In this workshop we will experience the expanding and refining of our voices through the most liberating vocal techniques and exercises I have found throughout the Eastern and Western world. The foundation of these techniques lie in the creation of pure, natural tone and in the unveiling of our authentic voice. Our body is our instrument, therefore alignment practices will be included that create an open, clear channel for our voice and purest expression. We will practice strengthening and coordinating the breath to create a strong foundation for our tone.
Vocal improvisation can be the most artful and rewarding form of expression for both the singer and listener. A supportive space, skills and guidance are provided while navigating and letting go of inhibitions.
We will learn techniques of awareness in order to excel in our ability to focus, and allowing ourselves to open to creative inspiration, release blockages, fears, insecurities, doubts, worries and tensions, while experiencing our true voice, our new potentials and new freedom of expression.
Our bloodlines are the unseen rivers that when followed, will ultimately lead us to the ocean- the source. In our learning traditional, indigenous songs, we can experience the unity within the seemingly disparate lineages and cultures, and in turn, the unity within ourselves. The creative process of art, and specifically song, has the power to transform unlike anything else in this world. We only need to show up for this process and learn to open, while increasing our own consciousness. All of the songs and practices will be given in the context of expanding the singer’s range, breath support, vocal colors and textures. Here we discover our unlimited capacity of creative expression, healing, and joy.
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Sonja Drakulich is known as the singer, percussionist, composer and producer for the internationally acclaimed world music ensemble, Stellamara, and singer, hammered dulcimer player and percussionist for the European Medieval- Folk band, Faun. With Stellamara, she has toured throughout the US and Europe and has produced three critically acclaimed CD releases. With Faun, she has recently completed three extensive tours throughout Northern Europe in the past year and recorded on their last top ten charted, gold album "Von den Elben."
She has toured nationally with the Mevlevi Dervishes as a singer and percussionist, and in Indonesia with a lead role in the Gamelan theater group, Situbanda. During her many years as a performer, venue highlights have included: The Palace of Fine Arts and Cowell Theater in San Francisco, The Long Beach Civic Center in Los Angeles, The Santa Maria Minerva Cathedral in Rome, The Bali Arts Festival in Bali, and Zellerbach Hall, in Berkeley, along with many of the most beautiful and prestigious concert halls and castles throughout Germany, Switzerland, and Holland and Portugal.
She continues a teaching practice in the San Francisco Bay Area and abroad, and is devoted to her work with helping others to sing and connect with their bodies, muses, and their unique heritages through song, either professionally or as a personal practice.
Throughout her studies and her career as producer, performer and teacher, she maintains her focus on the devotional aspect of song and on intercultural unification through music.
$35 Early Bird // $45 at door
https://www.sonjadrakulich.com
https://www.stellamara.com