Location

Studio 2, The Telegraph Hill Centre, Kitto Road, London, SE14

Description

Heart Song Collective CIC is a South East London-based singing for wellbeing community, run by Assamiya Bonner. We are a queer-led and queer-celebrating community who come together regularly to sing, connect, and co-regulate our nervous systems together through song. We sing songs exclusively by Natural Voice Network composers, in a circle, held in a trauma-informed way, and voice parts are not gendered. Our sessions are suitable for adults (18+), held in English, and regrettably, our studio space is not wheelchair accessible.

Our regular sessions are:

Song Medicine

Thursdays in term time, 7.30-9.30pm at Telegraph Hill Centre in SE14, London (details & tickets: https://buytickets.at/heartsongcollective/996678) These sessions are drop-in and tickets must be booked digitally in advance via the link above. Singers and non-singers welcome. Sliding scale for ticket prices, according to means.

Songs & Snuggles

Saturday 9th November, 3-6pm at Telegraph Hill Centre in SE14, London (details & tickets: https://buytickets.at/heartsongcollective/1199584) All levels of experience with both singing and conscious closeness/touch are welcome. Perfect for beginners. No touch necessary. Tickets must be booked digitally in advance via the link above. Singers and non-singers welcome. Sliding scale for ticket prices, according to means.

More about Song Medicine:

We’ve moved beyond a traditional “choir” set-up as a way of singing together, and into something more flowing, less formal, more inclusive, and totally focused on how it FEELS to sing (rather than what we sound like, although we do accidentally sound pretty awesome quite often!). No sheet music, no rehearsals, no performances: just weekly evening sessions of relaxed and heart-centred singing, playful connection and nervous-system-nourishment via simple, soulful circle singing and community. You are always in choice in these sessions: stand or sit; stillness or movement; choose the voice part or parts which FEEL most pleasurable to sing, regardless of gender or vocal register.

Song Medicine session outline:

🟊 7.15pm doors open and registration
🟊 7.30pm begin with group check-in
🟊 physical and vocal warm-ups
🟊 learn and sing two more upbeat songs (2/3/4 part harmony, a call & response or a round) sitting or standing in a circle
🟊 tea break
🟊 learn and sing a slower, more meditative song, sitting in a circle
🟊 closing sharing circle (one word shares), transition ready for travel and aftercare notes
🟊 9.30pm close & hugs for those who want them

Please note: These are alcohol and substance sober events, suitable for those in the recovery community.

About the Song Leader:

Assamiya (pronounced A-sa-mee-a, she/her pronouns) is an experienced professional classical singer, song leader, singing teacher and trauma-informed transformational coach. She has a Holistic Singing Teaching practice in Brockley (SE4), facilitates singing workshops across the UK for festivals and community gatherings, and is a verified member of the Proud Wellness Practitioners Directory.

Assamiya is passionate about singing, wellbeing and community, and is making it her mission to spread the practice of Song Medicine across the UK, helping people reclaim their relationship with their singing voice, nourish their nervous systems and create community connections.

Session times

Thursday evenings in term time, 7.30-9.30pm

Watch Assamiya sing some of our favourite NVN songs on https://www.heartsongcollective.co.uk/songs

Contact Assamiya via assamiyacoaching@gmail.com

Testimonials from Heart Song Collective members:

“It’s just wonderful! I know I’m gonna really enjoy it and I know it’s gonna make me feel really lovely. And I think you facilitate and hold the space really beautifully. I often feel euphoric afterwards. Very connected with everyone who is there, very calm. Like I’ve used my voice in a really nice way – a really powerful way.” David N ★★★★★

“This is the highlight of my week! There’s a real sense of peace, especially by the end, even when the songs have been a bit tricky. You are a wonderful facilitator Assamiya – you’re joyful, playful, honest, authentic. You bring people together in a really lovely way.There’s a lovely connection with the group and I really appreciate that there’s no performing, because there’s just no pressure. It’s like soul singing and I think anyone would love it.” Becky ★★★★★

“I just love it.There’s something really magical about lots of voices coming together especially when it’s in harmony. It’s otherworldly. To hear and to be part of that is magic. I just love it! It feels like coming home.” Roseanna ★★★★★

“As a lifelong, 50+ non-singer, I was surprised (and a little terrified!) to find myself drawn to join a singing group. However, HSC very quickly became one of the highlights of my week. Assamiya is a very welcoming, inclusive and passionate group leader who has drawn me out of my singing shell, built my confidence and helped me realise that I can actually sing!” Nancy ★★★★★

“Heart Song Collective’s weekly Song Medicine is a perfect way for me to find my voice in a more informal and spiritual way, giving voice to songs grounded in nature, spirit and love. Also, as a bass, it’s makes a lovely change to be able to sing in whatever range suits me. There’s no right or wrong way to sing, so I can fully be in the moment and relax into my singing. Assamiya leads in a gentle and supportive way, always with a dose of self-deprecating humour.” David C ★★★★★

“I really recommend it! Before, singing was something I was quite shy about. Withheld. I didn’t feel so free in my expression. Finding this was perfect! A non-competitive, non-judgmental space where everything is welcome, including my own sometimes out of tune-ness. I definitely find a sense of freedom in my voice and a feeling of togetherness. And it means a lot to me that the group is so diverse. The day or two after, I am so free and bouncy.” Zahara ★★★★★

“I talk about it to everybody I meet and everybody I know and encourage them to come along! It’s just so relaxing and regulating, and it sets you up for the weekend. We have a good laugh and a good chat, and tea and biscuits, and enjoy making something together and learning what we’re capable of. The group could be strangers at the beginning of the evening, but we’re all gonna be friends by the end.” Nick ★★★★★

“I’m nervous about singing (how I sound, can I stay in tune/on key etc) but I love it! Assamiya has a way of making all my nerves melt away. She is clear and playful with so much knowledge and wisdom – it really is medicine. I have been moved to tears by the collective voices” AJ ★★★★★