Kiva resides in Prague, Czech Republic
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Monochord series WORKSHOPS: 'Vocal freedom through Overtone Mastery'
A new Monochord group series will commence in September 2010.
Prague Alikvotni (Overtone) Festival
Date: Saturday, September 4/ 2010
Location: Staromestske Namesti 13, Prague 1
Lectures: @ 9:00- 10:30 + @ 15:30- 17:30
Concert of Kiva's overtone choir AURALIA: @ 12:15- 13:00
For more information (in Czech and German)
www.alikvotnifestival.cz
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Private lessons in harmonic overtoning may be arranged in person (Prague).
***Starting September 2010***
Lessons via SKYPE will be available world-wide. To ensure a good connection and video, please make sure you have a quality webcam and microphone, and you have a high processor speed/ fast internet connection.
The first half hour session is FREE. The purposes of this introductory session are as follows:
-for us to get to know each other
-for me to learn about your musical background, genre preferences
-to discover your range, ability to discern intervals
-to hear about your musical goals, reasons for interest in overtoning
-to test our internet connection quality (audio, video)
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My overtone choir 'AURALIA' is in rehearsals now (2010) in Prague. The material is mostly my own compositions. Please contact me for information and audition. Rehearsals include ongoing instruction in overtone singing as it relates to the specific pieces. Periodic private lessons are also recommended.
Online students (SKYPE) may also become members of AURALIA, and whenever possible, may join us online (telematic conference) during live concerts. The lessons will provide training in specific parts in the songs.
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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
It is important to consider that while one may focus exclusively on the healing aspects of overtone singing, these benefits are actually automatic as one progresses toward gaining control.
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 ear training, 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.
www.sygyt.com
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In the case of recording vocals for projects of other artists, where .wav files are provided, Kiva can record her tracks in a professional studio in Prague. The large files are exchanged via YouSendit.com.
Kiva also offers services creating vocal overtone arrangements for your songs (or those of somebody else!). The notation is written both with the upper melody in standard notation and with the numbered harmonics above the bass line. The arrangement will be as close as possible to the original, given the restrictions of the harmonic series. (Certain small alternatives for fundamental/bass pitches may be required). It is singable by an experienced polyphonic overtone singer. If desired, a demo mp3 may be included, recorded by a female or male, whichever is most appropriate range-wise.
Fees are negotiable according to length, degree of complexity, etc. Contact Kiva for more information.
For bookings worldwide (private sessions, workshops, concerts, recording, etc.) please email Kiva for availability.