Are you drawn to singing, but feel nervous doing it in front of others?

Would you like to sing in a pressure and judgment free group that's about joy, ​fun, and connection? 

Find your path at Bay Area Vocal Improv, where you will be supported by a group and a skilled facilitator to find your unique vocal improvisation freedom!

René has a generosity of spirit, a natural way of making us all feel comfortable enough to vocalize without fear of being judged. And in that freedom, we play vocal games and connect with each other, ultimately creating unique-for-the-moment soundscapes that uplift and transport. Pure fun and joy. She's a tremendous musical talent and a gifted teacher.
 
                                ~ Evan Specter
​                                   Marketing Expert/Theater Improviser

​View Upcoming Events here

ONGOING CLASSES 2019
​   1ST SUNDAYS 6:45pm–8:45pm.

Jan. 6, Feb. 3, Mar. 3, Apr. 7, May 5, June 2 
July 7, Aug. 4, Sept. 1, Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1

The Mahea Uchiyama Center
​for International Dance 
729 Heinz Ave #4, Berkeley, CA 94710

6:45 p.m. -8:45 p.m. 
Please arrive at 6:45 to start at 7:00 p.m. 
(8:15p.m.- 8:45 p.m.,socializing and tea) 
$15.00 to $ 25.00 sliding scale 

PLEASE NOTE: Please park in the middle section of the lot.
​Also, the main gate closes when I leave, so we ask that you exit with your car.

"I admire and appreciate you as a singer, as a teacher
and as a human. You are patient, kind, solid, and
encouraging. Its easy to follow you ​and be inspired by you"

                           - Renata Martin,
                              Educator/Singer

M.U.C.I.D 2017 photo: Zarahia Perdomo

Mills College Reunion 2010

Bay Area Vocal Improv 2018

Subterranean Art House 2014 photo: Tonia Hafter

Join me for an enlivening vocal improvisation class, in the creative activity of making vocal music in the moment, such as scat singing or other wordless sounds.

I am Renée, your supportive and joyful vocal guide inviting you to an age-old practice – singing and moving rhythmically as a group.
​
I create an accepting and welcoming environment to sing in and express your authentic emotions and sounds regardless of previous vocal experience.

I have been joyfully been facilitating groups in the connective activity of Vocal Improvisation since 2011 in the Bay Area. 

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WHY PEOPLE LOVE BAY AREA VOCAL IMPROV:

• Catherine Sutton
• Susan Duhan Felix
• Scott G
• Helena Mitchell
• Richard F

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​​Singing with Renee brings back an element of joy and togetherness in community that we've been longing for.  ~Catherine Sutton

Renée's musical presence lights up a room. Whether it's her singing or improvisation facilitation, she has the ability to share her unique talents.    ~Susan Duhan Felix, Art Ambassador, City of Berkeley

 I came to the workshop with my girlfriend and a close friend of hers, whom I'll  call Beth. Beth and I had never connected very strongly, and I have to admit  that I didn't like her very much.

 Over the course of the night, something shifted for me. I especially remember  a moment when we made eye contact, singing joyously, and I felt connected to  her for the first time in our relationship. I feel gratitude and powerful emotion  thinking about it now.

 The next day, the three of us went hiking in the Muir woods. At the end of the  day, in the cool of the redwoods' shadow, I warmed Beth's hands in mine. This  nourishing act of closeness and affection would not have happened without  the experiences we had the previous night. Thank you Renee!   ~Scott G

I have taken Renee's Vocal Improvisation Facilitation and enjoyed her ability to evoke wonderful new sounds from my core, as well as become more comfortable singing with others and creating lovely harmonies with others. It was releasing as well as fun.     ~Helena Mitchell

Renee's group meets the first Sunday of each month. I've attended 3 times, and each one is better than the previous. Some of her warm-up exercises will take you out of your comfort zone...in the best possible (and often unforeseen) ways. Vocal improvisation with others on the same simpatico wavelength is utterly intoxicating and, for me, the two hours in the group are often the highlight of the day/week_____). Reaching common vocal ground with strangers is an experience I cannot recommend highly enough. I usually float out of the space afterward.   ~Richard F

Class includes vocal and rhythmic movement games,improvised melodies and rhythms.
​
​Everyone is welcome. Besides being a lot of fun, there are many other benefits to singing! 

                 SINGING WITH OTHERS:
     
            ~ Improves your lung capacity and physical energy. 
          ~ Improves mental alertness and posture.
          ~ Enhances your feeling of relaxation.
          ~ Establishes connections with others.
          ~ Uplifts your mood, and confidence.
          ~ Strengthens your immune system. 
          ~ Supports self expression on all levels.

T  R  A  N  S  F  O  R  M  A  T  I  V  E !


 Read more about "The Transformative
Power of Vocal Improvisation" here:

   makingmusicmag.com/group-vocal-improvisation/

Watch more video here:

​ Folks LOVE us on:

www.yelp.com/biz/bay-area-vocal-improv-and-community-music-berkeley-2

Logo design: Jeanelle Steiner and Renée Benmeleh