Polyphonic Overtone Singing Workshop

Learn the art and technique of overtone singing with expert teacher Giovanni Bortoluzzi in a hybrid format designed to support all levels Join us for a very special hybrid workshop with internationally recognized overtone singing teacher Giovanni Bortoluzzi (facilitating virtually from Italy) and somatic, sound, and voice practitioner Kristi Rogers (facilitating in-person) on October 11th from 1 to 3:30 p.m. CST (held at 1201 NE Windsor Drive, Lee’s Summit, Missouri 64086). Gio (“Joe”) is planning a trip to the United States for sometime next year, but in the meantime, we wanted to create access to his teaching now, so we’re adopting a hybrid format. :) What is overtone singing? Overtone singing is the art of making the natural harmonics of the voice audible... and learning to shape them melodically and rhythmically. Through precise movements of the tongue and lips, anyone can learn to explore the musical archetype known as the "harmonic series." It's a practice of slow breath, resonance felt through the body, and deep listening…and it’s beautiful. Here is video of Giovanni demonstrating polyphonic overtone singing Here is a video of Kristi practicing harmonic series scales while performing gentle dance-like movements. How will this workshop work? Kristi will open our session with a somatic voice warmup, preparing your body, breath, voice, and nervous system for the practice ahead. Giovanni will then deliver his instruction virtually from Italy. Throughout, we'll practice with the support of the 4L mobile application Giovanni developed, a tool to guide and deepen your exploration. During the practice portion, you're invited to bring your voice to a dedicated microphone station for a one-to-one moment with Giovanni, while Kristi moves through the room supporting your practice. We'll close with a deep listening activity and gentle sound bath for the group to integrate the experience; attendees will also have an opportunity to purchase Giovanni’s book, newly published in English just this month! What we'll explore Giovanni's program draws on a rich lineage of harmonic vocal traditions, which can each be sampled in this video, alongside other techniques not referenced below. • Western overtone-singing techniques • Tuvan techniques, including kargyraa, khöömei, and sygyt • Sardinian Canto a Tenore • Harmonic-series theory and choir-singing basics His "4L Method" guides you from meditative vocal exploration toward melodic performance, developing vocal awareness, breath control, listening, intonation, and the recognition of musical intervals along the way. How the practice meets the body Overtone singing asks for slow breathing and long, sustained exhalations, the kind of breath pattern that supports nervous system regulation and a settled, present state. As the voice sustains, its vibration is felt through the face, head, and chest, offering a felt sense of resonance and internal spaciousness. The practice also asks for deep, sustained listening... a quality of attention that invites the whole system to soften and arrive. No experience is needed. Just bring your voice and your curiosity.