Through group workshops and individual classes in vocal technique, Joanna Eden and Steve Watts aim to unleash in each participant the joy of performance, by harnessing their natural energy and learning how to address fears and anxieties.
The atmosphere will not be competitive; you may be a confident performer or a relative beginner, but everyone will be given equal respect. There'll be a lot of creativity about this week, with some singing and jamming together just for the fun of it and space for you to evolve your own musical collaborations.
If you are a budding songwriter Joanna and Steve will offer their experience and positive hints to help you develop that skill. There will also be guidance on song and gig promotion and how to turn your gifts into positive personal and career outcomes throughout your life.
Apart from her teaching credits, Joanna has been a recording artist and songwriter for over twenty years. She also runs community singing and writing projects in her native Saffron Walden. She has led 'Let's Make a Musical' summer activity weeks at Othona. (Here are some photos from Let's Make a Musical' .) For nine years she was Sam Smith’s personal singing teacher and co-wrote one of his first songs! (See interview with Jo about Sam Smith!)
In a twenty-five year stage career, Steve has appeared in plays, musicals and operettas in the West End, at the National Theatre and on major national and international tours. Steve's other vocation is in education, about which he is passionate; he is proud to be highly experienced and skilled as a teacher of both acting and singing.
This residential within the special community ethos of Othona West Dorset does not just offer you great music-making. There is also a unique experience of building community with other participants, something Othona has been doing since 1946.
Everyone lends a hand with a simple household task each day, one evening a local gig trip will be on offer, and the beach is ten minutes walk through woods and fields. Othona is a spiritually-based community of the most open sort – you’ll be welcome to join the residents in their morning meditation if you wish.
Joanna
Steve
https://www.castingnow.co.uk/steve-watts
https://schoolofeverything.com/teacher/steve-watts
