Kate O'Connell

Singing for health, wellbeing and performance . . .
Increase your confidence, build community, develop creativity, and have fun !
 

I teach singing through private classes and groups. My focus is on developing your creativity, increasing performance, and using the breath to maximum effect. Additional benefits can be: better posture, and increased self-awareness and sense of wellbeing.
As a Natural Voice Practitioner, I can help you free up your voice and express yourself to your full potential.
›  About Kate

“ It is a year from when I had Covid and my lungs still felt closed. I couldn't sing for more than 10 minutes. After one lesson with Kate, I found I could sing for more than an hour. I feel better, happier and can breathe easier. ”  Tanya, opera singer

“ I’m so happy I found Kate, she has helped me so much with my voice and my confidence about speech. I have a rare and long-standing vocal problem and despite many doctors, speech therapists and even operations, I can honestly say Kate has made the most difference and given me the most hope. I can’t recommend her highly enough. ”  Helen, Fochabers

“ Kate has helped me unlock years of closed doors through the amazing range of methods she has used to help me find my voice again. Every lesson has been a journey and much like therapy. I see singing so differently now and love the idea that my body is an instrument. My voice can now do things I never imagined it could. Thank you Kate for everything! ”  Laura (26)

“ Kate has helped me in pushing myself to my real potential, in fun and creative ways. A colourful and vibrant teacher! ”  Esther (16)


›  More testimonials

Let's make this another wonderful year, full of joyful harmony, on all levels. My focus is on the health and wellbeing, heart-opening and community aspects of singing and using the voice. I am keen to sing songs with uplifting messages.

I am offering workshops and weekly groups in Inverness, Highland and Moray. I hope you will find something to suit you.

I am also available for private singing lessons for performance and for health and wellbeing.

With blessings, Kate

Sing For a Change

It is becoming increasingly clear to me that my efforts to promote positive change in society, increase awareness of our environmental obligations, help people open their hearts, and feel physically better, is happening through my choirs and Healing Voice workshops

I have collected a growing repertoire of songs that reflect this.
Under the banner “Sing For a Change”, I am being asked to sing and teach at events for climate and social awareness. Exciting!

Please contact me for more info.

“Imagine”

Kate singing “Imagine” in the centre of Inverness Victorian Market on Armistice Day 2023.

›  Play video

“Wake up”

Kate O'Connell leads Eden Court's Just Sing and The Kinloss Peace Singers in Inverness Cathedral, November 2024.
A tribute to Nick Prater.
›  Play video

“Harbour Song”

Written and arranged by Anna Tabush in 2020, in response to the Syrian refugee crisis. Findhorn Festival of Sacred Dance, Music & Song 2023. Festival Choir with Kate O’Connell.
›  Play video

“Resolution Song”

The Resolution Project is a global music and climate action project. This song is being sung worldwide. Findhorn Festival of Sacred Dance, Music & Song 2023. Festival Choir with Kate O’Connell.
›  Play video

“Song of Wandering Aengus”

Sacred Dance Group performing at the Winter Gathering 2021 in the Universal Hall Findhorn. With Kate and Rory O'Connell and Bill Henderson.
›  Play video

“Something Inside So Strong”

By Labbi Siffre
Too Many Kooks, 2010, in the Universal Hall Findhorn.
›  Play video
›  About Too Many Kooks + More videos

“There Is A Balm in Gilead”

Healing gospel song
The Singing Hearts group shared this song at the Parkinsons UK Together event in Boat of Garten, June 2018.
›  Play video

“Peace In Our Time”

Written by Nick Prater at the time of the big anti-war demonstrations in 2004. Kate leads this Natural Voice anthem. Part of The Forres Big Choir 10th birthday Big Sing, January 2014.
›  Play video

“ Hope Lies Here ”

The finale of the "You Can't Eat Money" concert on 2 November 2012 in the Universal Hall, Findhorn.
›  Play video
›  Info: You Can't Eat Money

Peace and Wellness Singing Groups

Highland Hospital Radio / 25 February 2025  (27 mins/mp3)

Roz Paton interviews Kate O’Connell on Highland Hospital Radio.

“I was delighted to be interviewed by Roz and talk about what motivates me in my work with Kinloss Sing for Peace and the Singing for Wellness groups.
“It includes three songs: one from the massed Eden Court and Kinloss choirs, one by acappella nine-piece group Freewheelin, and one by trio, Sheila Hull, Marion McFadden and myself.”

The interview takes the first 27 mins of the broadcast. Enjoy.

Stand and deliver

BBC Radio Personal Best / 14 May 2018  (28 mins/mp3)

Gillian Russell and the Personal Best team have come to Eden Court in Inverness to learn how to improve our public speaking. Includes voice coach Kate O'Connell and PR expert Laura Bruce giving a mini masterclass on relaxing and projecting your voice, what to do to get yourself feeling and sounding confident, how to get your posture right, whether to include humour, and why breathing is key.

Health benefits of singing

BBC Radio Personal Best / 19 December 2016  (28 mins/mp3)

BBC Radio programme on the health benefits of singing. Includes Kate giving reporter Suzie Beaumont a singing lesson.

Helen Chadwick Song Theatre

Helen Chadwick Song Theatre is a group of highly skilled actor singers who present performances, concerts and site-specific events. On 2 + 3 March 2018 they were here for two concerts and a workshop.

›  Sample song 'Some Nights' (mp3)

New group: Cromarty Sings

A brand new free community singing group in Cromarty, for all ages over twelve, on Wednesday evenings 6.30pm, at The Old Buoy Store (entrance opposite the harbour).

Just for pleasure and meeting friends, in a beautiful setting by Cromarty harbour. One hour singing, plus tea & coffee.

Featuring easy-ish acappella harmonies. Led by voice coach and singer Kate O'Connell.

›  No auditions, no sheet music, just voices acappella.
›  Relaxed, friendly sessions.
›  Uplifting songs.
›  All abilities welcome.

If coming for the first time, please email Kate: katesvoices@gmail.com.

›  Supported by Cromarty Care Project and Cromarty Community Development Trust.

Kate's Choir @ Findhorn Festival of
Sacred Dance, Music & Song

 
Sunday 6 September – Friday 11 September
The Park, Findhorn

I have been teaching a choir throughout this week since it began in 1992, and we always create a special atmosphere. This is probably my last time and I am inviting singers to join us.

We rehearse every afternoon (except Wednesday) and then sing for the dancers on the last night. You will join guests from around the world and get to sing in the stunning Universal Hall in Findhorn.

This year I am choosing quite simple songs with uplifting words so we can relax and have fun.

The choir meets independently of the whole festival and costs £65 (concessions £55) for five rehearsals and the final performance evening. It is not really a performance as we will be singing in the middle of the dancers.

Dates and times:
Sunday 6 September, 4pm – 5.30pm
Monday 7 September, 2pm – 3.30pm
Tuesday 8 September, 2pm – 3.30pm
Thursday 10 September, 2pm – 3.30pm
Friday 11 September, 1.30pm – 3pm
Friday 11 September evening, 8pm – 10pm

If interested, you can email me for more info. Payment is made straight to me, through BAC.

And while you are here, there are also open sessions in the programme that you can attend:
www.findhornsacreddance.com

“Harbour Song”

Findhorn Festival of Sacred Dance, Music & Song, 2023.
Festival Choir with Kate O’Connell.
Written and arranged by Anna Tabush in 2020, in response to the Syrian refugee crisis.
›  Play video

Coming Events

Acappella Delights concerts with members from my choirs:

—  Inverness Cathedral, Sunday 1 November, 3.30pm – 4.30pm
—  St Lawrence Church Forres, Sunday 6 December, 3.30pm – 4.30pm

Singing for Wellness in Inverness

New group developed from long standing Sing for Parkinson's group, now open to anyone who would benefit from a friendly supportive singing group with the health benefits of singing as a focus.

After a successful start in April 2016, we have developed into a very friendly group. We have a lot of fun, do exercises for health, develop our voices and musical skills, and sing beautiful acappella harmony songs. The group particularly like inspiring songs with positive messages. No experience or singing ability necessary, just a willingness to join in and have fun.

The sessions are led by renowned local voice coach Kate O'Connell, whose enthusiasm and belief that everyone can sing makes these classes a delight for everyone who comes along.


Participants have said:

”You have helped my confidence. I so enjoy coming to your class You have confidence in our ability to sing which in turn makes me want to do well. ”  Jeanx

”Our choir mistress is a delight. We have gathered a group of 15 and we have bonded so quickly and so well. It is amazing what she has brought out of us in so short a time. ”  Rhona

”An hour singing with Kate isn’t really enough but in that short time she inspires and uplifts us all and our group is fab. What started as singing strangers, thanks to Kate, we are now singing friends. ”  Isabel

Join us on Monday afternoons, 1.45pm – 3pm, at Merkinch Community Centre, Inverness.
Venue is wheelchair accessible.

For further information, please contact Kate.

Women's singing group near Avoch

Small women's singing group has room for one or two new members. This group has grown out of long standing choir Black Isle Acappella. Maximum 7 members.

Develop your voice, gain confidence, and sing beautiful harmonies in a small friendly group.

Thursday mornings 11am – 12noon, Rosehaugh Estate, Avoch.

For further information, please contact Kate.

Interview: Peace and Wellness Groups

Highland Hospital Radio / 25 February 2025  (27 mins/mp3)

Roz Paton interviews Kate O’Connell on Highland Hospital Radio.

“I was delighted to be interviewed by Roz and talk about what motivates me in my work with Kinloss Sing for Peace and the Singing for Wellness groups.
“It includes three songs: one from the massed Eden Court and Kinloss choirs, one by acappella nine-piece group Freewheelin (see below), and one by trio, Sheila Hull, Marion McFadden and myself.”

The interview takes the first 27 mins of the broadcast. Enjoy.

Freewheelin A Cappella Vocal Collective

Freewheelin is a small performance group, drawing together a mix of talented vocalists from the Inverness and Moray areas. In the last year we have performed at The Inverness Botanics, WASPS creative academy, and most recently Belladrum Tartan Hearts Festival.

“ A Cappella septet Freewheelin are a fresh new face on the Inverness music scene. Well-respected choir leader and singer Kate O'Connell from Findhorn, now based in Inverness, has brought together a group of talented vocalists to create lush harmonies. Their repertoire spans folk, gospel, pop, world music, and contemporary inspirational songs. After debuting at The Botanics and WASPS, and recent appearances at Belladrum, the group are known for their heartfelt songs and beautiful harmonies. ”

Powerful Healing

In the past few years I have attended a course on Singing For Lung Health with Phoene Cave and the Musical Breath team.
I have also trained as a Qi Gong instructor with Lee Holden. Qi Gong is an ancient art, part of the Chinese Medicine School of knowledge. Its focus on breathing and movement for less stress and more energy is complementary to my whole way of teaching voice.
It always comes back to the importance of deep, full breathing, and stimulating the energy running through and around the body.
And when you put this together with opening up the voice and expressing the soul, you have a very powerful healing modality.

Weekly Singing Groups

Monday afternoons
Singing for Wellness

Open to anyone who would benefit from a friendly supportive singing group with the health benefits of singing as a focus. Merkinch Community Centre, Inverness.

Tuesday evenings
Just Sing

Mixed voice acappella group. Eden Court Theatre, Inverness.

Wednesday evenings
Cromarty Sings

New free community singing group. The Old Buoy Store, Cromarty.

Thursday mornings
Women's singing group

Develop your voice, gain confidence, and sing beautiful harmonies in a small friendly group. Near Avoch.

Friday mornings
Sing for Peace and Joy

Beautiful acappella harmony songs. Kinloss, near Forres, Moray.

›  More info

In the pipeline

Please let me know if you are interested in:

A day for voice teachers

Passing on skills and tips of the trade to anyone who would like to bring more singing into their work or lead groups.

Find Your Voice

Open up and develop your voice. Build your confidence.

Sing for Peace and Joy

If you would like a Sing for Peace and Joy group in your area, please contact me.

Bespoke workshops

I offer singing workshops tailor-made to suit your needs:

—  Vocal development exercises to improve power quality range and confidence;
—  Voice work/singing as community development;
—  Harmony singing;
—  Solo singing masterclass, performance technique;
—  Vocal improvisation.

›  Please contact me.

Monday afternoons

Singing for Wellness

‘Where words fail music speaks’

Mondays, 1.45pm – 3pm
Merkinch Community Centre, Inverness
(Venue is wheelchair accessible)

New group developed from long standing Sing for Parkinson's group, now open to anyone who would benefit from a friendly supportive singing group with the health benefits of singing as a focus.

After a successful start in April 2016, we have developed into a very friendly group. We have a lot of fun, do exercises for health, develop our voices and musical skills, and sing beautiful acappella harmony songs. The group particularly like inspiring songs with positive messages.

The sessions are led by renowned local voice coach Kate O'Connell, whose enthusiasm and belief that everyone can sing makes these classes a delight for everyone who comes along.

Cathy Orr, Parkinson’s UK Local Development Manager, said:
“We are delighted to be continuing this class in Inverness and want as many people as possible to come along. The singing sessions are great fun as well as providing real benefits for people with a long-term condition. There is also a strong social aspect, and lots of people find that singing makes them feel better, which is really helpful for those who have feelings of stress, anxiety or depression.”

The classes are open to everyone affected by a long-term condition.
›  No experience or singing ability necessary, just a willingness to join in and have fun.
›  There is no need to pre-book.


Participants have said:

”You have helped my confidence. I so enjoy coming to your class You have confidence in our ability to sing which in turn makes me want to do well. ”  Jeanx

”Our choir mistress is a delight. We have gathered a group of 15 and we have bonded so quickly and so well. It is amazing what she has brought out of us in so short a time. ”  Rhona

”An hour singing with Kate isn’t really enough but in that short time she inspires and uplifts us all and our group is fab. What started as singing strangers, thanks to Kate, we are now singing friends. ”  Isabel


Video: “There Is A Balm in Gilead”
The Singing Hearts group shared their songs at the Parkinsons UK Together event in Boat of Garten in June 2018. This was a gathering of people with Parkinsons from all over Scotland. You may note there are only ladies singing but I must emphasize that we do have gentlemen in our group, they just were not there that day.


For further information please contact Kate.

Tuesday evenings

Just Sing

with Kate O’Connell

Tuesday evenings 7pm
Eden Court Theatre, Inverness

We recognise the importance of singing together in a group and how beneficial the creative and social aspects are to you while still having lots of fun.

Just Sing is a mixed voice acappella (voices only) harmony singing group where you will learn uplifting songs from around the world.

The repertoire of music learned spans gospel, traditional folk, pop, world music, as well as inspirational contemporary compositions. In addition to learning a variety of songs, the group includes breathing and voice exercises to help develop the power quality and range of the voice. The emphasis is on learning by ear for simple songs, and written music can be used for the more complex arrangements.

This class is suitable for all levels of experience and confidence.

As this group has developed, we are trying a few more complex arrangements. So if you are new to us, it helps if you come at the start of term ... and you will get the most out of this group if you come regularly.
In particular this applies to the Autumn to Christmas term, as we will be doing at least two performances.
If in doubt, please email me:  katesvoices@gmail.com.
Most song scores and sound files are available to the group.


Participants have said:

“ I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed myself. It's been the best thing, joining the group. Thank you for all your heartfelt energy as that is what makes the difference :) ”

“ Thank you so much Kate, for the joyful experience of being a small part of your singing group. Your energy, vitality, and enthusiasm are an inspiration to us all. Looking forward to next year, and all the lovely things it may hold, and included in that is the anticipation of the great fun engendered by the power of your 'Just sing!' ”


Video: “Wake up”
Kate O'Connell leads Eden Court's Just Sing and The Kinloss Peace Singers in Inverness Cathedral, November 2024.
A tribute to Nick Prater.

Wednesday evenings

New group: Cromarty Sings

Wednesday evenings 6.30pm
The Old Buoy Store, Cromarty
(entrance opposite the harbour)

A brand new free community singing group in Cromarty, for all ages over twelve.

Just for pleasure and meeting friends, in a beautiful setting by Cromarty harbour. One hour singing, plus tea & coffee.

Featuring easy-ish acappella harmonies. Led by voice coach and singer Kate O'Connell.

›  No auditions, no sheet music, just voices acappella.
›  Relaxed, friendly sessions.
›  Uplifting songs.
›  All abilities welcome.

If coming for the first time, please email Kate: katesvoices@gmail.com.

›  Supported by Cromarty Care Project and Cromarty Community Development Trust.

Thursday mornings

New women's singing group near Avoch

Thursday mornings 11am – 12noon
Rosehaugh Estate, Avoch

Small women's singing group has room for one or two new members. This group has grown out of long standing choir Black Isle Acappella. Maximum 7 members.

Develop your voice, gain confidence, and sing beautiful harmonies in a small friendly group.

For further information, please contact Kate.

Friday mornings

Sing for Peace and Joy

with Kate O’Connell

Fridays, 10.30am – 12am
Kinloss Church Hall (map)
Per session £8 drop-in

Please join me and some wonderful singers in raising our spirits and voices for peace and harmony. Beautiful acappella harmony chants and songs from different spiritual and secular traditions.

No expertise required, just an open heart. All welcome.

Info  ›  Contact me

Hope to see you there !


Video: “Wake up”
Kate O'Connell leads The Kinloss Peace Singers and Eden Court's Just Sing in Inverness Cathedral, November 2024.
A tribute to Nick Prater.

What is a Community Choir?

A community choir is a singing group that is open to anyone irrespective of supposed musical prowess or training. The emphasis is on fun and the joy of singing together and also on building a sense of community through singing together. There are no auditions and no mystique about the process of singing. Learning is often by ear rather than by printed music. We mostly sing in a circle instead of in chorus formation. This allows everyone to hear and enjoy the harmonies for themselves, rather than songs being rehearsed entirely for the benefit of an audience.
(With thanks to Bill Henderson/Forres Big Choir)

Sometimes it is just a straight vocal session with warm-ups and voice opening exercises and singing songs. Developing the voice, gaining confidence, learning how to deliver a song.

Other times the session goes into deep healing therapeutic places as, through breathing and relaxation, the student gets in touch with places where vocal expression is held in or blocked.

And sometimes it is a mixture of both.

I work intuitively with each client to draw out their beautiful unique voice.

I teach from my home near Avoch, Black Isle.

For all events, workshops, groups, choirs, classes and private lessons, please feel free to contact me for further details and to discuss your requirements. Reasonable terms.
I am based in North Scotland. I will travel throughout Scotland and further by arrangement.

Email:  katesvoices@gmail.com
Mobile (text only):  07749 216223