Circle Singing: A community experience in the tradition of Bobby McFerrin

Voice Lab offers Circle Singing in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Check our events page for the next ones near you.

Small group Circle Singing at Artichoke Music, Portland.

Not to be confused with a “song circle,” where folks take turns playing songs, Circle Singing is a form of A Cappella group singing created by Bobby McFerrin. In this form of singing, a conductor leads the group in improvised song. The songs take many shapes and forms. So, many different musical styles can be invoked during one session of Circle Singing. When beginning the session, the conductor improvises a part and assigns it to a section of singers. Then, one by one, more parts are layered. Eventually, a complete piece of music is created with components of rhythm, melody, harmony and embellishments. In contrast to popular chanting, vocables (syllabic phrases) replace words. And, refreshingly, it is completely non-denominational. However, like chanting, meditative repetition creates a tapestry of healing sound. As a result, smiles abound. And then, the usual outbursts arise like, “Carnegie Hall, here we come!”

Leading the circle in Oakland at Sing For Your Life.

Next, for the second part of each session, we may play fun musical games. These, in turn, heighten your musicality. So, you naturally absorb the music and become more musical just by joining in.

And, this may be very important to you if you have any fear or shame around your voice: While we encourage diving in, most importantly, we support you where you are in the process. You will never be forced to do something, only gently encouraged and perhaps lightly prodded.

Circle Singing is an organic way into Vocal Improv. First we copy. Then, we courageously create.

Importantly, there are no such things as mistakes here. In other words, it's a mistake-free zone! In contrast, little blips turn into opportunities for becoming more fluid with the process. Won't you join us?

Lastly, you will be in very good hands while singing with Holistic Voice Lab. As a lifelong singer, I know all about letting go of fear. Also, I know the only way through fear is action. I am a survivor. As a performing songwriter, Vocal Improv stepped up my creativity immeasurably. It will do the same for you no matter your profession!

My life's work is freeing the human spirit through music. What's more, to help you access and bring out the music living and breathing inside you! And, I look very forward to singing with you!

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Your facilitator for these events is the founder of Holistic Voice Lab, Marie Black. You can read about her unique experience singing with Bobby McFerrin at one of his first public CircleSongs in Grace Cathedral, the Chant for World Peace, here.

Check our events page for CircleSongs near you.

If you wish to develop mastery as a vocal improviser, you may consider enrolling in our course, Vocal Improvisation: The Spirit of Expression.