Tutors
Liz Hodgson 01865 792434 songliz@aol.com
Janet Stansfeld 01865 762200 janet@stansfeld.freeserve.co.uk
Liz I am a Natural Voice Practitioner with over 20 years’ experience of encouraging people to sing, whether or not they think they can. I have run workshops in many community settings over the years. I have a huge repertoire of harmony songs from all over the world which I teach to all kinds of people, including those who don’t quite believe such things can be done. Since the mid-eighties I have also performed in different idioms, solo and in various ensembles, from a busking duo singing East European songs to being a soloist in Bernstein’s Mass.
As a member of the Natural Voice Practitioners’ network I have encountered fantastic singers and trainers who encourage development in all aspects of voice and singing – for example, how rainforest dwellers listen, the different archetypes to be explored in each individual voice, the range of different kinds of speaking voice and how that extends into song. I’m increasingly excited by researching the specific health benefits of singing, which I’ve certainly experienced personally.
My singing has dovetailed over the years with work in the voluntary and statutory sectors, involving special needs gardening and health walks as well as adult education and volunteer management. My aim is always to simplify and facilitate people’s involvement in activities that I love and know to be life-affirming.
Janet I love the sense of wellbeing and belonging which naturally arises when people sing together. For most of human history, shared singing has been an integral part of daily life, where participants don’t question whether they are “good enough”. I'm keen to create opportunities for people to reclaim that experience!
Originally trained in therapeutic group work, I have over 15 years' experience of running singing and music sessions in community settings. My teaching style draws on an eclectic range of influences – including improvisation, models of adult education, mindfulness practice, and coaching skills. Plus growing up in Wales, where obviously everyone sings in harmony all the time! I enjoy musical styles from a range of traditions and cultures – feeling especially at home with African and African-derived forms. I also write some of my own material, and am keen to support others to develop their own songs in smaller group settings.
I’m particularly interested in the way singing can make connections between people, and am inspired by encouraging singing in places it might not otherwise reach… This interest has led to my facilitating courses and workshops with people using mental health services, facilities for older people, refugees and asylum-seekers, community-building projects, as well as open-access groups welcoming to all. I am inspired by the growing body of research which demonstrates the benefits of singing for physical and mental health -it's a feel-good activity that's officially good for you!
I look forward to singing with you.
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