I use the Natural Voice approach to singing in the Narberth group, but what does that mean?
As Natural Voice practitioners we believe that singing is everybody’s birthright. For thousands of years, all over the world, people have sung — to express joy, celebration and grief, to aid healing, to accompany work, devotion and the rituals of life — without worrying about having a “good” voice or “getting it right”. Singing has been a part of life, a way of binding communities.
What is the ‘Natural Voice’?
Each person’s voice is as unique as their fingerprint: the voice we are born with is capable of freely expressing a full range of emotions, thoughts and experience – this is what we mean by the “natural voice”.
Creating an accepting community is an essential element of our approach: a community where singing together is a natural experience that is open and accessible to all.
Think you’re ‘not a singer’?
Many people see themselves as ‘non singers’ because of previous experiences of criticism and judgment. Many are excluded from singing activities because they do not have music-reading skills or trained voices. Our work aims to counteract these experiences and give people confidence in their voices by providing them with a supportive learning environment and a suitable repertoire.
Natural Voice is accessible and inclusive because we:
Accommodate mixed levels of experience.
Avoid technical language and musical jargon
Teach songs in a traditional way – mostly by ear.
Use physical and vocal warm-ups to facilitate vocal health, confidence and fun!
Come along and experience:
Fun and Relaxation
Enjoying singing, including listening, tuning in/pitching and rhythm which all improve the more you sing..very satisfying.
Connection with others, socially and through song
The joy of singing in harmony!
West Wales is unique
I believe West Wales is unique in that we are blessed with so many creative people. Perhaps they are drawn to live in this beautiful corner of the world? And we’re lucky to have Span Arts bringing arts and creative projects to people in this very rural area…not least of which is our Monday singing group! Span Arts and the Cheerful Project also facilitate the brilliant massed choir; Cor Pawb , bringing together 150+ singers from all three counties.
Well, I do hope this encourages you to come along and have a go – I’m looking forward to singing with you!
Written by: Natural Voice Practitioner; Catriona Fothergill
