Classes and workshops in France and UK (London)
Basic Course Content
In my classes after a short physical warm up we work with structured exercises and with group and individual improvisations. Students are invited to explore and develop:
– The voice’s roots in sung, spoken and preverbal sound.
– The dynamic sources of the voice in the body and in the imagination.
– Deep and ample breathing.
– The application of these discoveries to spoken and sung text.
– Listening actively to others.
– Learning some easy songs with 3 or 4 simple harmony parts.
Individual lessons
Because of the Covid crisis and the fact that vocal work has been shown to strongly transmit the virus, I am offering live voice classes only in a very selective way in Montagnac.
However, for those who already know my work, I am also offering individual one hour lessons on Skype.
Please contact me by email if this interests you.

VOICE and IMPROVISIATION
ROY HART WORKSHOP in London
Goldsmiths University, New Cross, London, SE14 6NW
led by
Margaret PIKES
with Kate HILDER, performer, teacher and Feldenkrais trainer http://katehilder.com/
THE WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
We hope to be able to offer this course in the near future when group vocal work becomes safe again.
The aim of this workshop is to develop the ways in which vocal awareness and dramatic expression can inform each other. Kate and Margaret will teach in tandem starting each day with a physical and vocal warm-up in which Margaret will focus on developing awareness of the dynamic physical roots of vocal expression and their connection with our imaginations. This will be followed by solo, duet and small group improvisations and then a session centering on vocal work which arises from these improvs. including short individual guidance. At other times we will start with vocal improvising and then explore movement and mood to fill out the different characters which emerge .
Exploring our voices can be a doorway to words and language. We will discover how both connecting with the sources from which we produce vocal sound and listening to the qualities and musicality of our voices, can generate narrative content.
Price: £135 if deposit received before 1 March 2020 – after that date: £150
(Number of participants is limited.)
For more information or to enroll please contact Kate Hilder: katejhilder@gmail.com


7 DAY RESIDENTIAL WORKSHOP: 13 – 20 August 2021 (38 hours)
Led by MARGARET PIKES and NEIL PARIS
At the Hameau de l’Etoile (25km north of Montpellier)
in a wild and beautiful setting
(Intermediate / Advanced level)
This workshop is open to participants interested in the Wolfsohn/Hart approach to developing the range of vocal expression and who have some experience of voice and body work.
We are hoping that the current Covid 19 situation will have improved enough for this workshop to go ahead. We will be taking all necessary precautions and complying with all relevant guidelines in order to ensure that the workshop is as safe as possible. For more information and if you wish to participate please do contact Margaret: mpikes@gmail.com 
Neil Paris, performer and teacher will lead the workshop with Margaret.
This intensive workshop is practice-based. Guided by two very experienced and supportive teachers, participants will explore and develop awareness of the dynamic sources of the voice in the body and the imagination. Through the use of improvisations, disciplined and playful exercises this workshop aims to give access to the body as a vivid space of living vocal qualities. There will be focus on individual voices, texts and songs as well as group work, sounding and singing.
Awakening awareness of the body as a vital space, helps to build a deeper connection to the voice, so that it can become a medium for transmission, nourished and fuelled through genuine connections to its roots in the body.
Full board and lodging must be booked separately at the Hameau de l’Etoile, prices starting from 82€ per night. Participants will then be able to relax between classes in a beautiful, wild setting, enjoying comfortable accommodation, excellent food (full board) and unlimited use of the large swimming pool. (Having this time and space to absorb the day’s work, can be particularly helpful on such an intensive course.)
http://www.hameaudeletoile.com
Price of workshop (38 hours): price 560€ (599€ after 1 May 2021)
(Accommodation not included in this price.)
Number of places limited to 12
Contact Margaret for more detailed information and to enroll,
and also for any help needed with booking accommodation at the Hameau de l’Etoile.
“The workshop is an intense and amazing journey into the relationship between body and voice. Prepare to reveal aspects of your vocal range you didn’t know existed.”
“…a wonderful and transformative experience – both on a personal and professional level….I felt supported throughout.”
“I would like to thank you both for a wonderful week that has made a deep impact on me, both as an individual, as a researcher and as an artist. It was a pleasure to work with two sensitive, talented, assured master-teachers.”
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