Blogland
DEEP LISTENING — NATURAL SOUNDS
The practice of deep listening is powerful. It trains you to hear the whole world around you as music, and helps you to discern the PARTS of what you’re hearing within pieces of music.
It’s both a way of enhancing your musical intelligence, and delving more deeply into what you’re hearing on a visceral and even spiritual level.
Deep listening can be a meditative practice that brings you more fully into the moment and helps you […]
Meet Scott!
Hello Everyone — Meet Scott!
Here he discusses his experiences in the Playground membership and at a weekend retreat here in Keene, New Hampshire.
Scott is a bass (and other stringed instrument) player and talks about what it’s been like to start bringing singing into his playing, and even into his band!
Enjoy!
Join the
The Perils of a Perfect Streak
In defense of a sloppier practice routine…
I’ve long idealized the idea of a daily practice.
I love saying “I walk every morning” or “I make a daily painting” or “each day I find time to block out the world and get into the zone with my music practice.” Yeah, yeah, yeah. Sounds great but at least for me, this remains aspirational. Or […]
Make Time for What LIGHTS YOUR UP!
It can be tough to find time for the things we love. Singing, in particular, often falls by the wayside when work and other commitments take over.
But if singing makes you happy it’s important to make time for it – because there is really nothing like singing for feeding the soul, right?!
So, here’s a huge paradigm switch that will change everything…
Rather than thinking […]
The Happy Birthday Song
Because this song is so commonly sung, people think of it as an easy song — but it’s not that easy.
It hops around in unusual ways and has a wide range (a pretty big distance from the lowest note to the highest note). Thinking it should be easy but still having a hard time with it can be the cause of much singing discouragement, as in the sentiment, “I’m such a lousy singer that […]
Singing with a Shruti
A Shruti Box is a great invitation to just explore your voice and make your spontaneous song of the moment.
Tell yourself that there is no such thing as a “wrong note” and focus on what feels physically and emotionally interesting, pleasurable, and even possibly beautiful.
It’s fine if your notes are clashy and don’t sound pretty to you – get curious about that feeling of clash – that’s dissonance and it can be really interesting!
Try sliding your voice […]
Get the NEW Fear of Singing Book! Includes Online Audio Tracks & Videos.
Look for it at your local bookstore or Buy it on Amazon!
Get Started for FREE!
Not quite ready to jump into lessons? Get your free copy of “6 Easy & Fun Tips for Non-Singers Who Wish They Could Sing” and start singing now!
After you sign up, CHECK YOUR EMAIL!
Event Schedule
(in-person and online)
Got questions?
Email Nancy or call 603-721-1492
• • • • • •
Thursday, April 10th at 7:00pm EST
FREE ONLINE SING-ALONG
Register Here!
• • • • • •
Friday, October 10th – Sunday, October 12th
IN-PERSON WORKSHOP/RETREAT
Keene, New Hampshire
Register Here!
• • • • • •
For Weekly Sing-Alongs & Mini-Workshops…
JOIN the FEARLESS SINGERS PLAYGROUND!
Learn all about it HERE!
What People Are Saying —
“I just want to let you know how much I am enjoying the singing lessons. I haven’t had this much pure fun since I was in the third grade. It really is liberating for an old codger like me to just cut loose and make joyful noise like I did back then.”
– Brian, Adult Singing Student
“As a private lesson student with Nancy, with a lot of fear of singing, I found after just one session my confidence grow. I attended a birthday party, and when the candles on the cake were lit, I immediately led the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday”! You have no idea what a big step this was for me!”
– Melanie, Workshop Participant and Private Student
“My mother, Charmian, called me this morning pretty euphoric. She said that she “finally felt free”. That she’d thought all her life that she was only capable of making a croaking sound but, instead, had heard herself sing one high note and one note in the middle that was really a tone. She’s always had fifth chakra issues, sore throats, laryngitis, power speaking, etc. This week, when she goes to her meditation meeting, she’ll join in the ‘oohming’ part for the first time.
She said that the workshop ‘changed her life’ after 94 years of being shut down/out.
This was an enormous breakthrough for her. Your program was so well structured and led with such enthusiasm and joy. Congratulations to you. What a gift for everyone there.” With gratitude,”
– Cathy (Daughter of 94 year old workshop participant!)
“The lessons made me feel a lot more comfortable with my voice, and singing in front of people. Also, I think that I’m better at staying on pitch, and getting the pitch right the first time. Plus lessons were just a lot of fun! I really enjoyed them! Thank you again. Hope to see you next summer!“
– Ruth, Teenage Singing Student
“It surprised me how easy it was most of the time, to let go and just sing and make sounds. One thing I really like about Nancy’s teaching is that she brings a straight forward can-do energy to the group, allowing for fears and nervousness but not focusing on those.”
– Workshop Participant