Little Soprano

We’ll get to the singing element of this post in just a moment, but first I ask you to bear with me. It’s tough crafting something new. I see the blank screen and I’m often timid about making a start,  driven mostly by an irrational doubt in my ability to write a compelling argument that will make a difference to YOU, the person who has stopped by to read what I have to say, and who maybe feels the same way about their SINGING as I do about writing. Stay with me here .... let’s do this together!

Can you empathise? 

I mean, if I have doubts about whether I have what it takes to pull a convincing article,  you may be fighting the same demons about finding your voice - about singing. But the good news for both of us is that you’re HERE, reading this article because of your singing desires, so let’s put it in context. 

Just imagine if...

....you were asked to prepare a song - say, to record it and put it out there into the world for all to hear, over and over? What is your gut instinct? Fight or FLIGHT? 

I have met and taught many people who really just want to know how to connect with the potential vocal sound that is intrinsically their own. They’re often frustrated by what they feel are the limitations of an inadequate instrument - and lack confidence as a result. But you see, this can be remedied.

How? Read on.

What if you had the right tools to use?

So, you want to improve your singing. What’s important is that you make a beginning, a START and that you take that leap. Your vocal sound doesn’t have to be polished and perfect - but, that simple step of making the first sound, is the best and only step forward there is to make. 

Singing is my joy, my place to go to, my constant. It has always been the something that quietly drives me forward, from within. People tell me my voice is beautiful, that it’s a gift. But no, I say, it is a talent that I have honed to a finite set of skills. It is an accomplishment. 

You can do it too. 

So, how should we make a start? 

We all have voices - two little vocal folds that come together, vibrate in the airflow which ultimately translates as OUR sound, individually unique. Why then are we so often fearful or embarrassed about unearthing/uncovering their singing voice? 

Is it a question of not knowing HOW to start? 

Perhaps it’s not being able to reason why your spoken and sung voice seem to come from completely different places? 

Or do the sounds that do come out in public, bear no relation to what you hear when you sing in the shower?

Self-perception is a demon of course. It lurks in hidden places within our psyche, ready to pounce, to take us down, to withhold permission to indulge, the moment we become gripped by the self-imposed question ‘should I do this?’. Agreed?

Overcoming fears ...

One of my adopted ways to overcome a very real fear of talking on camera for online videos and live broadcasts and fully embrace all tools for online marketing was to start a Voice Vlog within my professional YouTube Channel. I recorded a companion vlog-post to this article, which helped me thrash out my overall strategy for re-introducing and writing about my 5 Essential Vocal Exercises even MORE.

So, what are these 5 essential vocal exercises? 

I’ve written many articles about vocal technique. By utilising just 5 of the basic singing ‘tools’ when you warm your voice up (if you’d like access to a FREE basic 15-minute warm-up audio file, then click HERE), you will be guaranteed a better understanding of how your voice works. More importantly, you’ll get to feel and recognise when it’s NOT! 

Here are the magic 5:

POSTURE 

BREATHING

ONSET

LIP TRILLS and 

SIRENING

 In a sister post called, ‘New to singing? Here’s something you can’t afford to miss.’ I explain:

First things first; by far the biggest step is building trust between student and teacher. Whether working in my studio or online, these are the fundamental building blocks of every lesson I teach:

I encourage students to give themselves permission to sing badly and make odd sounds. After all, that’s the nature of the game - trial and error.

I underline how important it is to have fun and not attach too much weight to how the voice actually sounds.

Making fresh inroads to the world of singing will at times seem very odd to most newcomers, so it is really good to have a freedom mindset.

 ‘Next Steps’ singing journey advice

If you’re not ready yet but want to get to know more about my work, then you can

visit my Voice School Noticeboard

'like’ my Little Soprano Facebook page

connect with me on LinkedIn

watch and listen to me on YouTube

follow me on Instagram

What IS really important?

If you want to learn the basic tools for good voice production, then the actual application of that learning, and by that, I mean how you weave it into your life, is just as important as the actual 5 essentials themselves. Many amateur singers fail to do this necessary weaving and wonder why their vocal instrument begins to suffer. 

I’ll end this post with a fabulously supportive and interesting Ted Ed animation about the art of practising any skill and the patience it takes to acquire it over time. 

Thanks for reading this far and - ENJOY!

What better time than now, as the year unfolds, to invest in yourself as a singer? Whether you’re an experienced soloist or someone rekindling a long-held passion, Love Your Voice 2025 offers a space to nurture your technique, spark your creativity, and connect with other singers who truly “get it.”

Love Your Voice '25 is all about learning by doing. It’s about stepping into the room, being heard, and embracing the process of exploration. Over three immersive workshop days in March, we’ll dive into the heart of what it means to be a solo classical singer—not just technically, but emotionally and creatively. These sessions are designed to provide practical tools for real growth, paired with the joy and camaraderie that come from working alongside a small group of like-minded singers.

Here’s what you can expect from each day:

Day One: Embracing Creativity and Performance We’ll set the tone for the weekend with a Meraki workshop. Meraki—a Greek word meaning to put something of yourself into what you do—is the perfect starting point for exploring your connection to music. Together, we’ll delve into the artistry and individuality that makes every voice unique. Expect a welcoming, hands-on day that balances inspiration with practical work.

Day Two: Singing with Live Accompaniment A truly special opportunity to work with a live accompanist in a beautiful music studio setting. This is your chance to move beyond tracks and recordings and experience the dynamic collaboration that comes with live music. It’s an invaluable experience for building confidence and deepening your interpretive skills as a soloist.

Day Three: Vocal Technique Deep Dive After the creative exploration of Days One and Two, we’ll shift our focus to the technical side of singing. In a more intimate setting, we’ll work on the essential building blocks of vocal technique—posture, breathing, onset, support, and resonance. This is your time to dig into what your voice needs to flourish, with supportive feedback and tailored guidance.

These three days offer more than just workshops—they’re an opportunity to recharge your love for singing. Being in a space with other solo classical singers fosters a sense of camaraderie that’s hard to describe. It’s inspiring to share the journey, celebrate each other’s progress, and simply enjoy the energy of a group working toward a common goal.

And then there’s Winsham itself. With its welcoming venues, beautiful countryside, and the thoughtful details we’ve planned (from refreshing breaks to optional evening meals), it’s the ideal environment to focus on your voice and reconnect with the joy of singing.

If you’ve been considering it, now is the time to take the leap. Applications close on Saturday 1st February, and spaces are intentionally limited to ensure everyone has the time and attention they deserve. Whether you join us for one day or all three, you’ll leave with renewed confidence, practical tools, and a deeper connection to your voice.

Visit the Little Soprano website today for full details and application links. I’d love to welcome you to Love Your Voice 2025 and help you take the next step in your singing journey.

As the New Year begins, it’s a natural time for introspection and planning—a moment to pause, take stock, and envision the path ahead.

For us as singers, this season of renewal is also a chance to reconnect with the joy and artistry that make our vocal journeys so fulfilling. Singing, after all, is good for the soul. It’s an expression of creativity, a means of connecting with others, and a way to ground ourselves in something deeply personal yet universally shared. And that’s why I’m so excited to invite you to Love Your Voice 2025.

This 3-day workshop event is a cornerstone of my work within The Voice School—where singers come to grow, explore, and refine their craft. It’s not just about technique, though that’s a vital part of what we’ll work on. It’s about nurturing the whole singer: embracing the creativity, individuality, and sheer joy that brought you to music in the first place. This ethos is at the heart of everything I do, from my teaching to the events I create, and Love Your Voice 2025 is no exception.

Each day of this event has been carefully planned to offer you a blend of inspiration, technical focus, and community. We’ll begin on Friday, March 21st, with a relaxed evening gathering to ease into the weekend. This informal start is a chance to meet your fellow singers, settle in, and set the tone for the days ahead.

The chosen venues have a welcoming atmosphere, and their picturesque settings provide the ideal backdrop for this learning journey.

On Day One, we’ll gather at The Jubilee Hall in Winsham, a beautiful historic space, with a wonderful acoustic perfectly suited to our work. This day is all about artistry and creativity, inspired by the Greek concept of Meraki—bringing your essence to what you create. Through warm-ups, guided exercises, and collaborative exploration, you’ll discover your voice and connect with the music that moves you. 

Day Two will take us to The Old Rectory in Chaffcombe, where the focus shifts to the dynamic interplay between singer and accompanist. Working with a live pianist brings a new depth to your experience, and there’s something truly magical about creating music in real-time collaboration. The stunning music studio at The Old Rectory is an inspiring space, and I’m thrilled to have Geraldine Wills joining us again as accompanist. Her skill and insight make this day an unforgettable experience.

On Day Three, we’ll return to Winsham, this time to the intimate setting of Church Farmhouse. After two days of expressive singing and performance, this is your opportunity to hone in on vocal technique. We’ll address individual technical challenges in a supportive environment, ensuring you leave the workshop with practical tools and fresh insights to carry forward in your singing journey. This day is about refining your skills and deepening your understanding of your voice.

Winsham is a treasure, and it’s a joy to hold this event in such a warm and inviting village. From the community-owned village shop to The Bell Inn just steps away from Jubilee Hall, the village offers plenty of charm and character to enrich your experience. During breaks, you can enjoy the stunning countryside views or take a quiet moment to reflect.

In the evenings, I’ll arrange optional dinners at nearby venues—a wonderful way to share stories, insights, and laughter with your fellow singers.

Love Your Voice 2025 is more than just a workshop weekend event; it’s an opportunity to connect with a supportive group of like-minded singers, all sharing the journey of artistry and growth. To help foster this connection, you’ll be invited to join The Green Room, a private online discussion group. This is where you can meet other participants, ask questions, and stay updated on event details. It’s also a space to share inspiration and continue the conversation long after the weekend is over.

For those who are new to The Voice School, you might also know me through Little Soprano—my longstanding blog where I’ve shared over a decade of reflections, insights, and experiences from the world of singing. The Voice School and Little Soprano are deeply connected, both rooted in my passion for helping singers thrive. While Little Soprano captures the personal and reflective side of this journey, The Voice School is where that vision comes to life through teaching, mentorship, and events like Love Your Voice. Together, they form a comprehensive approach to nurturing the singer within.

If you’re travelling from further afield, there are plenty of lovely accommodation options in and around the TA20 postcode area. From cosy B&Bs to self-catering cottages, there’s something to suit every preference. If you need help finding the right place to stay, just let me know—I’m happy to assist.

Applications for Love Your Voice 2025 closed on 1st February, but observers are always welcome - we'd love your support and input.

Three separate workshop days covering different aspects of a singer's learning journey. You choose!

Find out more up-to-date details about joining us as a most welcome observer, & visit the Little Soprano event page. You’ll find all the information you need, and booking links. Make 2025 the year you nurture your passion for singing, assess your skills, and reconnect with the joy that makes music a vital part of our lives.

Love Your Voice 2025 is not just a workshop event; it’s a celebration of the artistry, community, and personal growth that singing brings. I can’t wait to share this experience with you and see where your voice takes you next. If you have any questions or would like to chat more about what to expect, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Here’s to a wonderful year of music ahead!

Reconnect: The Joy of Singing Together and Well-Being

Are you a singer searching for immersive, joyful vocal experiences that uplift the soul? I invite you to join me for the 2024 "Sing Joyfully!" workshop weekend. This two-day event is designed for singers of all levels eager to share in the joy and camaraderie that music brings, creating harmony and a deep sense of well-being.

With over 35 years as a classically trained singer and mentor, my mission has always been to help others connect with their voice in a way that goes beyond technique. Singing is more than an art - it’s a form of personal expression that taps into our essence. We’ll experience the collective vibration of our voices, harmonizing in a way that lifts the spirit and boosts emotional and mental well-being.

The Power of Singing Together

Singing with others brings us into the present moment, raising our vibration and fostering a deep connection—not only to the music but to each other. The act of singing releases endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, and reduces stress by lowering cortisol levels. 

By blending our voices, we can connect on a profound emotional level, creating a sense of belonging and joy that resonates within us long after the music stops.

Through ensemble singing, we nourish our souls while building a sense of community. Being part of a small group allows each singer to contribute something unique while also feeling the combined energy of all voices in harmony. 

What to Expect

During Sing Joyfully 2024, we’ll focus on creating a fun and fulfilling space where every voice matters, from experienced singers to those who may be new to group singing. The music selection will be varied and tailored to who signs up, offering the opportunity to truly connect with each piece and with each other.  

Each day will begin with grounding vocal warm-ups that help focus the voice and centre the body, creating a solid foundation for the vocal work ahead. Throughout the weekend, we’ll tap into the vibrational benefits of music - both physically and spiritually - by exploring different ensemble music and working toward a final performance where we can celebrate all we have achieved. Find out more ...

Day One: Group Singing and Fundraiser for Well-Being

Day one will focus on group singing with a larger number of participants. This day is perfect for those who thrive on the energy and connection that comes from singing together. In addition to making music, we will be raising funds for Worldwide Cancer Research, an organization dedicated to supporting life-saving cancer research around the globe. By taking part, you’ll not only uplift your own well-being but also contribute to a meaningful cause, helping to find treatments and cures that will change lives.

We will be singing in The Ritchie Hall, Chandler's Ford, in Hampshire UK - a bright, welcoming community space, and local to me this time! To enhance the experience, a wholesome and healthy lunch will be provided along with refreshments throughout the day, ensuring that both body and soul are nourished.

Please note: Day One is limited to 25 places, so early registration is encouraged to secure your seat. Find out more ...

Day Two: Duets, Trios, and Quartets

On Day Two, we’ll transition to smaller ensembles—duets, trios, and quartets. You’ll experience the beauty and intricacy of working closely with other singers, blending your voices to create something special.  Singing in smaller groups allows for a deeper exploration of musical dynamics and emotional resonance, giving you a chance to fully experience the power of your voice within a shared space.

The venue for Day Two is still being finalized, but like Day One, this session runs from 10:30 to 17:30, offering a full day of enriching vocal experiences.

Well-Being at the Heart of "Sing Joyfully!"

At the core of this weekend is a focus on the well-being that singing together brings. Whether it’s the release of stress, the joy of shared creativity, or the healing vibrations of sound, music has the power to transform. As we gather to make music, we tap into these benefits, creating a collective experience that leaves us feeling renewed, inspired, and connected to ourselves and one another. Find out more ...

Explore The Voice School Portal

For those looking to immerse themselves further in vocal training and community singing events, visit The Voice School Portal. The Portal is a growing hub where you can find out about upcoming classes, workshops, and events designed to help you explore your voice and experience the transformative power of music.

Join Us!

Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in a joyful, well-being-centered vocal experience. Whether you attend one day or both, "Sing Joyfully!" promises to be a memorable event that will leave you feeling uplifted and connected. Come prepared, bring your enthusiasm, and let’s create something beautiful together!

Looking forward to singing with you! Find out more ... participate!

Gillian Gingell Wormley

I am a classically trained singer, recitalist, and voice teacher based in the UK with more than 35 years of experience in the business. Passionate about singing, performance, and music, I embrace technology to create online courses and workshop weekend events to inspire singers who are looking for the right kind of vocal guidance, wherever they may be on their journey. For more information and to contact me, please visit The Voice School.

The last of the four seasonal Voice-works Study Weekends offered to solo singers during this academic year, will happen next month, in June. Application deadline: midnight on Friday 13 May. A rather swift turnaround this time 🙂 ... but! It will be worth it!

These events are great fun and truly deliver on all promises.

Let me start by saying that I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate online, and I have got very used to it and the use of the technology. It has been an amazing way of attending workshops through lockdown, restrictions on travel and family difficulties. I would recommend it to anyone who feels they wish to attend a workshop, but cannot do it in person, for whatever reason. I cannot pretend the experience is the same as in person, but the current use of technology and organisation certainly helps produce an inclusive atmosphere. Sue Lewey, soprano

Everyone comes to the weekend bringing something in terms of enthusiasm, knowledge, experience, emerging vocal skills and a willingness to share; which in turn feeds the system and creates a wonderful ‘well-being’ synergy of experience. The true heart of the group ecosystem is the people - the singers - each with a desire to share and absorb, wherever they are in their learning experience.

The weekend brings home to me that, when learning songs, I might need to identify more clearly the demands of each piece in terms of joining up the musicianship patterns, the words, and how I feel about the song, with a view of bringing more stability in performance so that I can dare even more! It's an exciting whole new learning curve ahead! Sophie Bierens de Haan, mezzosoprano

Study Weekend places are always limited to a maximum of 6 (4 residential, 2 virtual) participating singers to ensure enough singing and performance opportunity is given to each participant.

The application and booking links for the Summer Study Weekend are still LIVE until Friday 13 May. You can add your details, make your payment and claim your actual/virtual place. We will give you a very warm welcome to Church Farmhouse, actually and virtually!

More details: www.littlesoprano.co.uk/workshopevents

I teach and host courses and events online to help singers improve their vocal quality. I embrace technology and focus on creating a flow of flexible creative ideas to a community of like-minded singers with similar learning passions and goals. It's my life's work.

My perfect business platform partner is Kajabi - and is highly recommended for all entrepreneurial and creative soulmates out there. Kajabi, the platform I have grown to love and indeed use on a daily basis to power all things vocal within The Voice School, is doing something exciting: If you sign up today, 2/22/22, you’ll get a full 2 months (60 days) to start building your creative business on their all-in-one platform for free. That's 2x the free trial to celebrate all the 2’s on the calendar today.

I chose Kajabi because they make it easy to turn the knowledge and content I already have into a coaching program, online course, a potential podcast, or membership site. And once I've created an offer, I can market and sell it from the same dashboard. The support of its online creative possibilities enabled my business to sail through the limitations of LockDown and Covid-19 as a solopreneur.

But it takes more than a powerful set of tools to succeed. That's another reason I chose Kajabi. Their support and customer service help me continue learning how to scale and grow my business and get back on track if there's ever something I don't know along the way.

In fact, dare I say, with Kajabi you get 2x the benefits of most other platforms out there. And this 2-month free trial only sweetens their two-rrific deal. That’s a lot of 2s.

However, this offer is only available on 2/22/22, so don't wait. Don't second-guess it, dive in and have fun exploring for 60 days for free. Use this special link and get started today.

As you may realise, the above link is an affiliate link, and I will earn a commission as a Kajabi Partner if you choose to sign up after the 2-month free trial. However, I only recommend products that I trust, love, and use myself. I recommend Kajabi because I know you can benefit just like I have. I am excited to share this great offer today.

There are numerous ways offered within The Voice School to gently ease yourself into vocal activity this year, you just have to decide which, what, where, how often and, the big WHY? This week, I'm highlighting each available link, each opportunity - each step you might choose to take to add your voice to the JOY of it all.

Virtually Vocalise: It’s all in the name - think Vocal-ease … a vision of the possibilities and viable benefits of an online community/membership group for singers to explore their vocal journey together. This membership has to this point in time been housed within a private Facebook group. But during 2022, I'll be implementing changes (already begun) to safeguard the valued and innovative work we are doing. It's a time of innovation. Seriously curious about classical singing and learning more? This would be the perfect time to hop on board, as we broaden the scope of the platform we're using to incorporate the wealth of learning resources and activities suited to dedicated singers at any stage in their learning journey. All you need to bring to it is your passion and then be pulled along by the JOY of it all.

What will you do this year that you put off doing last year?

If you love to sing, what intentions might you set (as so many people do) at the beginning of a new year? It matters not how big or small, how simple or complex. Now is the perfect time to get motivated!

There are many ways offered to you within The Voice School to gently ease yourself into vocal activity this year, you just have to decide which, what, where, how often and the big WHY? Last week, I began the new term with a post each working weekday, highlighting each available link, each opportunity - each step you might choose to take to add your voice to the JOY of it all.

First: The Voice School Hub: As an introduction to me and my teaching methods, I invite singers to join as a member of The Voice School’s central group.  It’s FREE to join (for now) and is hosted on Facebook as a private group.

At the heart of all we do as singers, is making music and self-expression. Sharing the experience with others. A need for belonging and community is strong because it provides a solid base for exchange, observation and mutual support. It is important to remember that we can always reach out and be connected by technology. Virtual Studio events are offered within The Voice School Hub to help connect singers and all fall under the larger umbrella of Little Soprano and The Voice School, where my strongest driver is to provide COMMUNITY and a great, shared vocal learning experience.

Joining the growing membership is a great introduction to my style of teaching. You’ll also be able to take full advantage of the Vocal Technique Learning Guides, while they are still available.

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas! Enjoy this festive time with friends and family. Have a wonderful time!

To feed your festive mood, visit our 'Camaraderie at Christmas' Just Giving page and support our Great Ormond Street Hospital appeal, which remains LIVE until 31st December. As tenor Stephen Hope wrote to fellow Camaraderie Singers earlier this week,

" We have been absolutely over-awed by the wonderful generosity and support we have received in raising such a fantastic sum for the GOSH Charity £580 at the last count! Amazing!! I think that we all enjoyed performing our virtual concert, the culmination of much hard work and also enjoyed the final result."

Watching the video on YouTube (special link available via our Just Giving page) is the complete experience and with it, you get the sense of how hard everyone worked to pull the programme together. I am sure all the singers have accolades to share!

Such a wonderful feeling, as with any performance, being a part of something, a team - a group, and the expectation of making and sharing music.

Our watchers/audience commented many times about how professional the virtual performance is. As soprano Susan Lewey shared post-premiere performance,

"What a fantastic experience that was! Last year, I never thought we would have had to record a virtual concert again! But here we are, we did do it and I think it was a wonderful learning curve for all of us, (in different ways!). I truly hope it was enjoyable for our audience last night and those to come. I have received some lovely personal messages of support and delight. They highlight the lovely singing, the professionalism and an appreciation of all the hard work. Let’s do it again!"

You have to remember, we were mostly separated geographically and all performers sent in their recorded audio files and video for mixing and collation accordingly. It was quite a challenge - and everyone executed it perfectly. A fabulous end result and I am so very grateful to everyone who took part. Heartfelt thanks.

If you'd like to take a look at our virtual programme, here's the link you'll need.

We're swinging into the last full day of recording and creation. There's a deadline at lunchtime, after which we go with what we've got!

I am reminded (and I do pass the message on to all the singers who are giving so generously of their time) how important it is to let go of perfection. In a live performance, we never have the safety net of making another recording; if mistakes happen, they happen for real, in the moment.

I am very fortunate to have the professional expertise of my son Ryan Walker to help guide our wonderful group of singers along the route to technical mastery of a different sort. He says,

"Any new venture takes time to perfect and, in my experience, any musical endeavour can be forever ongoing. The piece of string quote comes to mind! We are right at the beginning of this experiment with home recording with plenty of road left in the journey. At the moment were looking at getting the basic practical tools under our belt; microphone technique, setting gain levels, comping tracks to one take, etc. On top of that, it's easy to feel out of our depth when thinking about the technical side of things as well as the practical. I think it's a fun point to be with anything new, both feet in and right at the beginning. It's important to enjoy the learning process and feel comfortable with being a novice. As my mum once said to me - forget the destination, enjoy the journey."

We are enjoying the journey - so far removed from the natural exhilaration of singing together in one physical place, where we have awareness of breath, being and emotion. For my part, it is definitely stretching my capabilities in different ways ...

Some thoughts from some of the singers too ... This from mezzo-soprano Sophie:

"It's my richest experience in a long time in terms of learning on the spot and making do, using bits of knowledge on recording vocals courtesy of Ryan Walker and invaluable feedback from Gillian Gingell Wormley. There is a very exciting learning curve about negotiating the physical demands of classical singing and the sound accuracy requirements of recording tracks. Improving accuracy in singing is pushing me in the right direction."

And, amusingly, this from tenor Steve:

"My experiences can be summed up using the acronym FFS. Feeling Fantastic after you finally do a take which you think may be acceptable Feeling Frustrated after the umpteenth take where you keep singing the same wrong note and on more than one occasion Feeling Stupid when with my right hand I have started the recording of what promises to be a nice take from Bernie but seeing no signal level and then realising while Bernie is singing so beautifully that you still have the microphone plugin your left hand which you had taken out for playback! Actually, another F is Fellowship as Bernie and I really enjoyed working together on this project and feeling so lucky we were able to work at his house together."

Our JustGiving page in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital went LIVE yesterday, and we're feeling GOOD! It's turning into a bit of a work of artist expression ...

Today, I've been pulling the digital programme presentation together. It's good to see it all coming together. Feeling a bit nostalgic ...

What struck me is that the core of the Camaraderie at Christmas 'team' have known each other for a long, long time. We may have had many years of making music together, but somehow it doesn't feel like that. It feels as fresh as it did back then, in the beginning - and so relevant to how we all feel about the work that we are doing now.

We have three guests who opted into the virtual performance challenge: soprano Debbie Carless, bass Bernard Tarleton and soprano Grace Thomas. When I announced the project within The Voice School in September and chose Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital charity GOSH as a fundraising target, I had no idea how this would also resonate with Grace.

As she tells us in her short bio for the programme:

"Great Ormond Street Hospital was one of my training grounds, where I spend a few worthwhile and very happy years. I am pleased that after all these years I now have the opportunity to sing something for the Great Ormond Street Hospital charity."

And here she is!

And my own family, of course, has direct experience of the value of children's charities and all the good work they do. I write now in memory of our daughter Alice Elizabeth who died before her 8th birthday. During her lifetime we benefitted many times from the work and kindness of charities devoted to sick children, as Alice's dad Peter Wormley reminds me ...

"Gillian and I had the experience of the benefits charities offer children like Alice, our daughter. The help we received during her lifetime was invaluable. From the Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber of the Multple Sclerosis Society, to my sister Viv Wormley-Healing raising money for Alice to receive Tomatis treatment at the centre in Lewes, and a lovely family holiday in Derbyshire funded by the Sainsbury Trust. Not forgetting Brainwaves.org who introduced us to 'patterning' for Alice and gave us access to their MRI scanner in return for a small donation, where Alice did not have to be compromised by a general anaesthetic. These were lifelines to us and Alice's siblings - our family."

So you see where the heart is, and why I encourage efforts to do good work.

The final week of prep for the virtual pre-recorded festive concert continues!

Separate track recordings are arriving into our shared Dropbox folder for me to action and - as with a LIVE, actual performance, there is a feeling of excitement ... mixed in with quite a lot of nervous energy too. No-one likes a deadline, least of all me. It has echoes of the past, waking in anticipation every day, thinking of the jobs to do - ironing out those programme wrinkles, checking text, jpegs and generally helping everyone achieve their goals.

I keep thinking, it is only Tuesday and there is plenty of time ... Well - there is! It's a thrilling challenge for us all and all in a good cause at Christmas time.

Livestream is set ...

JustGiving page is good to go too.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/camaraderiexmas

Now we're really off to the races.

I host a Friday at Five Community membership, nestled within Little Soprano and The Voice School. It's free to join and therein on a weekly basis, I provide motivation, inspiration, vocal technique tips, well-being and vocal care info, stories and project news, special offers and sometimes more ...

I'm raising awareness and journalling all this week, celebrating the wonderful collaborative effort made by FF Community members Susan Ann Lewey, Sophie Bierens de Haan, Stephen Hope, Grace Thomas, Debbie Carless and our guest Bernard Tarleton in preparation for our online festive project, 'Camaraderie at Christmas'.  A programme of wonderful music, the culmination of a few weeks' online collaboration, steady work and endeavour towards an end goal, to raise money for a good cause - but having fun and enjoyment in the virtual challenge, AND the community and sharing of the journey. Here's to a different sort of week folks - the final days, the final PUSH! 

More tomorrow!

“We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time."

T.S Elliot

Fabulous words aren't they? And so on point; their message so intimately familiar, easy to recognise as a singer. But if you're keen to improve your vocal skills, the actual trigger to do so could be one of many things.

And person-to-person the deciding criteria may be quite diverse. But, wherever you are on your vocal journey, if you seek improvement or have a quest in mind you'll need to make room for some serious - but rewarding - learning experiences.

As singers, we're still picking up the pieces of what's possible in this post-pandemic scenario and for many vocalists, it isn't always clear. Voice-work Study Weekends embrace this difficulty in their aim to deliver workshop content both virtually and actually to participating singers. It's a question of choice ... Meaning, those of us who can travel to make it in-person to a hosting venue may be joined online by those singers who find this awkward/impossible or who prefer the virtual set-up more.

How does it work?

Everyone comes to the weekend bringing something in terms of knowledge, experience, emerging vocal skills and a willingness to share; which in turn feed the system and create a wonderful ‘well-being’ synergy of experience. The heart of the group ecosystem is the people, with a desire to share and absorb, wherever they are in their learning experience.

Post-application singers are granted access to the Voice-works Spring Study Weekend digital guide. You’ll be able to use it on PC, laptop, iPad - and there’s an app for smartphones too. Essentially, it’s a detailed map of the weekend giving lots more information and it’ll continue to develop, building toward the study weekend in April 2022. We will use the guide to keep everyone on track, especially useful to those taking part online.

Study Weekends deliberately cater to a small number of singers, in each case a maximum of 6 (4 residential, 2 virtual) participants to ensure everyone gets the time and attention they need.

The workshop weekends are immersive, by design.

The best experiences are those borne out of an eagerness to learn.

Good preparation is key - only then can each singer give wholeheartedly to the group as a whole.

"Being in Church FarmhHouse I was fully immersed in a weekend like no other, for the first time in my singing journey I had a really strong felt experience of being actually led closer and closer to the edge by the response from the audience. Uncannily I even felt it from the one of us who was 1934 km away!  In the moment it's such a wonderful feeling and is what makes a performance unique.”

Sophie Bierens de Haan, mezzosoprano

What could this mean for you?

You'll enjoy three working sessions and a final performance afternoon, each nurturing and gently challenging the solo singer in the intricacies and experience of performance. Singers are offered the opportunity to sing to other members in a very supportive and intimate workshop environment.

"As a vocal coach Gillian demonstrates an extensive knowledge of technique and language and also dramatic performing skills with an approach tailored to suit the individual at whatever level in their journey."

Is this for you?

If you can tick each of these ...

you are curious and someone who enjoys community

you want, need, seek the experience of solo performance in a safe learning environment

you enjoy good company, excellent mentoring, beautiful rural surroundings, fine food and diverting conversation ...

You are tailor-made for this experience. It's a win-win situation.

"Thank you so much for an excellent weekend in such a perfect setting.  My love of singing has been an important part of my life for 50 years or so, interfered often by work! I found your encouragement, advice and praise very stimulating and has given me more confidence in solo work and inspired me to widen my repertoire. I never knew that what one hears in one's head is not the same as what the audience hears!"

Bernard Tarleton, Bass

Here's what to do next ...

Don't delay, reserve your place. You can learn more detail HERE about workshop events and how they are managed PLUS when you've fully absorbed all the info, it's where you'll find the sign-up link.

Final Spring Study Weekend application deadline: 31 March 2022.

I've been teaching singing and vocal technique for many years, yet it still surprises me (in a good way) just how much repetition there needs to be, addressing the same old pain points for so many different people no matter where they are on their learning journey.

The easiest and most rewarding teaching experience is undoubtedly with those open souls who are driven by the JOY of the whole thing and who never expect the learning curve to finish. It's an exciting and often unexpected ride!

The hardest students to reach are without fail those who imagine they have their goal in sight and once it is achieved, it's a given that they've mastered the skill. That's a tough nut to crack.

Their journey to the OK Plateau will only be a short one.

To learn well, we must surrender to the vulnerability of it all and forgive vocal imperfections, BUT also be inquisitive and questioning about the WHY.

🌿 PS — If you're exploring your voice and want something simple to anchor your practice, download Essential Vocal Tools — my free guide to the basics. It’s gentle, clear, and made for singers just like you.

Singers are, of course, buoyed along by the love of music, the quest to express and the innate physicality & pleasure born of the whole. And yet, at intermittent points in the journey, a little further down the learning track, there are usually points where we meet forks in the road, perhaps where things get a little harder - or perhaps we simply become more aware.

As we age and mature for example, so we as singers can imagine that it may become harder to produce good sound. That our bodies have 'issues' that have accumulated over time and are difficult to reverse. Or - that it is too late to learn - or indeed worst of all in my view, that there is little need to seek further learning! Surely, the joyful learning path never ends?

" Age is not an obstacle to such renewal. The possible connections in the human nervous system outnumber the stars in the galaxy. This virtually infinite network of possibilities is the source of our almost unlimited capacity to learn or relearn. We only use a portion of these connections even in our prime." Graham Lynne

But which route to take? Isn't it all a little too confusing?

We've shifted gears and maybe things (aka progress) get a little harder, more difficult to perceive. Perhaps the intrinsic nature of the voice we thought we knew begins to change, or an awareness of others' opinions develops and self-doubt and judgement begin to creep in. Whatever it might be, it's usually a defining moment in the relationship between the singer and the voice. Fight or flight.

What's your process? I'm interested to know. Here's one of my vocal technique infographics around a popular passaggio pain point, to help illustrate my meaning ... the old, struggling with the new.

The infographic speaks to those moments when you’re singing, everything is going smoothly until suddenly your voice does something weird. A ‘yodel’ or a ‘blip’ - a fluctuation in pitch/sound. It can feel embarrassing. We feel vulnerable.  (A good analogy would be: when you’re driving - perhaps negotiating a speed change or a tricky corner - and you don’t quite change gear smoothly enough and the gearbox complains.)

But I'm here to tell you that's okay.

There’s just an imbalance going on somewhere in the mix. But no worries - there's a necessary component needed in all of this, and that's time. Beware of too much impatience to get the ‘thing’ done. Hasty, short-cut learning can lead to BAD muscle memory too. It is good to know the distinction.

An important part of the vocal learning process is ALLOWING it to unfold: building physical patterns and responses from the inside out, accessing the FEELING of, not just the DOING of.

The remedy lies in the reapplication of very basic vocal technique principles and internalising these learnings, little and often. Little by little the neurons in the brain form pathways that in time become more secure and dependable and eventually EASY to access.

This is neuroplasticity doing its thing.

There are 3 levels to the way the brain accepts information, which in turn, form new muscle ‘habits’: #1 chemical #2 structure and #3 function.

The primary driver of change in your brain is your behaviour.

But don't just take it from me. Here's mezzo-soprano Sophie talking about a recent experience where she felt she was on the edge of something exciting - a new feeling coming from the inside. You can sense the delight - and the inherent vulnerability - yet a willingness to repeatedly explore new possibilities. The best learning mindset!

"One of my goals was around knitting together different elements of my singing practice - physicality, imagination, technique, mental focus, trust, etc. - so that I can be freer in performance and express something deep about my interpretation of a piece. In the back of my mind, this was a goal for the long road, a time in an uncertain future when we can all be together in person. But I was in for a surprise: during the Virtual Love Your Voice weekend, as we talked about performance and listened to each other's recordings with Gillian Wormley providing suggestions, something progressively unlocked in me, allowing me to be in the moment and communicate from deep inside. Gillian coached us very craftily and very sensitively throughout the whole weekend, offering great flexibility of options in terms of what to present and how, while at the same time, taking us to our edge, bringing us to a place where we could take some risks. The words that were a revelation for me were "taking responsibility" and, even scarier for me, the notion of "taking command". These words are not part of my vocabulary, so the weekend is beyond changing me as a singer!!"

One of the fundamental reasons I keep singing is that it keeps me sane.  Quite literally grounded. Singing has always been and continues to be both my linchpin and my salvation. It may have been challenging to maintain the learning regime at tumultuous family times, but I always have returned to music - to singing - to restore my own sense of balance.

Find out more about how you can do this learning journey process thing too.

“In anything at all, perfection is finally attained not when there is no longer anything to add, but when there is no longer anything to take away when a body has been stripped down to its nakedness.”

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Ready to build solid vocal foundations? Essential Vocal Tools is my free starter guide to the core techniques I teach at The Voice School. It’s honest, clear, and designed especially for adult singers looking to sing with more confidence and freedom.

A gentle first step. Thoughtfully recommended.

I'm sending out a participation update to all my Friday at Five Community singers this Tuesday morning. An application deadline is approaching and at this point, I'd love to further extend the invitation to you too - to take the plunge and join our Voice School 2021 festive project and sing with us. (please scroll down for the participation form link)

Members are being asked to step up as we move forward with the next stage in setting plans and the programme for our festive online concert project, 'Camaraderie at Christmas'.

Following on from the success of last year's 'Star Candles' and the enjoyment brought to every participating singer and their friends and family across the board, we're aiming to raise money too this time in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital here in the UK.

I explained the nature of the idea in the September Voice School email broadcast, and I've linked it here again as a refresher of the concept. Do watch it. Nothing quite like coming together to sing at Christmas.

There's a participation fee of £45 to pay (to include your donation to GOSH) and online rehearsals/meet-ups to attend - but I want to stress again (as soprano Susan Entwistle said when we launched 'Star Candles' last year) that

"this is open to everyone at any point in their singing journey. It is a great way to come together and celebrate the end of the year whatever that means to you!"