Classes and Workshops and Retreats Oh My...

 
 

I am now accepting individual students and small groups for private lessons. I offer vocal expression and exploration, improvisation, technique, phrasing and performance. That said, there are many ways to find your unique voice and deepen your creative intuition. I am  committed to working with you in ways that best meet your individual interests and goals. I accept students ages 7 and up and offer most lessons in my home. I charge $55/hour and $45/45 minutes. To schedule a lesson, please contact me.

Training and Workshops on this page:

  1. •Vocal Improvisation

  2. •Multi-disciplinary art and creativity retreats   

  3. •Circle Singing

  4. •Singing Workshops

  5. •Leading Circle Singing

  6. •Improvising with Musicians

  7. •Private Lessons

  8. •Artist Residencies, school programs

“Rebekka is one of those teachers that you always wished for. She digs deep and works on many levels of musical knowledge, intuition and communication and provides openings for transformation both personally and vocally. She is attentive, caring and highly skilled. She has a way of seeing your best potential and helping you get there. She is joyful and enthusiastic about music and her students in a way that makes learning fun and playful. I grew leaps and bounds during my work with her.” 

           -Trelawny Rose -San Francisco, vocal coach and singer

VOCAL IMPROVISATION

“Vocal improvisation is a process of discovery, of listening deeply to the music that lives within us. We are the instruments in a musical journey of spontaneous self-expression and collaboration with others.”

                                                                                                                                        -Rhiannon

The great thing about vocal improvisation is that it is a lifetime practice.  No matter how much we study and learn we are never going to get to some point where we know all there is to know. 

                       Truly.

Phew! Now that the pressure is off us to be perfect, let’s make some GREAT music together!


I offer a variety of classes and workshops that have their roots in the work of Rhiannon

and Bobby McFerrin. Vocal improvisation is valuable whether you are a professional singer looking to deepen your creative intuition or you are someone who is longing to bring out the inner singer you know lives inside of you. (It’s not too bad for those of you that fall somewhere in between the two, either.)

Together, we will deepen our musical connection as individuals and with each other. Through a variety of skill building and improvisational exercises designed to safely encourage risk-taking and creative expression, we will explore that place where skill and spirit join. Check out my calendar for details on upcoming classes or programs.

Multi-disciplinary art retreats for adults who want the space to explore and reignite their own creativity. (C’mon, you know you want to!)  These workshops are co-facilitated by a team of experienced teaching artists who use a variety of art forms including writing, movement, visual arts, music and cooking to create an extraordinary and inspiring time together. Retreats are offered in Seattle and in other locations throughout North America.  Please see calendar for details.

WAKE UP!

CIRCLE SINGING

“Circle Singing can be described lots of ways: vocal improvisation, vocal "jamming", add-a-part/change-a-part, vocal orchestra, "voicestra” as created by Bobby McFerrin,  a "drum circle" for singers, or just plain "make it up" singing. It's done all over the world in countless different ways and it dates back to the earliest forms of human singing.”  - SoVoSo website

This is an opportunity to learn simple songs and rounds, and use basic vocal improvisation exercises to create musical jams together. These sessions will be deeply satisfying for the trained singer and the non-experienced singer alike! Come with your curiosity, a love for music, the voice, community and enjoy a laugh or two along the way! Please see calendar for details.

It is a beautiful thing to sing in community. This is a 6-week workshop series that combines improvisational singing with song form.  Our focus is on having a good time together, freeing our voices and learning great songs to sing and share. Elements of this program series include warm-ups, vocal improvisation exercises, circle singing, sound work, rounds and simple songs, spoken word, and possible guest artists. Please see calendar for details.

SINGING WORKSHOPS

HOW TO LEAD CIRCLE SINGING

How do you translate the melodies, harmonies and rhythms you hear inside of you to a group of singers? How do you lead circle singing with people who don’t think they can sing? This workshop is designed to explore and practice the skills of leading spontaneous multi-part group singing, known as circle songs. Please see calendar for details.

IMPROVISING WITH MUSICIANS

This class explores the improvisational relationship between vocalists and musicians. How do we get “inside” the music and perform like the musicians we are?  Guest musicians who join us may play percussion, bass, guitar, or piano. Please see calendar for details.

PRIVATE LESSONS-limited availability

Photo by Jason Ganwich

Programs offered:

  1. BulletImprovisation in Life and Art: Exploring improvisation in theater, movement, art, writing, music

  2. BulletThe Heart of Art: Using various forms of art to gain deeper connection with personal creativity

  3. BulletCircle Singing: Simple rounds,beginner vocal improvisation, music jams to build connection and music skill

  4. BulletFacilitation: Using creativity to improve leadership in groups

  5. BulletThe Art of Listening: Skills, exercises and techniques to strengthen a critical artistic muscle

  6. BulletBuilding a Creative Community: Use of the arts and other experiential learning activities to establish strong community

  7. BulletVocal Improvisation: Exercises that explore melody, harmony, rhythm, counterpoint and personal story to create spontaneous music.

“Beyond being a skilled singer and teacher, Rebekka possesses the unique and elusive gifts of a great facilitator. Rebekka knows how to create spaces where students constantly surprise themselves.  I’ve seen young people mentored by Rebekka transform from the shy, “I’ll just mouth the words” type to, “watch out, cause my voice must be heard” type in the course of a week.”  -Alan Wong, Lead Facilitator and Trainer, Power of Hope

“Rebekka facilitates with an authenticity, playful spirit and infectious enthusiasm that make her lessons both tangible and oh so fun! I have seen her gracefully engage even the most hesitant participant, as she infuses every activity with joy. I learn something new each time I have the honor of working with her.” 

                                                                                                                                          -Anya Hankin, Teaching Artist

In addition to teaching workshops and retreats, I am available for artist residencies with adult and youth groups and schools. Programs vary in length and can be as short as 1 hour and as long as 2 weeks, depending on the needs and interests of the group or school.  Residencies may also include a performance, often involving program participants! 

Past workshops and programs offered through:


  1. BulletPower of Hope

  2. BulletPYE Global

  3. BulletAmericorps

  4. BulletVista Program

  5. BulletAcademy of the Americas

  6. BulletSanislo Elementary School

  7. BulletThree Tree Montessori

  1. BulletMonroe Township High School

  2. BulletSkagit Valley Community College

  3. BulletTrelawny Rose Studio

  4. BulletBerkeley Jazz School

  5. BulletAll the Way In, master improvisation program with Rhiannon

  6. BulletNW Folklife Festival

  7. BulletEugene Conference for Youth and Young Adults

WORKING WITH GROUPS AND SCHOOLS