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Step out of the shower and sing!

February 13 - 19, 2008
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Australian singer and teacher Lisa Morgan has set up a series of workshops to help teach the world to sing.

She is aiming to tempt would-be singers out of the confines of their showers to shine in a friendly, musical atmosphere without the pressure and rigours of a formal choral regime.

She said: "It's an opportunity for adults to gain confidence to sing music in parts, like in a choir."

The pupils start accompanied by Lisa on the piano but as they grow in ability and put fear to one side they eventually sing a cappella.

"The workshop allows people to have a try at music in genres that most people can relate to, like pop, jazz or gospel. It also allows people who are experienced in formal choir singing to try something new."

The five-week courses also concentrate on some singing fundamentals, such as breathing exercises to help members hit the high notes without damaging their vocal chords.

"They also learn about placement - getting the sound into the right place in the head so that it's not falling on the throat which can lead to unhealthy vocal problems that can damage the voice long-term.

"Basically, the 'Sounds Great Workshop' is all about allowing people to give it a try without the pressure of long rehearsal schedules and big scary concerts where directors bark at you for getting it wrong. It's all very relaxed and very much about having fun."

The workshop is open to adults of all ages and abilities. Lisa added: "Everyone's welcome, there's something for everyone. I consider this sort of project as a kind of community choir.

"I want to contribute to the cultural life of the country. I love living here, I love the place, I love the people, I love the culture but I also want to integrate some of my own cultural ideas and experiences.

"I want to give an enriching experience to people who are looking for something different.

"With singing you never ever stop learning and you can never do enough to be a good singer - but it's amazing how an experience like this, with a bunch of friendly, wonderful people and a relaxed choral director can really encourage you to grow and feel confident as a person."

Lisa, 33, from Mahooz, studied music at the University of New South Wales in Sydney but serious singing started in high school.

"I had a fantastic music teacher," she explained. "She was a fantastic jazz piano player who couldn't sing a note and I desperately wanted to do some singing so she said: 'If you really want a choir, make a choir' - so I did.

"I've sung in choirs of all sorts, from university to gospel choirs. I've sung many different styles too, Afro, Latin, jazz ... all sorts really. I love singing and if someone throws me a new style I'll give it a go."

Currently, Lisa teaches music to school children aged seven to 10 and can be seen singing on Tuesday evenings at Mezzaluna in Adliya.

For more details about the workshops contact soundsgreat@lycos.com

Suad El Eid

Age: 20 (+ some years of experience)

Occupation: Broadcast co-ordinator.

Why did you join the workshop?

Because I really love singing.

What do you hope to do now?

Just to keep on signing.

When did you start singing?

I listen to a lot of music and I have been practicing singing along.

Where do you normally sing?

I sing everywhere. I just love to sing.

What's your favourite musical genre?

I'm into jazz and country music.

Who's your favourite singer/ band?

UB40, Bob Dylan, Chris de Burg and Sade.

Rawan Al Hussein

Age: 26

Occupation: Recreation Therapist.

Why did you join the workshop?

I just wanted to do it for fun.

What do you hope to do now?

I would like to perform.

When did you start singing?

It started when I was in high school.

Where do you normally sing?

In the car.

What's you favourite musical genre?

I'm into R&B and Soul.

Who's your favourite singer/ band?

Alicia Keys, Fairuz and Wist El Balad.

Laura Mejia

Age: 33

Occupation: Quality Systems Manager at BMMI.

Why did you join the workshop?

I've always loved singing but never got any formal training.

What do you hope to do now?

Practice again and be ready for a tour!

When did you start singing?

I used to belong to a musical group in my college years.

Where do you normally sing?

In the car! I roll the window up and sing at the top of my voice!

What's you favourite musical genre?

Latin pop, pop, and new age.

Who's you favourite singer/ band?

Sin Bandera, Alejandro Sanz, Sting and Peter Gabriel.







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