Introduction

Hello, welcome. I’m Briony. I teach Collaborative Vocal Improvisation (CVI) in what I call the ‘contemporary American tradition’, pioneered in the U.S. over the last 4 decades by Bobby McFerrin, Rhiannon, Joey Blake and others. It’s a creative, challenging, thrilling approach to singing that starts with an empty space and lets the moment - and your body - give voice to the music of right now, and hones that as an art form in its own right.  You can read a history of CVI here.

Here is a 2 minute film and an 8 minute film about my teaching. My work emphasises musical competence, collaborative leadership, lyrics, vocal magnificence, authenticity and entwined human, musical and vocal development.

I teach weekend, week-long and extended programs primarily in the UK, U.S. and Europe at amateur to professional levels which I classify as levels 1-4. (I consider myself a student and collaborator at level 5.) This artform can be a fun form of community music in levels 1-2; a therapeutic medium for those who choose to use it that way at any level; level 3 is solid intermediate, while those at levels 4-5 are pushing the upper echelons of vocal excellence that perhaps we don’t yet know the limits of.

Vocal improvisation is a growing artform and practitioner communities around the world are exploring where they want to take it. Where will you take it? Let’s see!

Students have said:

“One of the most powerful experiences of my life! I feel changed on a cellular level!” (ok it was a 4 day retreat not a weekend…)

“Briony really made us all feel at home – starting off with exercises that didn’t force me outside of my comfort zone, and a no judgement pact, really allowed me to feel comfortable with the group, which then gave me the confidence to try out some solos.”

“It was seriously fun, crazy, inspiring, opening and meditative, all at the same time.”

“Some singing teachers teach you sing with your voice. Briony teaches you to sing with your heart and sing from your soul.”

“You made it feel like a womb. Protected, loved, nourished, warm and holding.”