Courses & Retreats

The Earth Singers Programme.

NEW one year Vocal Guardianship Training.

An in depth opportunity to explore the idea of Songlines (above) and what it means to become a Vocal Guardian or Steward.

Where are our songs of this land? We have had them in the past and some pockets of old ‘custom’ still exist. Inspired by the various world traditions which have not lost their native land songs, like the Sami of Scandinavia and the Australian Aborigines, we will begin the process of listening to and singing for our land.

Based on the principle that our world is ‘sound’, we can contribute to that sound positively. We can learn to listen to the sounds and songs of our environment. We can join the sounds of the universe and bring about an end to disassociation and alienation from our natural world. This can facilitate profound healing and brings connection, respect, gratitude, humility and a sense of belonging and joy. Once more attuned to our land, we find ourselves more able to make healthier and more sustainable and balanced decisions about our lives and how to be on the planet.

As well as developing confidence in our voices and exploring different singing styles, we will explore what it might mean to become a vocal guardian and take care of your garden, your well trodden footpath, your local spring, your favourite high place, sacred site or ancient tree. We will learn through singing how to be in harmony with our natural world.

Watch the clip for more details:

Through the four weekend modules you will

• explore a variety of landscapes
• learn ways of listening to nature and to sound
• develop your voice and singing skills
• begin working with particular places
• research your own local places and any history of songs they might have
• explore what guardianship/stewardship means and how it can work for us individually and for our communities

Attendance is by application.

Year One Dates:

Introductory weekend 19-21 February 2010 at Embercombe in Devon. Cost £240

Then

15 – 18 April      Sandwell Barns, Totnes, Devon

24 – 27 June     Monkton Wyld, Dorset

9 – 12 Sept.       Bluff Centre, Tintagel, Cornwall

7 -10 Nov.          Earth Spirit Centre, Glastonbury, Somerset

Cost: Sliding scale £1500 – £1350

Cornwall Earth Singers

Danu’s local training programme working more intensively with the lands of Cornwall.

Two groups, one west, one north, will meet for ten days (Sat or Sun.)during the year on a monthly basis starting on  6 March (Intro) 2010.

Cost: £350 for series of ten days or £45 for single day attendance.

Dates:

West/Mid Cornwall Group

Saturdays: 10 April, 1 May, 12 June, 3 July, 4 September, 9 October, 20 November, 4 December, 15 January 2011, Sat in Feb.2011

North/SEast Cornwall:

Sundays 11 April, 9 May, 13 June, 25 July, 5 September, 10 October, 21 November, 5 December, 16 january 2011, Sun in Feb 2011.

Both courses will lead on to an optional Year Two course, which will include Earth Singer facilitator training.

Bookings can be made by cheque, standing order or credit card via telephone.

“Sound, joined with intention, can heal and transform.” Danu Fox

Heartsong

Experience toning, singing , Indian Raag and mantra in this inspirational, transformative and heart opening workshop.

Extended toning and singing, accompanied by harmonium drone, open us physically, emotionally and spiritually, encouraging deep awareness and expansion. The drone is as ancient as creation and when we hear it, we remember and cannot help but join it. Singing collectively in this way brings about a unique healing vibration, encouraging us to realign with our authentic selves and true purpose. We relax, release tension and open our hearts. We witness ourselves in sound with loving compassion, allowing blockages to fall way. We ride sound waves which carry us to a central place, going beyond the individual and connecting with the eternal, the universal, the essence of life itself.

From that open source we can then go into the form of Hindustani Raag. Raag, a component of the classical and spiritual music of India, is based in the ancient Sanskrit tradition of healing sound, which accurately reflects and affects the world around us. It is profoundly beautiful and has an invaluable contribution to make in any sound healing practice and to our desire to come back into balance with ourselves and our environment. Mantras are also used.

During the workshop essential tips for voice production, breathe control, relaxation and performance are given, as are reflections and ways of using this method as an active meditation technique.

There are one day, weekend and festival Heartsong workshops plus a weekly class in West Cornwall. Please check diary for details.

Introduction to North Indian Raag

These weekends begin with the Heartsong process and then go into more focussed teaching of Raag. This ancient Sanskrit system of music is exquisitely beautiful and deeply sacred. We will begin working with the Sagam (the syllables) the Alaap, compositions and improvisation. A must for those inspired by Indian music.

Sing Out Workshops

Personal development retreats offering an opportunity to sing out in the natural world in some thrilling locations. Ancient Sanskrit and shamanic body and voice techniques combine with walking to bring profound healing and connection to the natural landscapes of these amazing and inspiring landscapes. Sing your essential self to stone, wind, fire and ocean. Experience the elements directly as you sing your prayers. In this workshop we tune in to the energy of the season as well as the location.

• Sing Out Tintagel 2010 dates coming
• Sing Out Isles of Scilly.   See the WalkScilly festival 278 March – 3 April 2010.

Sing the Seasons

This is a special programme of day workshops throughout the year at the unique and wonderful venue of Carnglaze Caverns near Bodmin, Cornwall. This former slate mine takes us deep underground to feel what it is like to sing in the belly of mother earth. There the excellent acoustics support us as we explore our voices along with rock and underwater lake. There we can experience the eternal, nurturing stillness of the feminine. We will also sing outside in the beautiful grounds of the Caverns, allowing us to connect with the changing colours and sounds of the seasons. The inner and the outer, the contemplative and the active.

The series will culminate in a performance at the Caverns for the Christmas Festive Fayre in December.

Sing the Seasons 2009

Saturdays
4 April, 13 June, 3 October, 7 November, 5 December.
Carnglaze Caverns
Cost £30 per workshop or £120 if paid in full in advance. Lift shares facilitated.

Introduction to Shamanic Song

This course focuses on the basics of shamanic practice and shamanic song, including finding your own songs for personal empowerment, prayer and ritual.

Songlines

What are the songs of our land?

This course facilitates singing of and for the land and all who live on it. Listening skills and voice techniques for singing inside and out, honouring special places, beings and trackways. Inspired by the Nordic Sami people and the Songlines of the Australian aborigines this introductory course gives the confidence to begin singing for the land and gives pointers for how to develop this further. This leads on to The Earth Singers Guardianship programme below.

Songlines courses:

Sunday 14 June and Sunday 18 October
Plan-it Earth Eco Project. Sancreed, Nr Penzance, Cornwall.
Cost: £30
www.plan-itearth.org.uk
For bookings call: 01736 810660 or email enquiries@plan-itearth.org.uk

Embody Your Voice

Speaking Well and the Art of Communicating

These workshops are designed for anyone who needs to speak in their profession. The course will look at how the voice is used and what it needs for free and healthy expression. Ideal for teachers, health professionals, anyone who needs to speak publicly, or for those who wish to improve the way they speak. A one day workshop which can bring about far reaching, beneficial changes in the way we express ourselves.

Embody sessions are also available on a one to one basis.

Sacred Flute Circle

Learn to play Native American flute, compose your own melodies and become part of a circle of indigenous wisdom. Individual sessions also available.

Shruti Doctor

Learn how to play your shrutibox and harmonium and understand the basics of music. Individual or group sessions available.