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, when shared with others, can nurture a sense of connection and belonging.
In recent times I have enjoyed living more sustainably and contributing to my community through volunteering and generating funds for local food projects. I like to get my hands dirty, connecting with the soil and growing community links. While in Cornwall I felt very much with ‘my tribe’ at Bosavern Community Farm near St Just, Land’s End and I’ve recently joined the team at Paddington Farm Trust, near Glastonbury Tor – helping to grow and share organic fruit and veg.
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 so…refreshed and with a different outlook on life…I find myself based back in Somerset, re-connecting with family and friends. I return to SW Cornwall once a month, following those threads back to the places and people I have been nourished by in recent years.
Penwith Song Circle is held monthly in the lovely Old School Studio, Newlyn.
Mendip Song Circle is held weekly in North Wootton Village Hall.
Background
After 40 years of singing in choirs, groups and in folk clubs, I started leading a community choir in Somerset in 2017. I benefited hugely from a fabulous ‘Sharing the Music’ residential weekend led by Susie Ro (Prater) where I learned to teach using Natural Voice methods and from observing other NVN teachers at workshops.
Alongside this I took great pleasure in singing with Glorious Chorus based in Totnes, led by brilliant songwriter and arranger Helen Yeomans until it ended in 2023.
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.
In 2023 I started running ‘Penwith Song Circle’ at the Old School Studio, Newlyn (formerly known as ‘Inner Space’) – complementing yoga and other therapies already on offer there as the offer is more along the lines of ‘singing meditation’ than a traditional community choir.
My website, Penwith Voices, was created to provide a one-stop shop for all singing opportunities in South-West Cornwall – sharing information to help others find a group suited to them.
Following my return to the Mendip area of Somerset in 2025, I have sown the seeds of Song Circle in North Wootton, within sight of Glastonbury Tor, and now enjoy offering this alternative singing experience to my local community.
In 2025 I also decided to give a bit more, in support of the wider network, and became a Trustee for NVN – taking on the role of Treasurer.
Mendip Song Circle currently meets in North Wootton (near Pilton), close to the towns of Shepton Mallet, Wells and Glastonbury.
Everyone is welcome to drop in and there’s no need to book – you will find a safe space, welcoming and relaxed.
The format suits experienced singers as well as those with less confidence who may be feeling anxious or who have never sung with a group before.
We focus on the breath – singing from the core and the heart – for health and well-being.
We meet in a circle but with freedom to get up and move around when we feel like it.
This approach to singing is freestyle and informal, with percussion and song baths and 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.
Comments from Song Circle participants:
“Thank you for all you’ve given to me and others. I have found my voice with you and am able to enjoy singing as I never thought I would”
“no matter how I’m feeling when I arrive, I always leave feeling lighter and uplifted”
“Thank you for creating the wonderful space that is Song Circle, and for your sensitivity in making everyone feel seen and welcome'”
“Thank you so much for this morning. I was blown away. Loved it. Very much.”
North Wootton - Mondays 3.30-5.00pm
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.
Feedback:
“no matter how I’m feeling when I arrive, I always leave feeling lighter and uplifted”
“It was so welcome and welcoming. I love the way you hold the space in the session – it’s just perfectly toned – wonderful – such a skill to manage it all with such a deft light touch … and gorgeous singing and songs. Big thanks and gratitude for all that you do.”
“Thank you so much for this morning. I was blown away. Loved it. Very much.”
2nd Sunday 10.30-12.30 monthly (except Aug)
