On 18 November, we are excited to launch a new, trauma-aware, inclusive, accessible vocal education resource, created by our Education Artist in Residence, Lea Shaw, entitled The Small Magician, which enables participants to healthily challenge and build their vocal technique and knowledge from the comfort of their own home or chosen space.
The launch coincides with National Self-Care week, which runs from 18-24 November, and is an annual awareness week that focuses on embedding support for self-care across communities, families and generations, with this year’s theme being ‘Mind & Body’.
Lea is an award-winning Black/BIPOC mezzo-soprano from Colorado, who lives and works in Scotland. An Emerging and Associate Artist with us since 2021, she has performed in many of our recent productions including Ainadamar, Il trittico and Opera Highlights.
With The Small Magician, Lea aims to empower participants to embrace their voices and practice, as part of a wider sense of well-being and an awareness of mental and physical health. The guidance draws on classic pedagogy, scientific research, and Yoga and embodiment practices, and Lea has created a series of short videos, audio guides and workbooks covering breath-work, texture, diction, intonation, pattern, embodiment, and recovery which can be accessed for no charge on our website. Designed to be a safe place to explore and foster curiosity, The Small Magician puts emphasis on engaging with the voice as a form of play, with every voice being valid.
Lea Shaw said: ‘I gave The Small Magician this title as it originated with the idea that working with the voice and its relationship with the brain and body is indeed, magical!
‘It has always been important to me to feel part of something bigger, and to make others feel welcome in whatever space I'm in, in whatever way I can. Working with my voice has given me so much: a passion to share with others, a home within myself, and a community that gives me confidence and context. I know how crucial it is to have a positive working relationship with your voice, both artistically and in life as a whole.
‘The Small Magician is my way of opening my practice outward, and creating a support net and toolbox for anyone who wants to explore their voice: those who are be right at the beginning of their vocal learning, those who want to engage with their voice in a holistic way, or those who may not know where to start.
‘While many desire to engage with voice-work, they may not always feel that it is accessible to them. This can be due to the cost of accessing lessons or resources, a fear of an unfamiliar person critiquing a very vulnerable part of themselves, other accessibility needs that are not considered, or because of the events that led them to feeling voiceless from the outset: harsh words from authority figures or friends, their right to personal autonomy and consent being denied. Their wishes and needs being disregarded or ridiculed, or anything else. Because our voices are so linked to our internal landscape and our mental wellbeing, it is important to me that this project is as safe a space as possible in approach and method.
‘My wish is that you feel empowered to use your voice as an extension of your authentic self, and to revel in the small magic that makes you, and your voice, unique.’
You can access The Small Magician resources from 18 November on our website at www.scottishopera.org.uk/the-small-magician/