Singing with Tibetan bowls and Indian shruti box

In this class we will explore the meditative qualities of sacred instruments and the natural interplay with the human voice. Without any predetermined chant or mantra, we will weave our sounds together, allowing pure vibration to carry us toward our own authentic impulse. Singing experience is not required! Individuals may participate at whatever level they feel comfortable: from listening and toning to experimenting with solo voice.

This class is for anyone who would like to:

Explore their voice in a supportive atmosphere

Tune out of the mind and into the body and breath

Experience the meditative qualities of sound

Connect to singing from a deeper place, one that feels more personal and meaningful

Bring new depth to any other singing you may do

Location: Sacred Space Studio, 3574 West 4th Ave. in Kits (just east of Dunbar)

Cost: $85. Maximum 10 participants.
Preregistration required. Please email Laurel to register.

Imagine your voice - your irreplaceable and inimitable voice - soaring, whispering, and wailing in an ever-evolving circle of song. SongRise provides a soulful surround for each singer to discover the joys of the spontaneous voice. Take your place in the circle and watch songs rise and fall: body-shakin’ grooves, sacred rants, earthy chants, and sonic castles made from all the esoteric/harmonic/melodic/rhythmic/sonic elements we can muster.
Singing experience is not required!

Location: Sacred Space Studio, 3574 West 4th Ave. in Kits (just east of Dunbar)

Cost: $15. Please bring correct change. Prepay to guarantee your spot.
Please email Laurel for registration info.

When you put down the sheet music or disregard the rehearsed song, what is left? Singers take a leap of faith. We open our ears, heart, mouth, and soul in order to fly free, trusting our powers of intention, invention, and improvisation. Is this something anyone can do? YES! The Spontaneous Voice is a lively class for anyone wanting to let go of the inner critic, demystify music-making and enter a world of joyful self-expression with others.

Who is it for?

anyone who would like to tap into their own unique sound and experience more freedom and creative expression in their singing.

shower singers who would like to play with others (clothing required!)

inexperienced singers who would like to learn music skills

choir singers who want to sing outside of the written song

singers of any style who would like to experience more freedom and authenticity in their sound

songwriters who are feeling stuck or would like to develop new musical ideas

jazz singers who want to feel more comfortable improvising with instrumentalists

health care professionals and therapists who need to take time for themselves, using sound to connect to inner worlds

spiritual seekers who would like to experience the present moment through sound

Location: Sacred Space Studio, 3574 West 4th Ave. in Kits (just east of Dunbar)

Cost: $140. Limited space.
Please email Laurel to register.

Learning to improvise can be a journey of self-discovery. As you learn to trust and follow your spontaneous impulses you will discover the path to your own, musical heart!

Who is it for?

anyone who would like to tap into their own unique sound and experience more freedom and creative expression in their singing.

shower singers who would like to play with others (clothing required!)

inexperienced singers who would like to learn music skills

choir singers who want to sing outside of the written song

singers of any style who would like to experience more freedom and authenticity in their sound

songwriters who are feeling stuck or would like to develop new musical ideas

jazz singers who want to feel more comfortable improvising with instrumentalists

health care professionals and therapists who need to take time for themselves, using sound to connect to inner worlds

spiritual seekers who would like to experience the present moment through sound

For singers who would like to dive in and take advantage of the depth and continuity that a full weekend or week of singing provides. These workshops can be designed for singers of all levels, in or outside of Vancouver. A typical weekend format would run 7-9pm Friday, and 10am-5:30pm on Saturday and Sunday. For groups of 12 to 20 singers. An optional Thursday evening "Community Sing" (based on the "SongRise" style of spontaneously created music) is a good way to involve more people from the community. Week long workshops may be tailored to suit the group and location. Contact Laurel.

Elements of Rhythm
This workshop focuses on the building blocks of rhythm. Learn to clap notated rhythms, strengthen your time keeping ability and understanding of common time signatures.

Basic Harmony
The harmony class focuses on scales, interval training, and basic theory. No experience is necesary for either of these classes.

Sightreading for Singers
The sight-reading class puts both rhythm and harmony knowledge together. Participants start by recognizing and singing intervals and then progress to sheet music. For participants who have not completed the rhythm and harmony classes, an understanding of basic rhythm, harmony and theory is required.

Saturday or Sunday, 7hrs class time.

These workshops may be organized for groups of 8 people or more. Please email Laurel if you are interested.

Sound Journeys

Three 4 week series starting:
Tuesday Feb 10-Mar 10 2009
Mar 17-April 7
April 14-May 5

So much is still unknown about sound and its effect on the body's ability to heal. We do know that sound vibrations penetrate down to the DNA, affecting cells, emotions, mind and spirit. My own experiences with sound have been profound--so much so that I feel it is time to invite others to explore and develop skills in this area. In this new series, we will learn about connecting energetically, setting an intention, deep listening and intuitive use of the voice and instruments. Sessions are structured so that everyone gives and receives a personalized soundscape. No musical experience is necessary, but an open heart and willingness to explore is.

Laurel Murphy has been working with sound for healing at the Callanish Society in Vancouver since 2004.

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Soul Songs

A weekend workshop on Mayne Island, BC

March 6, 7, 8 2009

This intimate workshop is for singers of all levels who would like to deepen their connection to sound and the source of their inspiration... tap the deeper levels of spirit and heart that fuel the voice... let go of fear and compensation to find a truer expression... be fine with nothing. In this residential workshop, we will have the chance to start from wherever we are: this moment, this breath, this sound. We will begin the day with meditation, gentle movement and spontaneous writing to open the creative energies. Then experience our own perfect sound, weaving tone into melody into improvised circles of song. We will have fun preparing delicious, healthy meals together and make time to explore the nearby beach and woods. Accommodation is dorm style.

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Toronto Workshops

SongRise: Music and Magic in the Moment
Friday, May 2nd, 7:30 p.m.

Imagine your voice - your irreplaceable and inimitable voice - soaring, whispering, and wailing in an ever-evolving circle of song. SongRise provides a soulful surround for each singer to discover the joys of the spontaneous voice. Take your place in the circle and watch songs rise and fall: body-shakin’ grooves, sacred rants, earthy chants, and sonic castles made from all the esoteric/harmonic/melodic/rhythmic/sonic elements we can muster.

Soul Songs

Sat/Sun, May 3rd & 4th, 2008
10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

When you put down the sheet music or disregard the rehearsed song, what is left? Singers take a leap of faith. You open ears, heart, mouth, and soul in order to fly free, trusting your powers of intention, invention, and improvisation. Is this something any one can do? Vocalist and teacher Laurel Murphy says, “YES!” Drawing upon her many years as a vocal explorer and her work with Rhiannon, Laurel will guide the group through interactive and solo exercises designed to nudge or push us into a cosmos of possibility, intentionality, and artistry. Lift off requires only two things: you sing past your fears and stretch into the unknown (while having a good time.)

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Singing on the Edge

Explore the voice as instrument and learn to fly free, trusting your musical instincts! Working with a variety of playful exercises we will demystify music and find new ways to express our own unique sound. Looking at rhythm and harmony, vocal technique, texture and text, we will develop musical awareness and learn to let go into the unknown. Vocal improvisation can open us to worlds of creativity and heartfelt self-expression! These classes are for anyone wanting to sharpen their ears, stretch their edges or just experience more aliveness in their singing!