Song Medicine 2024

Join us for an evening of embodied connection, self-care and creative expression in the heart of leafy Zone 2 (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 connecting way is highly beneficial for the body, mind and soul. It really is Medicine. Happy hormones are released during prolonged singing, and the nervous system is regulated and resourced, which has multiple health benefits. I believe that the magic of singing is our birthright, and I welcome singers and non-singers of ALL genders to come and experience it.  The sessions are Queer-led, and I won't gender your voice. And if you're worried about not singing in tune, let me assure you, it doesn't matter! We aren't here to impress anybody. 

Relaxed and playful. We've moved beyond a traditional "choir" set-up, and into something less formal, more inclusive, and totally focused on how it FEELS to sing, rather than on what we sound like. And every voice is welcome, because every body can sing. No sheet music, no rehearsals, no performances: just fun, playful, soulful, meditative, relaxed and heart-centred singing in a group of lovely humans. Drop-in once or twice or come every week - we'll always be delighted to see you! 

*** Tickets must be purchased online and in advance - we don't sell tickets on the door ***

Session overview. We start with an opening circle and short group check-in. You'll get to introduce yourself with your name and pronouns, and I'll outline some guiding principles and a few useful logisticsal things. I'll lead a physical and vocal warm-up, including some stretching and shaking, and some sounding exercises. I'll teach a simple warm-up song to get us going, then a fun, upbeat song, using my voice and hand gestures to teach the melody and harmonies line-by-line. We sing in a circle, in any position you like (sitting on a chair or bolster, standing, or moving about), and you can join in as much or little as feels good for you. After a 10 minute tea break at 8.30pm, we make ourselves comfy and cosy on the floor to sing a more mellow, meditative song together, leading your nervous system steadily towards the healing 'rest & digest' state. We close the practice with some one-word shares, aftercare notes, and hugs for those who want to. 

By the end of the session, my aim is that you feel more embodied and present, musically satisfied, deeply relaxed, and connected both to yourself and to the others in the room.

What we sing. As well as having a nourishing and enjoyable evening, you will pick up professional voice tips for greater ease and confidence with your singing, co-regulate your nervous system with the others in the room, and possibly experience a human voice soundbath (they're super scrummy)! Our songs are especially composed by members of the Natural Voice Network, with themes of nature, what it is to be human, some World music (only songs shared consensually and enthusiastically) and some gently spiritual (but not religious) themes. You can watch videos of me singing some favourites here on our website. You will always be singing with others, for maximum ease and psychological safety. 

Trauma-informed. You are always in choice during the session: stand or sit; stillness or movement; choose the voice part or parts which FEEL most pleasurable to sing; rest when you want to; tend to nature's calls as they arise. This practice is perfect for anyone who is looking to diversify their wholesome self-care activities or find warm community connections, and can be hugely supportive in managing mental health challenges such as anxiety and despression. These are alcohol and substance sober events, so they're perfect for those in the recovery community. You can even leave halfway through if rest is more important for you. I have been trained to hold this kind of space. 

Inclusive. We are proud members of the Proud Wellness directory, and welcome our LGBTQIA+ siblings with JOY! Read more about how I will actively include YOUR voice here. No need to be a music-reader - all the songs are taught by ear and hand-gesture. We have three tiers of tickets available, to enable those with less financial resource to access the practice. These sessions are lovingly designed for adults - we're not insured for those under 18 to attend.

Included in your ticket price. We operate a "Singers Star Card" scheme to reward our frequent fliers: collect a coloured star sticker star when you sing (who doesn't love a sticker?!), and once you've got 9 stars, your 10th session is on the house. Attendees have access to an exclusive WhatsApp group, where weekly recordings of the songs and harmonies are posted, so you can get as many doses of the Medicine as you want! 

Song Medicine is for you if:

• You used to love singing, but lost your confidence for some reason

• You think you can’t sing, but you would like to, and you’re open to being lovingly persuaded that you can

• You love to sing but formal choir structures don’t work for you

• You have been exploring different creative wellbeing practices and this calls to something in you

• You’re a regular Song Medicine participant and you want to get your next fix!

Accessibillity & facilities. 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 (unisex cubicles). There is a shower available for those who wish to cycle here/come straight from the gym and freshen-up before we start. Sessions are run in English and we do not have a BSL interpreter.

What to bring. Bring a refillable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated, a warm layer for the second half (when we're less active) and some snuggly socks or slippers for your feet in the colder months (the floor is cold). I provide a range of herbal teas for the tea break. The studio provides chairs, yoga mats & bolsters for all your seating needs, but feel free to bring your own backjack or sheepskin/blanket if you want an extra-cosy nest or different back support for the second half.

Refunds. Due to the running costs of the sessions, tickets for this event are non-refundable and non-transferrable (date-wise), but you're welcome to sell your ticket on to a friend if you can't come any more! And, you are welcome to book last minute if committing in advance isn't possible. 

About the Song Leader:

Assamiya (pronounced A-sa-mee-a, she/her pronouns) is a lover of all things singing, connection, community and wellbeing. After 18 years as a professional choral and solo singer, she wanted a different kind of singing experience for herself and her local community, and created Heart Song Collective in 2022. A trauma nerd and cPTSD recoverer herself, she has studied and sampled wellbeing practices from all over the world, and had the inspiration to combine her love of singing and her yen for nervous system regulation into one delicious practice: Song Medicine. Her biggest delight is to encourage people to discover the joys of their own unique vocal expression, and the nourishing power of singing as part of a warm and accepting group. 

Assamiya is a queer, sex-positive LGBTQIA+ advocate and a verified member of the Proud Wellness practitioner directory. As well as continuing to work as a choral singer, she offers 1-2-1 Transformational Coaching and Holistic Singing Lessons, both in Brockley and via Google Meet. Traveling all over the country to bring her workshop facilitating magic, Assamiya has led singing sessions for the Ecstatic Dance Festival, Oxford Storytelling Festival, the Spirit Horse community and London City Chorus.

Contact: assamiya@heartsongcollective.co.uk

www.heartsongcollective.co.uk

And you can follow Heart Song Collective on our facebook page or Instagram for songs, silliness & self-care tips.

Testimonials:

"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 (she/her) ★★★★★

"Assamiya holds a brilliant space for queer folk, understanding the importance not only of pronouns (which we’re invited to include on our name badges so everyone has a visual prompt) but of gender neutral explanations of relevant body parts. It’s wonderful as a non-binary human to not be gendered by the size of my larynx!" Kirstine (they/them) ★★★★★

"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 (he/him) ★★★★★

"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 (she/her) ★★★★★

"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 (she/her) ★★★★★

"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 (he/him) ★★★★★

"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 (she/her) ★★★★★

"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 (he/him) ★★★★★

“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 (she/her)★★★★★