top of page
OpenStudio
exploring the unamplified voice through improvisation
What is OpenStudio?
OpenStudio is a group of 12-15 singers who are committed to a one-year exploration
of improvisation. Facilitator Danika Lorèn will lead a small group of singers to explore free and structured forms of improvisation with the intent to develop a language and technique around unamplified vocal improvisation. Though many participants will come from a classical background, we will be exploring the unamplified voice outside of any predetermined genre, style or technique. Musicians of any genre may apply.
Why Improvisation?
While classical singing is often associated with a strict adherence to written scores, many classical styles (like Baroque ornamentation) were originally rooted in improvisation. OpenStudio is a place where we will explore improvisation techniques both historical and newly devised. Some of the benefits of improvisation include:
-
Development of deep listening techniques
Improvisation trains singers to listen actively and respond spontaneously, which, with practice, fosters a heightened musical awareness. This is an invaluable skill in all traditional settings as singers rarely perform alone.
-
Expansion of technique in a self-led way
Improvising challenges vocal technique and control, but only as far as the singer wishes to challenge themselves. Exploring technique outside of repertoire but in the company of other singers can bridge the gap between the practise room and the performance hall.
-
Strengthened vocal freedom and confidence
By stepping outside of fixed notation, singers are able to explore the full range and colour of their voices without limits of historical style, fach or any predetermined sense of what things "should" sound like. This allows the singer to interact with their voice on their own terms.
-
Fostering of the personal artistic voice and musicality
Improvisation invites singers to engage as co-creators in music makers, rather than musical interpreters. This active participation nurtures individuality and provides a space to develop a personal sense of musicality, allowing artists to bring themselves fully into their voices and to interact with other voices while still maintaining this autonomy.
a typical OpenStudio session is approximately 1.5h
-
Welcome and Warm Up (15min)
Each session will begin with a breath-work exercise to bring our focus into the room, and so that we can check in with our minds, voices and bodies.
-
Full group free improvisation (10min)
Sessions at a Glance:
The first improvisation of each session is a full group free improv focused on deep listening. This is an opportunity to listen to each other and tiptoe into improvising for the evening. Participants are encouraged to bring acoustic instruments to play during this improvisation.
-
Small group improvisations (25 min)
After the first improvisation, the group will be divided into smaller (2-4 people) groups, and each group will take a turn playing an improv game that everyone will learn together in the session. These games are voice-focused and shorter in length.
BREAK (15 min)
-
Medium group improvisations (20 min)
After a short break, the group will be divided into 2 or 3 larger (5-7 people) groups for two final free improvisations. Parameters (if any) will be decided upon by group consensus.
-
Cool Down (5 min)
Each session will end with a final breath-work exercise to shake-off the session to release anything that needs to be released before we leave the space.
Studio Practices:
OpenStudio is about being in the moment. There will be absolutely no recording of any kind, for any reason. All devices must be put away during the session.
OpenStudio is not a place where we learn through critique. It is extremely important to not give feedback on others' experience or artistry, and to resist doing so to yourself. We are not here to perform for each other, but rather to play music with each other.
OpenStudio is not about results. It is about exploration! It's a unique place where we are able to explore singing as a process rather than a product.
There is no preparation needed to attend an OpenStudio session. All improv games will be learned together in the session, but a digital copy of each game will also be provided within a week of each meeting should you wish to read it ahead. there is absolutely no pressure to do so.
At the end of our time together everyone will receive a copy of the edited collection of exercises that will include everything that we have explored and other games yet to explore!
Details in Brief:
Who:
Sessions for our first season will be facilitated by Danika Lorèn.
Where:
Our sessions will take place in Tapestry Opera's rehearsal hall at 877 Yonge street; close to Bloor/Yonge subway station.
When:
We will meet once a month over a period of 10 months for a total of 9 sessions.
What:
We will explore different kinds of musical improvisation focused on the unamplified voice. We will not be exploring improvised dramatic improvisation or improvised opera.
How Often:
Session times will be scheduled on a rolling basis according to the availability of our venue and participants. Since we will have many schedules to balance, participants may not be able to attend every session.
Deadline:
The deadline for applications is January 30th, 2026.
Cost:
There is no cost to participate and there is no cost to apply.
bottom of page