and space to practice singing spontaneously in a vibrant and supportive group of singers. Games and structured improvisations allow us to have some serious fun. *smile*

What is Circle Singing?

Circle Singing can be described in many ways: vocal jamming, "Voicestra" as created by Bobby McFerrin, a vocal "drum circle," and it has simplicity, creativity and spontaneity at its heart. We use guidelines (not rules) and make things up as we go.

Gathered in a circle, we invent songs, grooves and chants to sing together. We will sing vocal patterns and motifs in pairs, quartets and in ensemble to discover melodic ideas, explore rhythmic ideas and develop our personal languages and story-telling.

Our inspiration comes from images, our singing space and, of course, each other.

How will learning to improvise improve my singing?

One word = trust.

Improvising builds trust in your self, your voice and your abilities. When you trust your voice, you can release it. You can sing with freedom and confidence.

Knowing you can improvise helps you to feel more connected to your songs, fellow players and audiences. “Mistakes” become doorways, not disasters.

Circle Singing strengthens vocal skills

Circle singing strengthens the fundamentals of good musicianship and ensemble singing, including:

deepening how we listen and interact with other players
Improving harmonic, counterpoint and rhythm skills
singing over changes
soloing and scat singing
expanding vocal colors
building technique
cultivates blend, balance, senstivity and tuning

Invaluable for all singers and musicians, Circle Singing is especially meaningful for teachers and group facilitators.

Who can attend?

Enthusiasm and a love of singing are much more important than vocal experience in this workshop. The workshop is open to singers of all levels, from beginners to professionals.

It is ideal for solo and ensemble singers, instructors, directors, group facilitators and anyone interested in community building or developing a singing practice. Each singer receives personal attention, support and feedback.

“[A] life-changing afternoon last Saturday for me; you opened up a whole new fresh start for me, who’s always known I was a singer from toddler-hood, and have been doing it out in the world now for decades and decades. I have a whole new avenue to pursue thanks to you – what gifts you have, and I love your passion for it.”
– Carol

Do I need to bring anything?

Please bring a notebook, pen or pencil and water bottle with you. You are also welcome to bring a recorder.

How do I register?

Simply complete the form below to begin the registration process. After you enter your contact information, you will be sent to a page to submit your secure online payment via PayPal.

If you prefer to mail a check, please get in touch to register. NOTE: you should complete the form below even if you plan to mail a check - completing this form gets you on the workshop mailing list for important course info and updates.

Enrollment is limited to 14 singers.

Still have questions?

I am happy to answer your questions, please get in touch.

608-338-6840
sg@sarahmgreer.com

About Sarah M. Greer

sarah greer “I have spent a decade studying vocal improvisation and the gifts have been many. I witnessed my singing and performing open and expand. I feel confident and inspired in varied performance settings and that I can really “say what I mean” when I sing. Most important, my voice feels flexible and available. I want to share these gifts with other singers.” ~sg

Sarah M. Greer is a performer, instructor and improviser who combines vocal improvisation, education and performance. Based in the Twin Cities, Sarah has invented music on local and international stages. She loves performing and co-creating with other singers and instrumentalists.

She has studied improvisation with singers from around the world and learned circle singing from Rhiannon, a member of Bobby McFerrin's Voicestra.

Sarah is passionate about the art of improvisation and helping singers trust and enjoy their unique instruments.

Get in touch: 608-338-6840 or sg@sarahmgreer.com.

About Jazz Central Studios

Jazz Central Studios is located on Central Avenue Southeast directly across from the Aveda Institute. The JCS studio space is on the lower level. (There is not an elevator.)

Metered street parking is available on Central Avenue.

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