Description

Exploring the voice can bring greater freedom, creativity, and joy in how we connect with ourselves and the world around us. This series of four weekly workshops, offered through the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s Music Wellness Department, continues to develop the voice as our first and most natural instrument. Together, we will deepen listening skills, expand vocal expression, and explore how improvisational tools can enhance both daily life and music-making.

Prior experience required — This series is open to students who have completed Vocal Freedom and Expression through improvisation - 1, current voice students of Viviane Houle (with instructor’s permission), or those with prior experience in vocal improvisation (with instructor’s permission).
What to Expect: Participants will have the opportunity to expand their improvisational and listening skills, vocal range, as well as explore group improvisations and compositions inspired by non-traditional music scores including graphic notation and text-based scores.
Please wear loose, layered clothing and bring a water bottle. We will sit, stand, and move gently in the space. Participants are encouraged to bring their curiosity about sound and the expressive potential of the human voice.
About the Instructor: Viviane Houle is a vocalist, improviser, visual artist, and psychotherapist based in Victoria. She has performed with Vancouver Opera, the Vancouver Symphony, and at leading festivals including the Vancouver Jazz Festival and the Vancouver International PUSH Festival. She has collaborated with leading figures in contemporary and improvised music and studied with Pauline Oliveros, Richard Armstrong, and Phil Minton. Viviane recently released a recording of duo interpretations of her graphic scores, along with a companion book, Unsung Songs (Infidels Jazz label), and completed a one-month artist residency in Norway mentoring with the vocal improvising ensemble Trondheim Voices. She has been offering voice and improvisation workshops for over 20 years.
"Voice is the muscle of the soul" – Roy Hart

Location

Wood Recital Hall at Downtown - Victoria Conservatory of Music

Instructor

Viviane Houle