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WORKSHOPS

Through the Laughing Spirit Music Project, Cathleen Wilder offers an array of workshops designed for singers from all walks of life.

Cathleen is available to bring Laughing Spirit workshops to communities, choirs, churches, retreat centers and private gatherings anywhere in the world. Workshops can be tailored to meet half-day, full day, weekend and week-long formats. For details, write: info@laughingspiritmusic.com.


Beginning/Intermediate Voice Class
Voice from the Inside Out
The Heart of Singing: Deepening Expression in Performance
How To Sing In The Shower
The Joy of Harmony
Singers' Saturdays
Choral Clinics

Beginning/Intermediate Voice Class

A fun, supportive voice class for beginning and intermediate singers of all styles. Topics include: Vocal technique, ear training, learning songs together, an introduction to vocal harmony and performance opportunities (optional). Individualized instruction and tons of fun!

Voice from the Inside Out

A fun, supportive and highly informative hands-on overview of the core technical issues for singers of all styles--beginning with the importance of sensory awareness (where all control begins), breath support and muscular relaxation, then moving on to more complex issues such as register changes and special considerations for "high notes".

Students will learn effective exercises to address each of these technical issues and will leave with a greater sense of how things FEEL when they are working.

We will also apply these techniques to a song we learn together. Participants who wish to receive individual feedback will have opportunities to sing solo as time allows. Participants are welcome to record the exercises for future study. Dress comfortably and bring a water bottle and a blanket or yoga mat.



Singers of all levels and styles will benefit from this extraordinarily simple and effective approach to vocal technique.

The Heart of Singing: Deepening Expression in Performance

Whether you are a shower singer, amateur performer or professional, this workshop will show you how to draw upon the fundamental human ability to express yourself vocally to take your performances to a deeper level. Learn to get past technique, get out of your head, and use your body, heart and soul to deepen your level of expression and really move (even transform) your audiences.

Participants are asked to prepare one or two songs to share with the group. Plan to sing a'cappella, accompany yourself or bring a recorded accompaniment in an appropriate key. Participants are welcome to record their own performances for future study. Dress comfortably and bring a water bottle.

Singers of all levels and styles are will benefit from this extraordinarily simple and effective heart-body-soul approach to performance.

How to Sing in the Shower


If you can talk, you can sing! This fun, supportive and highly informative workshop is a great opportunity to sing your favorite songs while learning key skills that will help you sing your best. Together we will:

  • Examine the myth of tone deafness
  • Explore the role of energy, movement and breath in freeing our voices
  • Explore the positive role of singing in our lives & confront the obstacles that deprive many of us of that joy
  • Get silly,dance around, make weird faces, and break taboos
  • Learn exercises to develop vocal control: breath support, range and projection
  • Sing songs together and (optional) perform them for each other
  • Discuss strategies for reducing and managing performance anxiety
  • Learn how to hold your own on harmonies
  • Get tips for memorizing songs

    • Singers' Saturdays

    Singers' Saturdays is a seriously fun skill-building and performance class for singers of all levels and styles. Drop-ins welcome!

    Classes include:
    * A thorough technique workout: Exercises for improving breath control, range, projection, agility and vocal health
    * Ear-training, rhythm and movement to enhance core music-learning skills
    * Singing songs & harmonizing together
    * Opportunities for those who wish to perform (and feedback if you want it)
    * A chance to meet great people in a fun, supportive environment

    The Joy of Harmony

    Experience the joys of singing harmony together!

    * Upgrade your musical "operating system" with skill-building exercises to learn parts faster, hold your part easier, hear your place in the chord better, and tune more precisely
    * Learn two- and three- part harmonies to traditional American folk songs (and a couple surprises)
    * Sing in large and small groups, as well as duos and trios (as desired), with optional feedback
    * Discover the secrets to improvising harmonies
    * Learn quickly in this fun, supportive environment
    * Examine the life-lessons inherent in the harmony-making process, including greater self-trust and deepening community connections

    A general ability to carry a tune is needed to get the most from this workshop. No music-reading ability necessary. Emphasis is on learning by ear. Great for friends, couples and families with children ages 12 and up. Participants receive a free follow-up CD.

    "Thanks again, Cathleen - you bring joy to the world. I loved singing with you and our group." ~Barb I, Joy of Harmony Participant

    Choral Clinics

    Sometimes the insight and expertise of an outsider is just what your choir needs to raise its awareness, skill and expressivity to a new level. Cathleen works closely with directors to design clinics that zero-in on the choir's specific needs, then puts her keen diagnostic sense to work in either master class or workshop formats, zeroing-in on short and long-term solutions to technical, aural, rhythmic and interpretive issues.

    Choral clinics can be arranged for two to three hour sessions, as well as full-day choral retreats.


    "Cathleen's diagnostic powers are amazing. She quickly and accurately identifies limiting factors and guides the singers' perceptions to the solutions." ~Val Rogers, Director, Eugene Peace Choir.

    "Cathleen is knowledgeable, skilled, enjoyable, efficient and very good at what she does." ~Eric O'del, Director, Choir of Light, Seattle.






    To register for a workshop or inquire about bringing one to your community, email us at info@laughingspiritmusic.com

    © 2006-2009 Cathleen Wilder. All rights reserved.