Learning how to sing: why community matters.

In March 2017, the Universe neatly delivered the opportunity for me to build an online mentoring group for singers. I had just hosted an initial weekend course at Dartington Hall; called ‘Love Your Voice’. It was nurturing, inclusive, and organic, tempting some of the participants to sing out for the first time in more than 10 years.

We sang all weekend, of course, immersed in solo song, in finding their voice. I built a feeling of trust and safety in the exploration, and emotions began to stir. 

There was much discussion at the end of sessions, in the tea breaks and in the evening around the table as we all dined together. I listened hard to the vocal wants, needs, and desires of everyone involved and came away charged with the task of creating an online membership, a location-independent community. The experiences of the weekend workshop could be extended, and continued through a central hub. 

And so, Virtually Vocalise was born.  A notion of something like it had been lurking in the back of my mind for some time - more than 2 to 3 years. I knew the basic premise could work, but I didn’t know how or when it might materialise. 

 

We are now further on from that point and the group - though still small - is worth its weight in gold. It has fulfilled its membership learning potential again and again, as I teach in baby steps the mastery and skill of singing well. This is my pledge to them:

• to encourage genuine interaction within the membership
• to provide constant motivation to learn
• to provide enlightenment and inspiration
• to provide solid and bespoke vocal technique guidance
• to provide fun and positivity
• to promote healthy regard for vocal and self-care
• to plan solutions to vocal needs and concerns
• to create opportunities for study weekends and performance

I frequently touch base with the members, asking them something like this:

Q: How is membership in VV bringing alive your transformational vocal journey? It's a big question. What is working for you? 

And the answers:

The frequent, fresh and specific feedback from Gillian that evolves as we progress keeps us away from the 'OK plateau'

The structured schedule keeps our motivation strong

Our lively communications renew my enthusiasm every day

There is such an atmosphere of trust that we dare to go quite far in the way we experiment and try new things

We feel the openness to share our ups and downs in music and life

We perform to each other

We perform together

The quality time we spend together in beautiful places is deeply enriching**

Since belonging to VV I've been growing in confidence beyond even the scope of music and performance!

For me it is all about; the support that we give to each other; the trust in each other to not be afraid to try things however wrong it may go; the feeling that we are a family..I call it my VV family deliberately; the constant mentoring and support from Gillian keeping us moving forward to a greater understanding of our capabilities and stretching us to new heights. 

The sense of belonging and community is strong; it provides a solid base for exchange, observation and mutual support, the best conditions for learning and making progress.

This online Virtually Vocalise mentoring experiment has been possible because of today’s technology and as a teacher, I am deeply grateful for that.

 

But nothing can surpass what it means to put all the learning and study into action, by pulling everyone together physically, twice a year, when we meet at Dartington Hall for the two courses that I organise there in March and October, for the supreme purposes of making beautiful music together.

It’s the pinnacle of all that we strive to do together. Can’t wait for the next time. How about you?

Love Your Voice and Sing Joyfully! 

Find out more ... HERE.