Kiva invited to teach overtoning workshop series with Alikvotni Festival, Prague, Feb /09

WORKSHOPS: ' Vocal freedom through Overtone Mastery'

The Overtone Festival Prague (Alikvotni Festival) is now presenting a year-round program to include intensive weekend workshops. Kiva teaches 5 workshops with the following dates and locations.

1. Friday, March 27 - Buddhisticke centrum Lotus, Dlouha 2, Praha 1
2. Friday, April 24 - Buddhisticke centrum Lotus, Dlouha 2, Praha 1
3. Friday, May 8 - Novomestska radnice, Karlovo nam 1/23, Praha 1
4. Friday, October 23 - Buddhisticke centrum Lotus, Dlouha 2, Praha 1
5. Friday, November 13 - Novomestska radnice, Karlovo nam 1/23, Praha 1

All workshops are from 18:00-21:00

THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE OVERTONE WORKSHOPS

Discovery of how each vowel feels in the whole body contributes to greater control of the quality of one's voice. Once singers identify the 'infinite' number of vowels they are capable of producing, a whole new palette of color is available to them. Singing brilliant overtones is certainly the goal, but the practice of sounding this infinite number of vowels profoundly enhances ones 'normal' singing voice as well. One learns how to move around the vowel in the course of a breath for more expression. I think of overtones as a 'laser beam of sound' in which one hones in on a specific harmonic.

Besides the pursuit of more tools for the professional singer, the practice of overtoning also has many therapeutic benefits.
- expanding breath capacity and range
- deepening brain wave states, similar to meditation states
- identifying and working on problem areas of the body where blockages may occur
- increasing concentration levels (unifying left brain/ right brain)
- development and understanding of how the the 'inner ear' works for more focused bodily awareness

Flexibility in overtone singing involves two main abilities/ focuses.
- Analytical: The ability to think in terms of numbers (knowing which harmonics are being emphasized over any given fundamental). This is necessary when sight reading, and especially in polyphonic singing. (left brain)
- Intuitive: The ability to sing harmonics by ear, perceived as melodies, without the constant thought process going on about numbers. Extremely helpful in improvisational situations. (right brain)

This is why the numbering system and ear training are addressed at length in my workshops. To be proficient and confident is to be comfortable with both. I discuss anatomy to some degree but do not dwell on scientific data. Perhaps you could call it a 'user friendly' experiential approach based on unorthodox teachings.

Another element of my teachings is the movement towards quick paced rhythms, not usually associated with western overtone singing. This requires a great degree of control, accomplished by automatic bodily memory of where the harmonics live in your body.

There is a large emphasis on improvisation and body movement as it relates to the voice.

I encourage students to explore, experiment, and move into new musical territories with overtone singing.

Eventually the student will be able to create overtone arrangements of songs with the most efficient polyphonic movement, with ease.

The Overtone Analyzer (professional version) is used to reinforce the student's association between his/her voice and the creation of harmonics in a very visual manner.
Software available in free version for student's use at home. To get yours, go to:
www.sygyt.com