Vocal Flow | Collaborative Vocal Improv

In Vocal Flow, we take a deeper dive into the waters of collaborative vocal improvisation and circlesinging in an intimate, small circle setting. This session is limited to 20 experienced singers ~ singers with solid musical skills who are seeking to deepen their relationship to improvisational flow, connect with new friends through musical play, and co-create vocal magic out of thin air. We will begin by crafting a space of trust and safety, of playfulness and discovery, of curiosity and vulnerability. Then, with our new friends by our side, we will take the leap and jump into singing games that explore:

• rhythm
• melody
• harmony
• movement
• song form
• duet
• small ensemble composition

These music games, inspired by Rhiannon’s Vocal River curriculum, the Musica do Circulo practice, Bobby McFerrin’s Circle Song School, and our own improvisational ideations, give us the tools to craft spontaneous compositions that center deep listening, trust, flow, and self-surprise. Together, we will ask ourselves, “How can I listen more deeply to my inner creativity, to my singing partners, and to the music itself? What does the music want in this moment, and how might I serve the music?”

What a joy, to dip our toes into the flow of collaborative vocal improvisation. Come on in, the water’s fine!

Limited to 20 people.

What does “experienced” mean?

We would say this session is for singers that are confident holding their own part, who are comfortable holding rhythm and harmony, and who are willing to be brave and let themselves be heard and seen in their improvisational exploration. If you’re willing to be brave and want to grow, then this circle is for you! And, as always, this session is a judgment-free zone where mistakes are welcomed and encouraged. No need for perfection here. Just a space to play.

WHO IS LEADING THIS CIRCLESINGING SESSION?

Matt Goldstein (he/him) is an award-winning arranger, facilitator, improviser, songwriter, and educator who is known for his emotive vocal arrangements, soulful singing, heart-forward facilitation, and visionary leadership. After making waves in the a cappella scene as music director of The Vassar Devils and Hyannis Sound, he went on to found Gaia Music Collective, a collaborative music community that is achieving international recognition for its work in creating kind, connective, accessible spaces for musical play and expression. He currently serves as Gaia’s Co-Director and Lead Facilitator, while also performing as an improviser and singer-songwriter, directing at A Cappella Academy, leading Rock Voices (a community pop-rock choir), and teaching vocal improv intensives through Flow Labs.

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PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY:

• 2 step walk up to lobby.
• Elevator available to the 3rd floor (reserved for those with physical disabilities).
• Seating available (narrow benches with no backs).
• Bathroom is not wheelchair accessible.
• Venue prefers shoes to be removed upon entering.
• Venue does not have AC in the summer, so please plan accordingly and bring a personal fan if necessary!

LOW-PRESSURE PARTICIPATION

Gaia Music Collective events are participatory, but low-pressure. You'll be invited to sing along and make music with us, but we encourage you to draw your own boundaries and engage at your own pace - we pride ourselves in creating a judgment-free community where you can express yourself however feels right!

LATE ARRIVALS

We ask that you arrive no later than 30 minutes after start time, after which we close the doors (lovingly) in order to preserve the intimacy and trust of the musical container we’re building. Thank you for understanding!

CANCELLATION POLICY

Tickets are refundable up to 24 hours before the event, after which we are no longer able to offer refunds. This policy helps us keep these events financially sustainable for both our community and our team. If you RSVP but are no longer able to come, please let us know so that we may offer your spot to someone else! We want as many people to be able to experience these gatherings as possible, and since capacity is limited, each spot is precious.

For more info, contact us at Z2FpYW11c2ljY29sbGVjdGl2ZSB8IGdtYWlsICEgY29t.

MEDIA CONSENT

Because we want to share what we’re up to with people who can’t join us in person, there may be photographers and videographers present — by attending, you consent to being a part of that media, some of which may be posted online! If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at Z2FpYW11c2ljY29sbGVjdGl2ZSB8IGdtYWlsICEgY29t.

NO ONE TURNED AWAY FOR LACK OF FUNDS

Gaia is funded by sliding scale ticket donations, with a “no one turned away for lack of funds” policy. It is of the utmost importance to us that these events remain affordable and accessible - we never want money to be a barrier to making music together. If a ticket scale is financially prohibitive to you, feel free to donate outside of the scale at whatever amount is sustainable for you, or to email us at Z2FpYW11c2ljY29sbGVjdGl2ZSB8IGdtYWlsICEgY29t for volunteer opportunities or assistance!

COMMUNITY GUIDELINES

At Gaia Music Collective, we are dedicated to building a community where creativity, collaboration, and care thrive. The values listed here shape how we work together, how we engage with the world, and how we move toward upholding these principles.

OUR MISSION

Gaia Music Collective is an NYC-based creative community seeking to foster a more connected world through collective music-making. Founded in June of 2021 in a living room in Brooklyn, this project was born out of a desire to create accessible, inclusive, playful spaces for people to explore connection, expression, healing, and release through collaborative song - spaces where folks feel empowered to make music free of judgment or expectation, and to make new friends as our full, beautiful, authentic selves.

We believe that communal music-making is a fundamental human practice, and this project seeks to build spaces for folks to nurture their relationship to music, whether they're shower singers, professional musicians, or anything in between.

All are welcome in this community. Gaia seeks to foster spaces of belonging for humans of all ages, races, genders, sexual orientations, classes, religions, abilities, national origins, languages, and musical experiences. All we ask is that you bring an open mind, a desire to connect, and a willingness to leave judgment of self and others at the door.

FAQ

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