Ensemble singing = survival, it's science!

So there you have it, ensemble singing and music making helps us survive.

In a nice informative TED x lecture, undergraduate psychology major and violinist Deanna Choi from Queen's University speaks about the benefits of music on the brain.  Check out minute 8:15 where she talks about how Oxytocin or "the love drug" is released in group music making among other... activities.  The habit of our prehistoric ancestors for group music making or singing is said to have helped their synchronicity in activities such as hunting by developing trust and reducing fear.. which ultimately helped them survive.

Check out the link.. or skip to minute 8:15 to see for yourself! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZFKpkDUMB4

Listening in Practice- ensemble singing for joy!

 

My first blog..ever!

Welcome to the first  entry in my new blog entitled "Sing for life" where I will post ideas about everything from vocal performance, repertoire and the lessons I offer.  Please feel free to comment on anything you see, your opinions are always welcome. 

In conjunction with Vivaldi Music Lessons, I am offering a beginner to intermediate level course in The Hague, here is a little description below:

Listening in Practice- ensemble singing for joy 

Learn how to work in a group music sound by serving the whole without sacrificing the personal expression of your unique voice. Emphasis will be on close harmony singing, intonation, rhythmic sensitivity, diction, and phrasing for optimal musical communication and expression. This course follows a combination of vocal coaching for ensemble singing, ear training and rhythmic exercises. Supplimentary listening lists will be provided to help you expand your musical horizons from gospel, folk and seasonal carols to classical and romantic repertoire.  Suitable arrangements to be made or used for group on case basis, and community presentations may also be organized on request.

This course can be taken alone or in combination with solo voice lessons, and personalized packages can be made up for you as desired.

And here, a little description about the solo singing lessons on offer:

Sing for life- private voice lessons

 

These fun and energizing private voice lessons guide students to sing with joy and freedom in all styles. Working from the basis of the breath and your body's natural optimal resonance, this classically based foundation to healthy, long-lasting beautiful vocal expression and discovery of vocal freedom, beauty, strength and joy, can be highly rewarding to young professional singers and complete beginners alike, both for the vocal result and process. Students may choose to complete accredited ABRSM exams, solo or choral auditions, or simply to work towards individual musical goals, one step at a time. Specializing in classical, baroque and contemporary, though all styles are welcome and encouraged.

If you would like to know more about me, please visit my website at www.camillehesketh.com