Kate O'Connell

About Kate

I trained in drama and dance at Dartington College of Arts, Devon. I have been working in the field of theatre and music for over 40 years as a community artist, and have run many choirs, including co-leading The Forres Big Choir for 11 years. I founded, directed and sang for many years with locally renowned acappella groups Too Many Kooks and Sonas. I have also sung for many years, with my husband Rory, in international folk combos-specializing in songs from The Balkans and Near East.

I have a huge repertoire of beautiful and inspirational songs from around the world, both secular and sacred, traditional folk and pop/rock/gospel. Also compositions by contemporary writers for choirs.

I believe that everyone can sing, and I have much experience in encouraging those who thought they were tone deaf as well as those who want to make a career of music. As well as my background in theatre arts, movement, musical performance, and community workshops, I have a lifetime’s experience of different holistic healing modalities. These strongly influence my work.

Our body is our musical instrument. My approach is intuitive, spontaneous and open-hearted, and I can help people explore emotional blocks in their voices and find a freer vocal expression of their soul, as well as a deeper spiritual connection to the source of life. This can lead to increased health and wellbeing.

I am a member of the Natural Voice Practitioners Network.

›  Kate's "You Can't Eat Money" project
›  Videos
›  Radio

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.

“ 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 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 :) ”  Just Sing participant 

“ 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! ”  Just Sing participant

“ 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)

Healing Harmonies:  “ Kate, this group is just amazing. I have never felt so empowered to express myself, to sing wild and free, to be in my body with my true voice. You were truly inspired when you started Healing Harmonies! I love the way you lead us from your heart, bringing all your own joy and curiosity and wonder at this process of organic music. It is truly marvelous the way you help us bring out our unique individuality, and then magically craft a harmonious whole from all the different sounds and voices — an improvised symphony that astonishes us all! A dance of sound that heals body and soul. ”

Healing Harmonies:   “ I love your sessions and how you work, you are an inspiration for me, and during this difficult time I have been using my voice to express my feelings. It has really helped! ”

Workshop:  “ I don't think I have ever met such an extraordinary teacher, living and breathing and drawing out the music in such an utterly beautiful way. You have the most amazing, all-encompassing voice I have ever heard ... completely authentic and completely woman, and somehow connecting right to the heart and soul of things. ”  Libby

Workshop:  “ Kate opens people's hearts and draws the music out. ”

›  "Kate lines up a series of headline acts"  (The Northern Scot)
›  "Kate aims to have your heart and soul singing"  (The Northern Scot)

›  Natural Voice Practitioners
In the NVPN Newsletter, Frankie Armstrong (pictured) highlights the historic and social context for what Natural Voice Practitioners stand for.

›  Singing the key to long life
Brian Eno: “I believe that singing is the key to long life, a good figure, a stable temperament, increased intelligence, new friends, super self-confidence, heightened sexual attractiveness, and a better sense of humor.”

›  With a Song in our Hearts
Inspiring article in Saga Magazine about NVPN choirs.

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