Song is in everyone

Philosophy:

My philosophy is grounded in the right to use your voice. Let your voice be heard. Human beings have been singing for over 50 000 years, for joy, to dance, to work, to mourn, to meet, to exist, to survive, to celebrate. Modern time are the first time that song has been something that excludes people instead of including them - something that only some people “can” do. It has become divided into active artists and passive consumers and I would like to reclaim singing to become something that belongs to everyones every day life. To sing is about practise and will, it is not about talent and I am of the opinion that everyone can participate and find their voice.

Practice:

I teach mostly by ear, through repetition and oral tradition. Why? There are many reasons. Without sheet music I can welcome people who can't read music or people who, for whatever reason, can't read at all. That's about democracy. Without papers in their hands, everyone becomes more present. More here and now to meet in the singing, which brings an opportunity to open the door for expression, listening and freedom, both in voice and in other way. To learn by ear makes you memorise the music and know it by heart. I focus a lot on the presence of body and breath in singing and use exercises from theatre, improvisation and singing technique.

Repertoire:

I teach a mix of old and new songs, my own songs and arrangements and world music - e.g South African, Eastern European, Nordic and British folk music. Some short songs that become music straight away and some longer songs. I  try to choose music no one in the group has sung before. This is to create a safe and inclusive environment and freedom from old private memories, good or bad.

NVN - Natural Voice Network:

Natural Voice Network is a global network for song leaders. I have been a member of the network since 2015. The ethos and leading slogan for the network is “Singing is your birthright”. When I found the network in 2005, it was through my work as a farm hand in Wales. Everyone at the farm was singing in a Natural Voice choir which was much like the choir me and my sister set up during summers since I was twelve. It was an overwhelming insight to discover that there existed a whole global network where I felt I belonged. A network sharing the same ethos and philosophy as me. It was amazing. I was not alone anymore. The belief in singing as a human right was universal but I had the chance to find it in me and in my own way before it was presented to me as a "thing", which I think was lucky because I am a bit stubborn and like to invent the wheel my self. Now I can just enjoy belonging.

Frankie Amstrong started the network togeher with some friends. Read more about it here

Kajsa Norrby & Frankie Armstrong
Voice leader training in Sweden 2018