Song Medicine

Join us for an evening of embodied connection, self-care and creative expression in South East London, all through the magic of singing together. Scientists, Healers and Elders across the globe agree that group singing in a relaxed and unpressured way is highly beneficial for the body, mind and soul. It really is Medicine. I believe that this medicine is our birthright, and I warmly welcome you to come and experience Song Medicine for yourself. Every voice is welcome, because every body can sing. 

"If you can walk, you can dance. If you can talk, you can sing" Ghanaian saying

Here at Heart Song Collective, we've moved beyond the traditional "choir" set-up as a way of singing together, and into something more flowing, less formal, more inclusive, and totally focused on how it FEELS to sing (rather than what we sound like). No sheet music, no rehearsals, no performances: just weekly evening sessions of relaxed and heart-centred singing, playful connection and nervous-system-nourishment via simple, soulful music and community. You are always in choice in these sessions: stand or sit; stillness or movement; choose the voice part or parts which FEEL most pleasurable to sing. The human voice dances far beyond the gender-binary. 

As well as having a nourishing and enjoyable experience, you will pick up professional voice tips for greater ease and confidence with singing, co-regulate your nervous system with the others in the room, and maybe even experience a human voice soundbath! (they're super scrummy). The songs we'll sing are especially composed for this kind of community singing by members of the Natural Voice Network, with themes of nature, what it is to be human, some World music and some gently spiritual (but not religious) themes. You can watch videos of the Song Leader singing some of them here on our website. Some are fun and playful and upbeat, some are more mellow and meditative. 

Evening outline: 

🟊 7.15pm doors open and registration

🟊 7.30pm begin with group check-in

🟊 physical and vocal warm-ups

🟊 learn and sing a song in 2/3/4 part harmony, a call & response or a round

🟊 tea break 

🟊 learn and sing another song (or two)

🟊 group closing circle, share & check-out

🟊 9.30pm close (& those who wish to socialise together head to a local watering hole)

All the exercises, shares and songs are optional, so you are in choice throughout the evening. Take time out if you want, go to the loo when nature calls, sit on a chair or the floor or stand depending on what is most comfortable for you; choose more personal space during the circles, sing with your eyes open or shut... you know yourself and your needs best, so you choose how to take part. You can't get it wrong, and your choices and boundaries will be honoured and valued. 

Please note: These are alcohol and substance sober events. 

*** Tickets must be purchased online and in advance. For spontaneous bookings, this link works right up until the event starts  (although 4G signal in the building itself is a bit unreliable) ***

About the Song Leader:

My name's Assamiya (pronounced A-sa-mee-a, she/her pronouns) and I'm an experienced professional classical singer, choir coach, workshop leader and trauma-informed transformational coach. I have a private coaching practice in Brockley (SE4), facilitate singing workshops across the UK for festivals and community gatherings, and am an active, sex-positive LGBTQIA+ ally and climate activist. 

I am passionate about singing, wellbeing and community, and I'm making it my mission to spread the practice of Song Medicine across the UK. It saddens me that so many feel too afraid or ashamed to sing in groups, and I hope that I can help you reclaim your voice and its power week by week, as well as nourishing your nervous system and having fun!

To read more about Heart Song Collective, about me, or hear some of our favourite songs, please explore www.heartsongcollective.co.uk
And you can follow Heart Song Collective on our facebook page or Instagram for songs and self-care tips. 

Accessibillity & facilities:

This event is lovingly designed for adults of all ages (18+). For the parents and care-givers among you, this pocket of time is all for you.

Our gorgeous singing studio is on the First Floor and unfortunately, not wheel-chair accessible. There are 22 steps up from the ground floor to the studio and five more up to the toilet facilities. There is also a shower available for those who want to cycle/come straight from the gym and freshen-up before we start. 

What to bring:

Bring a refillable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated, a mug if you would like a cuppa in the tea break and some snuggly socks or slippers for your feet (the floor feels chilly in Winter). I provide a range of teas & some oat milk for the tea break. The studio provides chairs and yoga mats for all your seating needs, but you may wish to bring a warm extra layer - our body temperatures can really drop when we're very relaxed (similar to the Shivasana pose at the end of yoga).

Testimonials:

"It's just wonderful! I know I'm gonna really enjoy it and I know it's gonna make me feel really lovely. And I think you facilitate and hold the space really beautifully. I often feel euphoric afterwards. Very connected with everyone who is there, very calm. Like I’ve used my voice in a really nice way - a really powerful way." David N ★★★★★

"This is the highlight of my week! There's a real sense of peace, especially by the end, even when the songs have been a bit tricky. You are a wonderful facilitator Assamiya - you’re joyful, playful, honest, authentic. You bring people together in a really lovely way.There's a lovely connection with the group and I really appreciate that there’s no performing, because there’s just no pressure. It’s like soul singing and I think anyone would love it." Becky ★★★★★

"I just love it.There's something really magical about lots of voices coming together especially when it's in harmony. It's otherworldly. To hear and to be part of that is magic. I just love it! It feels like coming home." Roseanna ★★★★★

"As a lifelong, 50+ non-singer, I was surprised (and a little terrified!) to find myself drawn to join a singing group. However, HSC very quickly became one of the highlights of my week. Assamiya is a very welcoming, inclusive and passionate group leader who has drawn me out of my singing shell, built my confidence and helped me realise that I can actually sing!" Nancy ★★★★★

"Heart Song Collective’s weekly Song Medicine is a perfect way for me to find my voice in a more informal and spiritual way, giving voice to songs grounded in nature, spirit and love. Also, as a bass, it’s makes a lovely change to be able to sing in whatever range suits me. There’s no right or wrong way to sing, so I can fully be in the moment and relax into my singing. Assamiya leads in a gentle and supportive way, always with a dose of self-deprecating humour." David C ★★★★★

"I really recommend it! Before, singing was something I was quite shy about. Withheld. I didn't feel so free in my expression. Finding this was perfect! A non-competitive, non-judgmental space where everything is welcome, including my own sometimes out of tune-ness. I definitely find a sense of freedom in my voice and a feeling of togetherness. And it means a lot to me that the group is so diverse. The day or two after, I am so free and bouncy." Zahara ★★★★★

"I talk about it to everybody I meet and everybody I know and encourage them to come along! It's just so relaxing and regulating, and it sets you up for the weekend. We have a good laugh and a good chat, and tea and biscuits, and enjoy making something together and learning what we're capable of. The group could be strangers at the beginning of the evening, but we're all gonna be friends by the end." Nick ★★★★★

“I’m nervous about singing (how I sound, can I stay in tune/on key etc) but I love it! Assamiya has a way of making all my nerves melt away. She is clear and playful with so much knowledge and wisdom - it really is medicine. I have been moved to tears by the collective voices” AJ ★★★★★

Refunds:

Due to the running costs of the sessions, tickets for this event are non-refundable and non-transferrable.