Rhiannon’s
story of passionate commitment to music—especially vocal
improvisation—takes us through the twists and turns of her life, from a
young girl discovering singing on her family’s Missouri River farm to
internationally acclaimed artist and full circle as she combines farming
and art on Hawaii Island. In Vocal River, Rhiannon reveals the skill
and spirit of improvisation—both onstage and in daily life—for singers,
musicians, artists and anyone interested in combining the creative
aspects that touch all our lives. The book is also a meticulous guide to
Rhiannon’s methods of teaching improvisation featuring twenty-seven
detailed exercises that bring us into the circle of music where, step by
step, we learn about blend, collaboration, soloing, listening, skill,
faith and generosity. Vocal River is the culmination of Rhiannon's long
and celebrated career as an international performer and teacher. In it
she shares her exuberance, her craft, and her fresh insights into the
dimensions and gifts of improvisation.
Rhiannon is incredibly brilliant and fun. I trust her musical instincts
completely. A fellow graduate of MSU (Making Stuff Up) and a member of
Voicestra since the beginning, she's one of my very favorite people to
improvise with. I'm so glad she's finally taken the time to document her
thoughtful, heartfelt, inspired approach. Delve in deeply! - Bobby McFerrin
Rhiannon,the grand sorcerer, lures all whom she meets, her
collaborators, I being one, her students, and her audiences, into the
mysteries of her enchanted world of song. How lucky we have been ~~ Ruth Zap
Vocal River is a collection of my vocal improvisation exercises,
stories from my life and work, and musings on the philosophy and power
of improvisation both inside and outside the music realm. It will be
sold including a set of 33 cards explaining a short-hand version of the
exercises for use by teachers and singers. In these times, with so much
in transition and moving quickly, the skills of improvisation are
insightful everywhere. I want to name improvisation as one of the great
life skills and put it in the hands of everyone who wants to learn more
about their options in everyday situations -and get people singing!
VOCAL RIVER is the book I have been waiting for since I first met
Rhiannon. To know Rhiannon is to know that this book comes from a richly
cultivated body of teaching and performance, an abiding commitment to
the development and sharing of vocal improvisation, a willingness to
share the journey that led her to this point, and a deep belief that
music is the lifeblood of humanity and a place where healing begins. Rebekka Goldsmith
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