Patti Shaffner is a professional vocalist,songwriter, vocal mentor, improv singer, and performance coach with over 40 years experience in performing and teaching.
Her background includes improvisational singing with accomplished artists such as, Bobby McFerrin and Rhiannon, a protégé and fellow performer with Bobby McFerrin.
Rhiannon is a master of improvisational vocal work, and Patti has studied with her since 2007 and completed the ‘All The Way In’ Masterclass (rhiannonmusic.com)
Patti has mined the lessons of improvisational work and applied them to groups. Bobby McFerrin calls this approach Circle Singing. According to Bobby, Circle Singing was an ancient way that brought people together into cohesion, until they felt the sense of harmonic resonance. Then, they arrived in a space of readiness where they were able to discuss important matters at hand.
Patti has used Circle Singing to work with diverse groups such as, high school students, faith groups, RN midwives, and community groups and is skilled at leading groups of all ages. She approaches fundamental skill development with a somatic lens. She likes to say, “What we can feel in the body we can find expression for.”
Her approach to using song and vocals with groups has led her to see the interconnectedness of group dynamics that play out, as individuals experience themselves as part of the whole and simultaneously a unique voice. This core realization has helped groups become more cohesive, aware, and engaged as a group. Consistently she’s seen participants open up to a depth of aliveness and awareness that animates their listening skills beyond words.
““This might sound really naïve,” he says “but the first thing the politicians should do is sing. Talk later. They should first become acquainted with each other’s songs and dances and rituals.””
Bring groups, teams, organizations into the circle to learn how to connect without words. How to use deep listening skills and voice to learn to value not only the parts but the whole.
Experience how new ideas can become realized and held by the community. Learn to facilitate changes that foster growth.
““Shout out to Patti Shaffner for a riveting and illustrative sound session that taught us all more than we imagined.””
Contact me to find out more about how this work can benefit your group or organization.
Come Learn With Me:
The Crown Point Indiana High School Choir Class learn the basics of Improv Circle Singing
Performance Coaching/Vocal Mentoring
Those who desire an opportunity to explore their own vocal creativity will benefit from one on one coaching. We will expand to Performance when and if desired by the student. The focus will be on both speaking and singing vocal qualities and evaluate strengths and areas for improvement. Anticipate a non-traditional somatic approach intended to elicit your untapped potential.
Singing In The Circle
Singing in the Circle is improvisational singing. No text - no lyrics - no sheet music. It is about creating in the moment. It is not necessary to be a confident singer to benefit. Feeling free and more relaxed while singing with others leads to new perspectives, allowing groups to become more cohesive.
This is a perfect workshop experience for all types of singers: Students, Choirs, Self-proclaimed ‘Non-singers’, Aspiring Singers and Professional Singers as well as Groups and Organizations with a desire to connect with each other for a greater sense of community and cooperation.
Testimonials:
”Patti has been my voice & performance coach for a few years now, working with me to produce my 45 minute long Song Soire’e, which I have performed three shows with great review. Patti is the best! What I liked about the way she coached me specifically was the little things that make all the difference, like how to hold a mic, how to segue into a new song. As well as the usual things a voice/performance coach teaches, pitch, breathing, lyric pronunciation, costuming and equipment. As well as her willingness to offer me opportunities to perform :-)... Because she is a performer, she keeps it real... like I said, Patti is the best!“
~ Freddy Zental Weaver, Tantra Nova Institute