Workshops
These introductory level workshops are an invitation into the language of music: notated language, aural language, and creative language. If you would like to organize a workshop at your church, or in your community, please contact Leah.
Mi-Mi-Mi-Mi!
An Introduction to Sight Singing for Adults
Level 1
1-day: 10am-3:30pm (Next workshop Saturday, October 30th, 2010, Comox, BC)
Have you always wanted to join a community choir, or church choir, and wished you knew more about how to read music? Are you in a choir already, and would like to gain more confidence with your sight-singing ability? This workshop will provide an introduction to the different elements of rhythm and pitch notation, with emphasis on intervals (distances between notes), and recognizing rhythmic and melodic patterns. In short, you will learn how to translate the basics of written notation into the glorious sound of music in a fun, creative, and engaging atmosphere with other singing enthusiasts!
Testimonials:
“After taken Leah’s workshop I felt a lot more confident about sight-singing. I have a much better understanding of patterns (repetition, motif, sequence, etc), as well as dynamics. I would recommend her workshop to anyone who would like to gain more knowledge about how music is written.” – Barbara Eisinger, Salt Spring Island, BC
“Leah was wonderfully engaging and very clear in her teaching. I came away feeling much less intimidated. I feel confident that when I look at a piece of music now, I will be more aware of what the written music is telling me. I found Leah’s handouts particularly clear and helpful. I very much enjoyed composing using different rhythms and intervals with my fellow classmates.” – Lise Smith, Nanaimo, BC
“This was an excellent refresher for me in basic music theory. Leah’s instructions were easy to understand and to follow, and I came away feeling I could finally overcome my block about learning to read music.” – Annette Lorek, Gabriola Island, BC
Mi-Mi-Mi-Mi!
An Introduction to Sight-Singing for Adults
Level 2
1-day: 10am-3:30pm (Next workshop Saturday, November 13th, 2010, Comox, BC)
Are you wanting to join a choir again, and would like a sight-singing refresher? Are you in a church choir, or community choir, and have some knowledge of musical notation, but are wanting to take your sight singing skills to the next level? Would you like to have more confidence holding your own in your section? This workshop will provide an overview of elements of rhythmic and pitch notation that are found in a wide range of choral music. We will focus especially on how to quickly recognize musical patterns, and how patterns connect within the larger sections of a piece. Come prepared to do a lot of singing, and to have a whole lot of fun!
Testimonials:
“KUDOS to you for two great sessions. Just what I was looking and hoping for. You can be sure that I will highly recommend your sessions to my musical friends and colleagues.” – Frank Letain, Nanaimo, BC
Sounding Out the Heart
A Workshop in Vocal Improvisation
1-day: 10am-4pm
Vocal improvisation is creating sound through the voice in the moment. Improvising in community is creative, playful, challenging, and life affirming. It shows us, through the beauty of the voice and through attention to sound, how much music we have inside us, and how we navigate creative space together. Using a variety of exercises, techniques and games we will explore the voice as a vehicle for self expression. Join us for a fun, safe, interactive, in the moment journey into this extraordinary process. No vocal experience required. Wear comfy clothes!