Specialisms
Supporting all who wish to sing and connect with others.
Supporting all who wish to sing and connect with others.
I love the power of music to make people feel as one and to bring a sense of well-being in challenging times. The voice can transcend language and geographical barriers and simply be a universal sound which, when shared with others, can nurture a sense of well-being and belonging.
In recent times I have enjoyed being able to live a more sustainable life and contribute to my community through volunteering and generating funds for local food projects. I get my hands dirty, connecting with the soil and growing community links in West Penwith via Bosavern Community Farm near St Just and Land’s End.
I have developed a way of holding ‘song circles’ with a non-prescriptive approach to singing and chanting – to provide an opportunity to explore vocal sounds, percussion and improvisation, with spaces to breathe in-between and I am learning to get better at listening and encourage others to do the same.
And now, refreshed and with a different outlook on life, I am transitioning back to Somerset to re-connect with family and friends. However I also plan to return to SW Cornwall monthly, following those threads back to the places and people I have been nourished by in recent years.
Penwith Song Circle is held in a safe and relaxed space of healing and I would like to offer the same in Somerset once I’ve re-established my roots.
Background
After 40 years of singing in choirs, groups and in folk clubs, I put myself forward to lead a community choir in 2017, when we found ourselves without a leader. I benefited from a fabulous ‘Sharing the Music’ residential weekend led by Susie Ro (Prater) where I learned to teach using Natural Voice methods and observed other NVN teachers at workshops.
In 2020 I moved to SW Cornwall and connected with the wonderful Pip Wright, singing with Levow an Bys in Penzance and Songs with Spirit, Songs for the Soul, held in a village church nearby.
In 2023 I started running ‘Song Circles’ at the Old School Studio, Newlyn (formerly known as ‘Inner Space’) – complementing yoga and other therapies already on offer there.
My website, Penwith Voices, was created to provide a one-stop shop for all singing in West Penwith, not just Penwith Song Circle – sharing information to help others find groups suited to them. And with a little more time on my hands these days – I look forward to attending future events and workshops offered by fellow NVN members in other parts of the UK. I am also Trustee for NVN – taking on the role of Treasurer in 2025.
Everyone is welcome at Mendip Song Circle (new 2025) which will meet on an occasional basis to start and also available on demand! The format suits experienced singers as well as those with less confidence who may be feeling anxious and or who have never sung with a group before.
We focus on the breath – singing from the core and the heart, complementing yoga practice – but with no experience necessary. We meet in a circle but with freedom to get up and move around when we feel like it.
The style and approach to singing is freestyle and informal, with percussion and song baths and with space to breathe and pause in-between.
We introduce harmony and improvisation and simply go with the flow, exploring a variety of short songs, chants, mantras and rounds – inspired by cultures worldwide, including our own.
Contact Sue via mendipvoices@gmail.com or 07929 616274.
Occasional-TBC
Everyone is welcome – this is a friendly supportive group welcoming both experienced singers and those with less confidence who may be feeling anxious and or who have never sung with a group before.
We connect with self and others, the land and the sea – meeting in a relaxed and healing space close to Mount’s Bay.
We focus on breath – singing from the core and the heart, complementing yoga practice but with no experience necessary.
Our style and approach to singing is freestyle and informal. We introduce harmony and improvisation and simply go with the flow, exploring a variety of short songs, chants, mantras and rounds – inspired by cultures worldwide, including our own.
Contact Sue via penwithvoices@gmail.com or 07929 616274.
2nd Sunday every month 10.30-12.30
