Location

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

Description

Here at Heart Song Collective, we’ve moved beyond the 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). 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 music 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. The human voice dances far beyond the gender-binary.

As well as having a nourishing and enjoyable experience, you will pick up professional voice tips for greater ease and confidence with singing, co-regulate your nervous system with the others in the room, and maybe even experience a human voice soundbath! (they’re super scrummy). The songs we’ll sing are especially composed for this kind of community singing by members of the Natural Voice Network, with themes of nature, what it is to be human, some World music and some gently spiritual (but not religious) themes. You can watch videos of the Song Leader singing some of them here on our website. Some are fun and playful and upbeat, some are more mellow and meditative.

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 a song in 2/3/4 part harmony, a call & response or a round
🟊 tea break
🟊 learn and sing another song (or two)
🟊 group closing circle, share & check-out
🟊 9.30pm close (& those who wish to socialise together head to a local watering hole)

All the exercises, shares and songs are optional, so you are in choice throughout the evening. Take time out if you want, go to the loo when nature calls, sit on a chair or the floor or stand depending on what is most comfortable for you; choose more personal space during the circles, sing with your eyes open or shut… you know yourself and your needs best, so you choose how to take part. You can’t get it wrong, and your choices and boundaries will be honoured and valued.

Please note: These are alcohol and substance sober events.

About the Song Leader:

Assamiya (pronounced A-sa-mee-a, she/her pronouns) is an experienced professional classical singer, choir coach, workshop leader 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 an active, sex-positive LGBTQIA+ ally and climate activist.

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 voices, nourishing their nervous system and having fun!

Session times

Thursday evenings in term time, 7.30-9.30pm

Find all the details and book tickets for Song Medicine via: https://buytickets.at/heartsongcollective/740541

Look at videos of some of our favourite NVN songs on https://www.heartsongcollective.co.uk/songs

Contact the song leader Assamiya on 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 ★★★★★