The development of most musical instruments was inspired by the desire
to mimic some aspect of the human voice. Many of us have been cut off from
the free expression of our voices and our hearts by the fear of "not doing
it right." This workshop is paper-free - there will be no printed music
to read or memorize. It is pressure-free - there will be no mandatory public
performance at its close. Instead, Laurel Masse will lead the workshop
through group improvisations and gentle guided imagery into an exploration
of the power of song. All levels of ability are welcomed: inexperienced
singers will be encouraged and surprised by what they can do; experienced
singers will remember why they started to sing in the first place. Our
unique and sacred voices will ring in harmony, in tune, in balance. Please
join us.
Laurel Masse has enjoyed the affection of audiences and the respect of critics worldwide from the moment of her debut as a founding member of Grammy-award winning Manhattan Transfer. She is an internationally known jazz vocalist who "should be heard by anyone who loves and values the sheer joy of musical creativity" (Don Heckman, Los Angeles Times). She has taught workshops at colleges and retreat centers throughout the country. She also leads workshops and retreats in the art and magic of song, marrying experience with intuition, voice, and spirit. Her most recent recording, Feather and Bone, is a personal exploration of the divine feminine.
"The nature of this workshop is improvisational--I have a basic plan and as the group forms, I see what's needed and do whatever pops into my head. Haven't scared anybody yet. My desire is to assist others to feel as good when they sing as I do when I sing--which is pretty darn good." - Laurel Masse"She has a marvelous sense of style, a purity of tone that is evident in everything she does ... a dazzling performance." - John S. Wilson, The New York Times