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!
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!
"The session you did with us left me feeling warmer and more bonded with my fellow Googlers. It was both the idea of being uncomfortable and yet enjoying what I was doing. It was also your facilitation style, and the way you made it a safe space for me to experience this discomfort."
Ash Kumar
Director, Engineering
Google
"I brought Renée in to do vocal improv workshops with my advanced chorus. I'm relatively new to the world of vocal improv myself, and I hoped that bringing in a local expert would help my students strengthen their improv skills. I was overjoyed with the results. Renée established an immediate rapport with my group, and soon, the students were contributing boldly to the circle singing and improv exercises. My students felt at ease and free to both succeed and to fail. They took pleasure in building off of one another's vocal lines. My students were not only engaged, but they were listening, and trusting their musical instincts. Subsequent to Renée's visit, the chorus continues to demonstrate a willingness to be bold when we do our improv exercises, but also when we're tackling our concert rep. I am eager to have Renée back next semester."
Tony Asaro
Music Education,
Lick-Wimberding High School, S.F.
Ash Kumar
Director, Engineering
"I brought Renée in to do vocal improv workshops with my advanced chorus. I'm relatively new to the world of vocal improv myself, and I hoped that bringing in a local expert would help my students strengthen their improv skills. I was overjoyed with the results. Renée established an immediate rapport with my group, and soon, the students were contributing boldly to the circle singing and improv exercises. My students felt at ease and free to both succeed and to fail. They took pleasure in building off of one another's vocal lines. My students were not only engaged, but they were listening, and trusting their musical instincts. Subsequent to Renée's visit, the chorus continues to demonstrate a willingness to be bold when we do our improv exercises, but also when we're tackling our concert rep. I am eager to have Renée back next semester."
Tony Asaro
Music Education,
Lick-Wimberding High School, S.F.
"I have been studying voice since my first voice class in 1983. Unable to continue class, I continued on my own. I read instruction books, singing with the radio or cds to practice what I learned from my reading. You, as a teacher came into my studies at the right time. Your technique helped me put it together and I am “sanging” now. Gave me the ability to say the sounds and the words comfortably. This is "sanging". It has lifted it to a higher kinda joy. Thanks!"
Lois Cincy
Stagebridge Student
"Renée 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
Lois Cincy
Stagebridge Student
"Renée 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
While we are unable to gather In person at this time, I know with my full being that immersion in singing, expression, and humor are healing gifts that we can give ourselves to support us weathering the storm until we meet again.
For now, classes are suspended, but please contact me and indicate if you would like to receive my newsletter. You will be notified of any upcoming events online or otherwise.
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Our Regular Location
Middendorf Breathwork Institute
801 Camelia St, Suite C
Berkeley, CA 94710
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* Plenty of Street Parking *
* Shoes OK in downstairs area *
* Disabled Accessible *
"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
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.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE BAY AREA VOCAL IMPROV:
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
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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/
Read more about "The Transformative
Power of Vocal Improvisation" here:
makingmusicmag.com/group-vocal-improvisation/
Watch more video here:
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Logo design: Jeanelle Steiner and Renée Benmeleh
