Vivienne writes…’’Singing creates a sense of wellbeing and is our natural birthright. An overwhelming joy floods into our souls when we let go of any inhibitions we have about our voice.’’ Having been classically trained I was very used to being in groups of people who used written notation to interpret musical sound. Then, one ‘light bulb’ day, I experienced the joy of singing songs with everyone learning by ear and having an immediate connection with each other and the song. It was so freeing, so inclusive and accessible to everyone that I knew this was the way I wanted to teach – absolute joy.

On this week I hope to build a trusting environment so that you will experience an uplift and a sense of real achievement when you sing in harmony with others. Our singing together will be non-judgmental and confidence building. The songs I’ll teach will encompass the whole range of human emotion. Songs will be taught by ear, but words will be available.

For many years Vivienne has run numerous singing workshops locally and also courses at Marlborough College Summer School. After studying piano and singing at the Royal College of Music (under the director at the time, Sir Keith Falkner) and training as a teacher at Newton College Bath, Vivienne became Head of Music in Burwell Village School, Cambridgeshire. Since then, she has taught in Powys and Carmarthenshire, where she was a tutor at Trinity College Carmarthen, and Llandovery College. She has an interest in composing and has won competitions with the Whirligig Theatre and HTV. She composes for her Community Choir which she runs in Llandeilo. She also takes Natural Voice sessions for established choirs and teaches privately.

Comments from people who have been to Morocco with Vivienne…

“I found the singing absolutely enjoyable and inspiring. To sing in a group like this was a totally new experience for me and I loved it. I have no technical musical knowledge which I thought might be quite scary in such a week, but you made it so unthreatening and easy to understand”

“When you told us about the Moroccan holiday, way back last summer, I thought it sounded as though it would be wonderful … and it lived up to all expectations and beyond!! I’m still living in the afterglow”

“It was the most memorable week I think I have ever experienced – so spiritual and profound – and that was only the singing part of it.  I did so enjoy all the other parts of getting to know some lovely Berber and Moroccan people and parts of a fascinating country.”

“A heartfelt thank you for an unforgettable week which was perfect in every way. From the wonderful group, uplifting songs, your expert teaching and great accommodation and food, it couldn’t have been better”.

“Haven’t stopped smiling & singing (in my heart though, voice a bit croaky !!) since I got back. You can only experience it to really understand all that. Thank you for making it possible”.

“Vivienne gave us the best time ever, so patient with us all, managing to produce wonderful uplifting music”.