Alison Whittall

Location

Based in Devon, leads singing workshops locally and internationally

Specialisms

Leading choirs and singing workshops that uplift the spirit. Heartsongs of joy, freedom and peace.

Additional information

Alison Whittall B.Ed Hons, Estill Voice Training levels 1 and 2.

Alison is an experienced international community choir leader, singer, musician and composer with 30 years’ experience as a professional teacher in various ways.

She has been leading Ploughcappella, the thriving community world music choir in North Devon for over 20 years, as well as leading other choirs in the region and a wide variety of singing workshops. Recently she has also been leading Global Harmony for Roz Walker – over the winter 2021/22 in Exeter Community Centre on Monday evenings.

Co-Founder of Voice of Devon in 2004 with Roz Walker, Alise Ojay and Paul Wilson of the Wren Trust (200 participants).

Organiser of CREDSING  – a community choir convention as part of Crediton Festival bi-annually in 2015, 2017, 2019 (300 participants), raising funds for refugees and for Second Sight.

She has travelled widely around the world – absorbing the global spirit of song. Her repertoire reflects this. She is an experienced musician (grade 6 piano and A level Music) and talented songwriter who is deeply involved with music and song in the community.

Alison is a regular teacher at the Unicorn Voice Camp in Dorset and also frequently in Germany, where she teaches her own material. Alison’s work as a composer has developed in recent years; her songs are full of heart, combining a funky syncopation with stunning harmony and counterpoint. Her compositions reflect her passion for the journey of ‘awakening’ in an extremely down to earth way with tremendous warmth and humour!

‘Singing actually brings forth a true communion through sound vibration, calling us to the presence that unites us all. I love to put people at ease and to support the process of healing through song. I also encourage improvisation as this lets the spirit of song be heard in a way that is fresh and alive.’

Ploughcappella members say this:

  • “A truly inspirational teacher“
  • “Great warmth and talent… an expert ear and a wealth of songs to share welcomes all singers and melds them together to make a glorious sound”
  • “Her enthusiasm and passion is infectious and uplifting.”

Alison has completed levels one and two of the Estill Model of Voice Training – ‘The Voice Explained’. This course has informed her practice, exploring what actually happens when we sing and how our unique instrument functions. It opens up doorways into a range of vocal options and explores in depth the six main voice qualities.

In 2016 Alison completed the Tonalis training in Choral Excellence, and in July 2018 she graduated as a One Spirit Interfaith Minister.

My choirs

Heartsong in Exeter
Description

Songs of love, peace, freedom and joy with candlelight. Gospel, Harmonic Temple, Taize, Contemporary. Harmonies taught by ear, no experience necessary.
All welcome – we’re very happy to welcome you!
Cost £10 (£7 concessions for people on benefits)
Contact Alison or just come along.

What people have said:

‘Thrilled! We, who had never sung together before, were shimmering and the Quaker space was resounding in glory at such a treat. ‘ L C
‘Warm – energising – easy songs well taught – perfect for a Sunday evening’
‘thank you for the wonderful sing last night – I found it uplifting, moving, exciting – real ‘heartsong”

Session times

Last Sunday of every month except August and December, 7-9pm

Ploughcappella
Description

North Devon’s community choir, Ploughcappella is a thriving world music choir led by Alison Whittall, musician, singer, composer and choir leader based in Devon. This acappella, warm-hearted choir is both inclusive and welcoming as well as committed to a high standard of performance.

Bookings through: https://www.theploughartscentre.org.uk/regular-workshop/ploughcappella

Session times

Tuesday evenings in term time, 7.30 - 9pm

My resources

View my resources

Contact details