Voice Expressions
Voice Expressions totally commit to operating from a holistic foundation, working first on ourselves, our whole selves, mental, spiritual, physical, emotional, and social. One day at a time, one step at a time. It is from that space, that foundation, that our work is totally informed.
This year’s foundational focus will be ‘Dance through the storm!’ It can sometimes be challenging to find Joy, especially when you look at the craziness of the world we live in and the extreme pressures some of us face to find a balance between work and home life.
We at Voice Expressions continue to love the small things, appreciating life, whatever it brings…… focussing on the learning………rediscovering our genius, claiming our healing from systemic trauma, reclaiming our identity and embracing our freedom as a musician / singer / expressive /creative artist, human being, whatever we do
We all have something unique to offer this world.
Don’t you ever forget that!!
We, the team at Voice Expressions will help you to peel back the layers, going back to basics, assisting you in repositioning yourself and taking your freedom as you learn to share your creative truth in a safe space.
We constantly do this through using our voices expressively!!
Vocal Expression is therapeutic, liberating, educationally connecting, challenging and fun - We laugh, we play, we cry, we create, we learn and we grow together in a safe non judgemental space where all can speak their truth.
Come join us in our new term of one to one or monthly group sessions, singing, songwriting and / or group workshops tailored to your needs.
I had a wonderful time working with Canatrice Choir November 24
Working with Canatrice Choir Shoreham on Sea November 24
Brenda Rattray is focussing on creating space for you and NEW COMMISSIONS!
Are you now ready to commission a new work?
Working with Orgnisations.
Group Processes on Belonging. Details below
All too often we find ourselves working in environments where we feel we don’t belong! These reflective specialist workshops explore and open the doors to identifying, accepting and healing those feelings whilst building inner courage and confidence, celebrating the strength of vulnerability and providing a buffet table of next steps for individuals and groups to expore.
Feedback from the session above
read the whole article written by Nysha here: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/that-s-me-
The afternoon brought another incredible experience, led by the lovely Brenda Rattray from Voice Expressions (voiceexpressions.co.uk).
In preparation for the session, Brenda asked each participant to select three songs that resonated with their current mood. For me, this was an easy yet reflective exercise:
1. Same Old Spot by Murkage Dave (YouTube link)
2. 7am by Hak Baker (YouTube link)
3. Self-Control by Frank Ocean (YouTube link)
These songs have been on constant repeat for me and hold significant meaning in my personal journey. Brenda also asked us to bring an item of significance, which initially felt like a tough choice. Ultimately, I chose my Pandora bracelet, a daily companion adorned with charms gifted by my mother and late grandmother. Each charm symbolises their love and support, making the bracelet a deeply sentimental piece.
Brenda’s session was nothing short of transformative. She created an inclusive and judgment-free space where participants could be vulnerable and expressive. Through guided activities, Brenda encouraged us to explore personal experiences using spoken word and storytelling. I felt safe to share my emotions surrounding the loss of my grandmother—a deeply personal and healing moment.
What made this session so unique was its balance of creativity and emotional resonance. Unlike traditional workshops, it was high-energy and engaging while gently addressing personal struggles. Importantly, there was no pressure to disclose sensitive information. Instead, participants were simply invited to share as much or as little as they felt comfortable with.
This workshop was unlike any I had ever attended. It broke away from the formality of conventional academic events, prioritising creativity, personal growth, and wellbeing. Both Kiz and Brenda created an atmosphere that allowed participants to explore difficult emotions while fostering self-care and community support.
I would be remiss not to give a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Metka Potočnik for organising and facilitating this exceptional day at the Springfield Campus. Her vision and effort provided the perfect backdrop for creativity and healing to flourish.
I left the event feeling not just inspired but deeply thankful—for the connections made, the creative tools learned, and the emotional space provided. This day served as a reminder that creativity is not just a skill but a pathway to wellbeing and self-discovery.
Thankfully, this is just the beginning. Along with other participants, I’ll have the incredible opportunity to embark on a songwriting journey where our stories will come to life as songs. With the guidance of experienced songwriters and a talented recording engineer, these pieces will not only capture our personal narratives but also transform them into art that resonates with others. Watch this space!
NEW Courses / Workshops/ Conferences for 25:
Specialist singing / healing workshops
A ‘Trauma informed’ approach devising conferences
One to one Songwriting and confidence for children
Goldsmiths University Expressive workshops
External Examiner Kingston University
NEW: Expressive workshops on Belonging.
Acapella song writing course begins soon!. ‘Just me and my heart’
Learn how to compose an authentic song. Basic musicianship required. Small group course. More details to follow.
Expressive Voice Classes face to face set to return soon.
Expressive Voice Classes ONLINE. These online sessions are specifically for women, build your confidence, raise your self esteem and self worth with Brenda’s online sessions. Beginners - intermediate singers.
National and International choir/ singing group workshops for adults or children.
More details to follow.
January - July ‘25
Goldsmiths University with Undergrads/Postgrads and Masters students
An Expressive singing course. Singing in the African American Tradition on the foundation of Social Justice, discussion, healing, self discovery, history and song!
This course is in-house and is therefore not open to the public!
To recap:
Expressive One to One Voice classes on going!
Daytime group sessions for businesses and organisations on special request only until further notice.
One to one and bespoke group sessions available on Saturdays, and weekdays, where possible!
Please note: Cancellations for one to one sessions booked must be made 3 days in advance otherwise the full fee will be charged for the session.
The Joy of singing with Brenda
You do not have to read music in order to be an amazing musician!!
Consider how great these Singers / Musicians were/are, yet they couldn’t / Can’t read music!!
Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson. Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Danny Elfman,Elvis Presley. Eric Clapton. The Beatles.
Should you wish to learn to read music, We at Voice Expressions will hold space and gently open the doors into that world making the journey of learning to read enjoyable .
Let us work with you, giving you access, Music language and new skills in this area of your music making journey!
Why not try an ‘Expressive Voice process,’at your Conference?
For Adults at Conferences try our ‘Expressive’ Voice workshops tailored to suit your requirements!
‘Expressive Voice processes,’ work in healing and building the self worth of children and young people, delegates of all ages and abilities!
We at Voice Expressions specialise in building confidence, self worth and self esteem with adults and children.
The video below shows a Sunday ‘Expressive’ singing course concluding in a sharing for parents and carers!!
Last year we spent a number of days running expressive singing and songwriting workshops in schools.
In June, we spent a full day sharing skills and ideas on expressive singing and song writing with 160 children and teaching staff in a high School for Girls!
In the video recording above, the children are learning the beginning of one of the pieces we performed to parents later that day! The workshop was held on a Sunday and it was attended by all comers.. …. The main specification being children who just wanted to sing!!
It was an incredibly hot day however the children in attendance were totally committed! They worked hard and their performance as a result was phenomenal!!
Here is some feedback from a member of staff in attendance………..
I just wanted to thank you and your team for the most wonderful day on Sunday.
I enjoyed the day in my support role but wanted to share as a parent what a special day it was for both my children. They came away really alive and buzzy. Sophie went on to continue writing her song at home and has asked to perform it to us when she gets home today. I was so impressed with your workshop leaders whose kindness, calm and warmth were wonderful. I found the performance at the end of the day very moving.
Thank you for all your hard work to run such a special day for so many children.
Best Wishes
Holly
Guest tutors include Jason Nicholson Porter from ‘The Voice’.
Why training process:
30 week’s training - ‘Why ‘training process (Position on hold, please feel free to enquire and / or join the waiting list. We may be able to assist your growth via an alternative process).
We are always on a learning journey with the incredible talents who cross our paths, like Friend and wonder filled colleague who I truly respect and admire, Bazil Meade Founder and Director of The London Community Gospel Choir!
Wisdom and Guidance from those who have trodden the path before………..and continue to inspire those yet to come!!