September 24-5, October 15-16, November 26-7 in Bristol near Montpelier / Redland stations.
The next Vocal Transformation course will be in Ashprington, Devon, 10-11 Dec, 7-8 Jan, 11-12 Feb. Course details are here.
This is a 6 day course spread over three weekends, shaped to profoundly shift your relationship with your voice from challenge to freedom, from judgement to love, from anxiety to pleasure.
“It was deeper than an ayahuasca ceremony, I grew more than in workshops with leading psychologists, and it’s the safest I’ve ever felt in a group.”
We’ll integrate Collaborative Vocal Improvisation (CVI) with Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS) to work with the parts of us that struggle to be heard, that constrict the voice, experience performance anxiety, are beset by inner criticism and inhibition. Beneath all of that, I believe you are a living instrument designed - and able - to sing.
This is a mixed level group for people who can sing in tune, keep a beat, and want an adventure (these are in my view pre-requisites for studying improvisation).
Whatever the voice is buried under, we’re going to work together to lift it off, bring the voices out, and set them free. We’ll use these voices to improvise, express ourselves, connect to others, self-sooth, and heal.
There will be spiritual aspects to this course, in the context of an Earth-Based spirituality that welcomes every kind of spiritual diversity including atheism.
We will gradually become able to co-create vocal music with others in real time, and come home to our natural capacity to sing, part of our human design, our birth right. We’ll take the broken wings and learn to fly, midwife the voices, and gradually, enjoy their soaring.
“I have suffered with depression and all sorts of stuff for always. And I genuinely think now that I have released something monumental. I feel as if this black mass that I’ve carried all my life has lifted. I’m just a new, different person. It’s really extraordinary, really really really.”
Welcoming out parts of us that might prefer the safety of hiding, and giving them a chance to express and relate through vocal improvisation.
The voice is a profound ally for welcoming all of ourselves home, as it brings our inner material into awareness, gives it an avenue of expression, and soothes us, all at the same time.
In IFS terms, vocal improvisation seems to go beneath protector parts and reach either exiled parts - parts needing to be welcomed home into integration - or what is called “Self” - the part of us that is always present, compassionate and curious. How most of us like to be, and how we mostly want people to be with us.
“The benefits of the course are rippling out in my life in subtle and crystal clear ways. I feel more confident in all areas of my life. I’ve befriended some of my wisest parts. I feel empowered and shame free.”
So, welcome to the healing ground. Diving into the transformational art form of vocal improvisation with a shared group intention to use this for our healing and growth, and let our living instruments fly, heal, whole, ground, and flourish.
“We know each other on a level that a conversation wouldn’t have given us. It creates bonds and connections that you can’t otherwise create. you’re in deep communication with people in a way that’s quite rare.”
The workshop is non-residential. We’ll meet 10-5 each day. There is comfortable bnb available on site for £35 per night for a few people: email info@brionygreenhill.com to book.
With Assistance
The IFS (Internal Family Systems) aspects of the work will be led with support from Shane Scott and Amy Fairchild, who will also be participating as vocal improvisation students the rest of the time. Strong team! <3
Shane Scott
Shane is a Certified Internal Family Systems Therapist and Approved IFS Consultant who completed his Level 3 IFS training in 2013. He has been working with clients primarily in private practice since 1999 and went on to successfully complete a Masters degree in Drama Therapy at the University of Roehampton in 2010. He has worked therapeutically in the drug and alcohol field, and has assisted on IFS trainings in the UK and Ireland. His current clientele includes individuals working in the acting and creative fields.
Amy Fairchild
Amy works as a Counsellor in private practice in North Devon. She began working with Internal Family Systems during the first lockdown, having suddenly been given time to study further. Now working predominantly from this model, she continues to notice the amazing amount of healing available to us all. She is a qualified yoga teacher, meditator, natural world enthusiast and open water swimmer. She also enjoys a lovely cold pint or two, and dancing the night away to drum and bass.