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There are also other books being written about improvisation and related subjects. In the spirit of the circle which is so important in improvisation study, I plan to list many of these offerings so that anyone coming to this page can find many of the resources available in their pursuit of the great grace of creating spontaneously in the musical moment. Below are teachers of vocal improvisation that are trained in my method, as well as some of my advanced students who are available, each in his or her own way for collaborations, lessons, networking and inviting you into this wonderful circle of Improvisation. TEACHERS RECOMMENDED BY RHIANNON Laurel Murphy, Vancouver, B.C., Canada Rebekka Goldsmith, Seattle, WA Emile Hassan Dyer, Los Angeles, CA These four teachers have worked with me for many years. In 2008 or 2009, they were my co-pilots (assistant teachers) for the first two years of my advanced year long program called All The Way In. Their singing work, vision, kindness to the students and feedback to me were invaluable. They are highly recommended. You will find descriptions and contact information below. I hope you will be able to work with one of them soon. ABOUT LAUREL MURPHY I began studying with Rhiannon in 1992 and over the years have worked extensively with her as student, assistant and collaborator. Although I have a great love of jazz repertoire, the practice of improvisation has provided me the richest source of inspiration and learning. I see it as an amazing vehicle for self-expression and growth, as well as an art form that can be taken to great heights of skill and creativity. I am particularly interested in how vocal improvisation, when combined with intention and heart, has the potential to shift consciousness and heal. Not to mention how much fun it is. Wild and irreverent and vulnerable. Always surprising. Early on I became particularly drawn to the "voicestra" form and created two large events based on this approach (SongRise 95 and 99.) I directed the ongoing "SongRise Improv Choir" for over 12 years and in 1997 developed "Singing on the Edge", a workshop series based on Rhiannon's work. I continue to teach these forms and love how they open hearts and lives, bringing together vibrant musical communities in the process. My teaching approach is gentle, humorous and very supportive. I love to demystify the theory and technical aspects of singing, as well as play with exercises that encourage free, unselfconscious musical expression. My formal training includes many years of private voice and instrument studies, a diploma in jazz and contemporary music and a background in visual arts. I have also been influenced by my work with Ruth Zaporah (improvisational movement and narrative), Natalie Goldberg (writing), and an informal study of bodywork techniques. I love technical as well as organic methods of making music and have been working with loopers and electronics since 1998, performing solo and in collaboration with dancers and other artists. For the past 4 years, I have been working at the Callanish Society, exploring music in the context of healing. I incorporate voice and instruments in the creation of improvised soundscapes for cancer patients. The work is extremely gratifying and has provided a great opportunity to deepen my understanding of spontaneous sound, intuition and service. Contact Laurel at www.laurelmurphy.com
A priority for me is establishing a safe and sacred space. Whether you're an experienced musician, new to music-making, or somewhere in between, my training has taught me that we need to feel secure in order to grow. So you can expect me to listen, give clear direction, and open avenues that allow us to nurture each other in creativity and community. We have practice sessions on a master class level and "open sing" events in which anyone can participate. My lifetime as a singer/songwriter informs the work, of course. And still the joy of improvising with singers of varied genres is that we go beyond one particular category and into a realm of all musical possibilities. My work as a music therapist (NYU 1997) has also helped me build a foundation of solid and fertile ground for trusting and risk taking. This work with Rhiannon over the years, and in particular All the Way In, has been the key to launching me into a place of sharing. There is a higher sense of awareness of myself, of music, of possibility that has become a driving force in my life and my work. My business name, Sing for Yourself, has taken on new meaning as the work expands. Improvisation calls me to sing my true Self and, in doing so, inspires you to do the same. We are alive in the music and, together, we witness ...change. Contact Kate: singforyourself@yahoo.com
Rebekka Goldsmith is a vocalist, improviser and social artist who uses her theater and music skills to bring people with diverse backgrounds and abilities together for creative exploration and growth. For the past six years, Rebekka has focused her teaching on vocal improvisation as a technique for developing personal intuition, risk-taking, skill development and connection with others. Whether she is working with elementary aged youth, teenagers, adults or elders, Rebekka brings a vibrant mix of experience, enthusiasm, skill and curiosity to her work. Rebekka coaches individuals on vocal technique, performance and creative expression and teaches vocal improvisation throughout North America to groups that include beginner and advanced singers. Rebekka is also a facilitator and teaching artist for arts-based youth empowerment organizations, Power of Hope and PYE Global. Rebekka began her vocal training at age seven with New York based voice teachers Ron Shetler and Crystal Premo. She pursued acting in college at Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School for the Arts conservatory training program and graduated with a degree in theater. In recent years, Rebekka has studied extensively with master vocal improviser Rhiannon and in 2009, assisted Rhiannon in teaching her year-long advanced vocal improvisation training program, All the Way In. Rebekka performs throughout the country and is the Director of the Bayview Singers. She is currently working on an album to be released in late 2010. Contact Rebekka: www.rebekkagoldsmith.com
All the Way In 2008 Graduates
In 2008, these 16 singers completed my advanced year long improvisation course called ALL THE WAY IN. They live in many cities and countries so you might find one of them near you. They conduct choirs, teach privately and with groups, do sound healing sessions, dance, choreograph, work as community and political activists and sing jazz, original and world music of all kinds. They are each unique in their process, but have in common great passion and their deep study of improvisation using my method and exercises as part of their process. Contact them to find out about their current musical endeavors. Becky Graber, Brattleboro VT Rebekka Goldsmith, Seattle WA Patti Shaffner, Gary IN Janiece Jaffe, Bloomington IN Celeste Niehaus, Louisville CO Katia Leonardo, Tomar Portugal Cari Burdett, Vancouver Island BC Canada Bonnie Smith, Melbourne Australia Elise Witt, Atlanta GA Alison Wedding, New York City Germaine Ingram, Philadelphia PA Shay Nichols, SF Bay area CA Emile Dyer, Los Angeles CA Cherilynn Morrow, Atlanta GA Lin Snelling,-- Edmonton & Montreal Canada Recommended Vocal Improvisation Teachers In Europe Nicoline Snaas, Amsterdam, Holland Oskar Boldre, Locarno, Switzerland Laila Muhs , Munich, Germany Johanna Seiler, Berlin, Germany |
The
Vocal River is the title of the book I am currently
writing. It will be a collection of my vocal improvisation exercises,
stories from my life and work and musings on the philosophy and
power of improvisation both inside and outside the musical realms.
I hope to finish it by fall of 2009.
ABOUT KATE RICHARDS GELLER
ABOUT REBEKKA GOLDSMITH 
| unless specified, all photos by Jan E. Watson |