Category Archives: singing

Carpool Karaoke

Posted on October 18, 2018 by Barbara McAfee

My voice coaching studio is a place where clients from all walks of life are invited to enter into their full voice, whatever that means to them. In the course of our work together, I encourage them to be playful, … Continue reading →

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Humbly Courting a Song

Posted on April 19, 2018 by Barbara McAfee

I have been slowing savoring Robin Wall Kimmerer’s beautiful book, Braiding Sweetgrass. Among its many charms, the book opens the world of plants through both traditional indigenous wisdom and scientific inquiry. In many of the exquisitely crafted essays, Kimmerer refers … Continue reading →

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Harmonia

Posted on January 18, 2018 by Barbara McAfee

I first encountered the story of the ancient Greek goddess, Harmonia, at a Sacred Theatre workshop led by my wise teacher, Peggy Nash Rubin. Peggy is a Shakespearean director, actor and scholar who founded the Center for Sacred Theatre in … Continue reading →

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Song Medicine

Posted on January 6, 2018 by Barbara McAfee

The other day I received a remarkable note from my friend, Janet Bergman. Janet has been a long-time member of The Morning Star Singers, a volunteer comfort choir that has been bringing song to people facing health challenges. She generously … Continue reading →

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Elise Witt – Using Song in All the Best Ways

Posted on September 7, 2017 by Barbara McAfee

I met Elise Witt years ago when she came to Minneapolis to lead a singing workshop. In that afternoon together, I learned songs from her that I am still singing today. It was also the beginning of long, deep and … Continue reading →

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Laurence Cole: Singing Together to Nourish the Soul and Re-Enchant the World

Posted on February 2, 2017 by Barbara McAfee

First thing I notice is that voice: robust, deep, resonant. It reaches into every nook and cranny of the room, of the ear, of the heart – and fills it with life. I bless the day Laurence Cole came to … Continue reading →

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I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free

Posted on September 15, 2016 by Barbara McAfee

A song can be medicine. A song can fuel change. A song can weave in and out of a life, awakening deeper levels of meaning and knowing. I first got acquainted with the song “I Wish I Knew How It … Continue reading →

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Voiceless

Posted on August 6, 2014 by Barbara McAfee

I recently lost my voice to laryngitis for six weeks. During that time, the sounds I could make ranged from a whisper to a croak to a flimsy peep. I couldn’t speak or sing. When I opened my mouth, I … Continue reading →

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Mr. Brown

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Barbara McAfee

I’ve been clearing out. The recycling bin has been filled three times with detritus from my past. I’ve saved very little, but there is one piece of paper that is so precious, I had to tuck it back into the … Continue reading →

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About Singing

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Barbara McAfee

“I’m the world’s worst singer.  Can’t carry a tune in a bucket!” “I used to sing. Then I stopped.  Went to school, got a job, had a family, got busy.  I sure miss it.” “The only reason I go to … Continue reading →

Posted in community, music, oral tradition, self expression, singing, voice | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments