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  • Published on

    216. I Believe with Guest Singers

    4:4 Celebrate Gratitude & Trust Hope Love Scale: Aeolian (minor) Song Form: Harmonized Song Form: Layer Uptempo
    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:05:24
    Start time of reprise: 00:19:52
    Lyrics:

    *Soprano, Alto, Tenor*
    I believe in the goodness, 
    in the goodness of you, 
    and the goodness of me, 
    And the goodness of everybody

    We were born to love, to love, to love 
    We were born to love, to love, to love

    *Bass*
    Oh! I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe in everybody
    We, we were born to love, to love
    Picture
    Song: I Believe
    Music by: Una McCann

    Guest singers:​ Rebecca Csuy, Seth Norton, Tom Norton, Marika Tabilio

    Notes: You'll hear a wonderful group of singers helping me cover all the ranges of this song: Tom and Seth bring the bass, Marika nails the tenor, Rebecca lines up the alto, and I take on soprano. There's a bit of octave confusion -- where do we find these pitches in our different voices?! And then this fabulous song and groove reminds us to see the goodness -- in you, in me, in everybody. So grateful to Una McCann for living into the teachings of Tara Brach and catching this song that feels so good to have singing in my body! Wishing everyone a week of discovery and festive comradery, whether you are celebrating holy days or simply the close of 2025...

    Songwriter Info:
    Una McCann is based in Belfast, Northern Ireland where she works as a choir leader and songwriter.  She has been leading groups in harmony since her school days and has been working professionally with choirs for 15 years.  
    Currently the chair of the Natural Voice Network, Una runs 6 Natural Voice style weekly choirs.  She also enjoys running singing holidays and retreats.   
    Una is passionate about the power of creativity to transform lives and encourages her singers to improvise, play and explore their own creativity.
    Song writing is a part of life that sustains and supports Una.  She writes melodies and words that she needs to hear in that moment and is always delighted when they resonate with other people too.  
    I Believe was born out of the wish to always see the best in people even when it’s hard and we don’t want to, and to remember that underneath all of us is someone who just wants to be happy. We all come from love but sometimes we lose our way a bit. 
    It was inspired by listening to Tara Brach who creates beautiful talks on topics such as this.

    Sharing Info: Please buy sheet music on Una's website (see below) if you plan to share this song as a songleader.

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:05:24
    Start time of reprise: 00:19:52

    Links:
    Una's website: www.unamccann.org
    Sheet music for this song: https://unamccann.org/product/i-believe/ 
    Una's Instagram: www.instagram.com/unamccann47
    Una's Facebook (Una McCann Music): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558408430060 
    Tara Brach's website: www.tarabrach.com
    Natural Voice Network: www.naturalvoice.net 

    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, minor, 2 layers, one layer with melody & two harmonies

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  • Published on

    214. Make Good Trouble with Family Singers

    3 Layer 4:4 Change Determination Empower Hope Scale: Aeolian (minor) Song Form: Harmonized Song Form: Layer Uptempo
    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:03:56
    Start time of whole song: 00:09:21
    Lyrics:

    This is the struggle of a lifetime (2x)
    Never ever be afraid to make some noise, and make good trouble.
    Make good trouble; necessary trouble.

    From the words of John Lewis:
    ​“Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”
    Picture
    Song: Make Good Trouble
    Music by: Angela Gabriel

    Notes: I had the privilege of recording this song together with many members of my familiy -- and something happens on this recording that is very common in community singing -- I started in the key of A minor, and group wisdom decided that the key of A-flat minor, slightly lower, felt better in our collective voice! So you'll hear us readjusting together to reach an agreed sound, and what's cool is we all get there. Rather than rerecord to get an ordinary "perfectly pitched" recording, I decided to stay with the energy of the moment -- that really beautiful feel of connection that we had in that room -- because that's what this song is encourages. We support each other to speak up, to disrupt when needed, to make good, necessary trouble! You'll hear the six-year-old in the room leading some warm ups, and even a blooper at the end (never telling whose phone it was....)

    Songwriter Info: Angela is a performer, a teacher, a facilitator, and a lifelong learner. Her mission in life is to facilitate expressive creative, musical, and vocal experiences and to encourage folks of any age and background to replace judgement with curiosity and open themselves to their unique, creative flow.

    Sharing Info: The song is free to share but Angela always welcomes financial and/or networking support if/when folks are so moved.

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:03:56
    Start time of whole song: 00:09:21

    Links:
    Angela's website: www.angelagabriel.me 

    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, minor, 3 layers, each harmonized

    Join this community of people who love to use song to help navigate life? Absolutely:  https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share

    Help us keep going: reviews, comments, encouragement, plus contributions... we float on your support. 
    https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html
  • Published on

    210. In This House with guests MaMuse

    4:4 Abundance Belonging Birds Dreams Enough Friendship Gather Home Love Ribbon Scale: Ionian (Major) Song Form: Echo Song Form: Harmonized Songwriter Conversation Uptempo
    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:03:56
    Start time of reprise: 01:03:15
    Lyrics:

    In this house, we lead with love.
    In this house, we lift each other up.
    In this house, we learn to fly with the dove.
    Oh, this is the house we've been dreaming of.
    Oh, this is the house we've been dreaming of.
    So come on over (come on over),
    Welcome in (welcome in),
    Come on over (come on over).
    Let's be friends (let's be friends).
    Come on over (come on over).
    There is enough.
    Oh, this is the house we've been dreaming of.
    Oh, this is the house we've been dreaming of. 
    Picture
    Song: In This House
    Music by: Karisha Longaker of MaMuse

    Notes: Today we get “right in the river, totally listening, totally all in” with MaMuse, the duo of Sorah Nutting and Karisha Longaker, whose description of songcatching is what I just quoted. I came out of our conversation thinking about so many things -- how we see and appreciate those we love, kindness as our common wealth, danceable songs, being led by feeling and what's insanely fun, and especially house rules for how we be in the world... which comes from "In This House." I was singing harmony with them by the time we sang the song the second time, so you'll hear me making stuff up... partly because of the big, beautiful permission Karisha and Sorah give each other and us to celebrate creativity. I hope you feel that extra space and encouragement, too, after you sing with us!

    Songwriter Info: MaMuse (“Ma” as in Mamma; “Muse” as in the one who inspires) was born out of a collaboration between songwriters Karisha Longaker and Sorah Nutting. 2008 was a year of great alchemy. Fires erupted in Northern California, a great wind of inspiration blew through, catalyzing a series of songs written from the soil and rivers, ash and heat of Chico where these two musicians met.
    In the early days these troubadours toted instruments around town by bicycle and shared their songs at farmers markets, community gatherings, small cafes and festivals. Not too long after, these two voices became iconic to the Chico community, representing idyllic values of friendship, community, love for nature and care for Self and World. The love spread, sisterhood held strong through two decades of LIFE: children, relationships arriving and dissolving, making home in many new places. 
    MaMuse songs such as “We Shall Be Known” and “Hallelujah” have sprouted wings and are now sung at the bed sides of birthing mothers, round campfires, at weddings and funerals... All places where people are gathered to celebrate and to mourn. These are songs born of the Folk lineage; songs for all of us.

    Sharing Info: The song is free to share but Karisha and Sorah always welcome financial and/or networking support if/when folks are so moved.

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:03:56
    Start time of reprise: 01:03:15

    Links:
    Show info, bookings and newsletter signup: www.mamuse.org 
    Instagram: www.instagram.com/mamusemusic 
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/MaMuseMusic 
    Patreon: www.patreon.com/mamuse
    Download and contribute to recorded music funds: mamuse.bandcamp.com 
    Song Village in Santa Cruz: https://www.songvillage.net/ 
    Kirtan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirtan 
    ReMuse: https://mamuse.bandcamp.com/album/remuse 
    Patrick/FunkPharm who produced ReMuse: https://www.instagram.com/funkpharm/ 
    Tidal as a subscription platform: https://tidal.com/ 
    Community Choir Leadership Training in Canada: https://www.communitychoirleadership.com/ 
    Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion duet competition October 2012: https://www.prairiehome.org/shows/47951.html 
    Arnaé Batson: https://www.eomega.org/people/arnae-batson 
    Scott Elliot Ferreter (guitar and bass): https://www.scottelliottferreter.com/ 
    Trying Time album: https://open.spotify.com/album/3BSIiZwg5MdqY6OuVLRMdR 
    Nathan Dittle (keyboard/piano): https://www.instagram.com/redbeardthecat/ 
    Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder: https://open.spotify.com/album/6YUCc2RiXcEKS9ibuZxjt0 
    Blue by Joni Mitchell: https://open.spotify.com/album/1vz94WpXDVYIEGja8cjFNa 
    Aimée Ringle – Human and Tender: https://aimeeringle.bandcamp.com/album/human-and-tender 
    A Breath of Song conversation with Aimée Ringle: https://www.abreathofsong.com/episodes--show-notes/160-o-spirit-guide-me-to-those-i-need-with-guest-aimee-ringle#/ 
    Melanie DeMore: https://melaniedemore.com/ 
    A Breath of Song conversation with Melanie DeMore: https://www.abreathofsong.com/episodes--show-notes/175-one-footlead-with-love-with-guest-melanie-demore#/ 

    Nuts & Bolts: 4:4, major, harmonized, call and echo

    Join this community of people who love to use song to help navigate life? Absolutely:  https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share

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  • Published on

    209. We Shall Be Known with Flow Singers

    2:2 Change Earth Fire Friendship Future Hope Love Scale: Ionian (Major) Song Form: Harmonized Strength
    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Melody: 00:04:20
    High harmony: 00:07:16
    Low harmony: 00:11:34
    Whole song: 00:15:05
    Lyrics:

    We shall be known by the company we keep
    By the ones who circle round to tend these fires
    We shall be known by the ones who sow and reap
    The seeds of change alive from deep within the Earth
     
    It is time now
    It is time now that we thrive 
    It is time we lead ourselves into the well
    It is time now
    And what a time to be alive
    In this "Great Turning" we shall learn to lead in love
    In this "Great Turning" we shall learn to lead in love
    Picture
    Song: We Shall Be Known
    Music by: Karisha Longaker of MaMuse

    Notes: I could not be more delighted than to bring you this beloved song in a real-life song-sharing situation. My Flow Singing folk were singing "We Shall Be Known" for the third week -- so we simply recorded! You'll sing with them as they review the main melody, learn the upper harmony for the first time -- and then I inserted a quick teach of the low harmony -- and then we get to sing "in the room" with the Flow Singers, who were leaning into the song in such a beautiful way. I feel so lucky with the company I get to keep... and next week, I find myself in a Zoom room with Karisha Longaker and Sorah Nutting themselves, talking about the "insanely fun, incredibly connected" first years, and what it means in practical terms to "believe in kindness as our common wealth." 

    Songwriter Info: MaMuse (“Ma” as in Mamma; “Muse” as in the one who inspires) was born out of a collaboration between songwriters Karisha Longaker and Sorah Nutting. 2008 was a year of great alchemy. Fires erupted in Northern California, a great wind of inspiration blew through, catalyzing a series of songs written from the soil and rivers, ash and heat of Chico where these two musicians met.
    In the early days these troubadours toted instruments around town by bicycle and shared their songs at farmers markets, community gatherings, small cafes and festivals. Not too long after, these two voices became iconic to the Chico community, representing idyllic values of friendship, community, love for nature and care for Self and World. The love spread, sisterhood held strong through two decades of LIFE: children, relationships arriving and dissolving, making home in many new places. 
    MaMuse songs such as “We Shall Be Known” and “Hallelujah” have sprouted wings and are now sung at the bed sides of birthing mothers, round campfires, at weddings and funerals... All places where people are gathered to celebrate and to mourn. These are songs born of the Folk lineage; songs for all of us.

    Sharing Info: The song is free to share but Karisha and Sorah always welcome financial and/or networking support if/when folks are so moved.

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Melody: 00:04:20
    High harmony: 00:07:16
    Low harmony: 00:11:34
    Whole song: 00:15:05

    Links:
    Show info, bookings and newsletter signup: www.mamuse.org
    Instagram: www.instagram.com/mamusemusic 
    Patreon: www.patreon.com/mamuse
    Download and contribute to recorded music funds: mamuse.bandcamp.com 
    Lisa Littlebird's page for We Shall Be Known: thebirdsings.com/we-shall-be-known/
    Burlington, VT Flow Singers: ​www.juneberrymusic.com/flow-singing.html

    Nuts & Bolts: 2:2, major, 3-part harmony

    Join this community of people who love to use song to help navigate life? Absolutely:  https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share

    Help us keep going: reviews, comments, encouragement, plus contributions... we float on your support.  https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html
  • Published on

    206. Breathe Easy

    3:4 Breathe Calm Mantra Release Rest Song Form: Harmonized Trust
    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:02:34
    Start time of reprise: 00:14:16

    ​Lyrics:

    Breathe easy, let it all go
    Rest your body, trust your soul
    To guide your way and keep you whole
    Breathe easy let go
    Picture
    Song: Breathe Easy
    Music by: Karly Loveling

    Notes: When I heard this song of Karly's, I couldn't wait to tease apart the harmonies -- and I find I sing it to myself at odd moments -- its kind, gentle advice lets me release into my own wisdom. What's funny is I came to record it in a bit of a rush, after a rather stressful day and knowing I'd be travelling in the morning, so I really had to get it done... and the breath of song did its thing. As I taught it, my heart eased, my breath deepened, I reconnected to my own wholeness -- and by the end of the episode, I was loathe to stop! I'll be curious to know if your body responds the same way?

    Songwriter Info: Karly Loveling is a seasoned songleader, songwriter, and permissionary of heartfelt expression. For over two decades, she has been guiding voices and hearts through community singing, classes, and workshops in Eugene, Oregon and beyond.
    Karly’s journey in Oregon began with a formative chapter at Lost Valley Educational Center, where she immersed herself in personal growth workshops and forged lasting connections. With a background in dance and a degree in the field, she co-founded Coalessence Dance, an ecstatic dance community that continues to thrive, with Becca Perry in 2006.
    Karly’s love for community singing deepened through her many years at Singing Alive, where she led song circles and found inspiration among fellow songleaders from the gathering’s inception through 2023. In 2013, she founded the Hummingbirds Girls Choir, whose joyful harmonies became a beloved feature at the Eugene Saturday Market, Holiday Market, and the Oregon Country Fair.
    In 2015, Karly launched Singing Heart, a community singing group, which inspired her to complete the Community Choir Leadership Training in British Columbia the following year. Singing Heart is proud to be part of the Ubuntu Choirs Network, affirming the principle that everyone can sing and that singing builds connection.
    Karly’s often playful, layered, and meaningful original songs are sung by songleaders from Appalachia to Ireland. She currently offers in-person and online classes, leads retreats, and shares her work at community singing gatherings across the country.

    Sharing Info: This song is free to sing, but Karly always welcomes and appreciates financial and networking support.

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:02:34
    Start time of reprise: 00:14:16

    Links:
    Karly's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/KarlyLoveling
    Karly's Bandcamp: https://karlyloveling.bandcamp.com/music
    Singing Heart Harmonies: https://singingheartharmonies.com/
    Karly's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlyloveling

    Nuts & Bolts: 3:4, melody & 2 harmonies

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  • Published on

    204. May the Way Open Before You with Guest Singers

    6:8 Darkness Hope Light Love Prayer Scale: Ionian (Major) Song Form: Harmonized Trust
    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:02:29
    Start time of reprise: 00:13:05

    Lyrics:

    May the way open before you.
    May you see beyond darkness and light
    to the love you are;
    to the love you bring into the world.
    Picture
    Song: May the Way Open Before You
    Music by: Ana Hernández

    Guest singers:​ Sadie Jones, AJ Banach, Cameron Brownell, Rebecca Csuy

    Notes: Recording this was a complete treat, because I had four friends in the studio with me -- Rebecca Csuy, Cameron Brownell, AJ Banach, and Sadie Jones learned the song and loved it. AJ catches me when I make a note mistake in the harmony, which is fabulous -- friends who have your back! Next week, I have the privilege of talking with Ana and learning about her extensive background and why community singing matters to her... for now, please enjoy this, which she calls "a simple blessing," and her wish for everyone in the world.

    Songwriter Info: Ana Hernández is a composer, recording artist, retreat leader, and activist song leader creating and collecting tunes to build living and just communities through skillful action. A theomusicologist with NYS Poor People’s Campaign, Ana is also the author of The Sacred Art of Chant: Preparing to Practice (Skylight Paths/Turner Publishing).

    Sharing Info: The song is free to share in public resistance actions and oral tradition groups. Please contact Ana for recording, streaming, or performing permission. 

    Song Learning Time Stamps:
    Start time of teaching: 00:02:29
    Start time of reprise: 00:13:05

    Links:
    Ana's website: https://anahernandez.org
    Ana's Patreon: www.patreon.com/anahernandez 
    Listen on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/in/artist/ana-hernandez/214582777 
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0NGPpe3jeQqHFeFArIqYEH 
    SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/anahermusic 
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-p9kisJu1ISLW7w6Wy2lVA 
    Also look for HARC (with Ruth Cunningham): https://anahernandez.org/album/inside-chants/ 
    The Miserable Offenders: https://anahernandez.org/album/keepin-the-baby-awake-music-for-advent-and-christmas/ 
    Eternal Spirit (w/ Sr. Helena Marie, CHS): https://anahernandez.org/album/eternal-spirit/ 
    Banquet of Love (w/ Ike Sturm and so many friends!): https://anahernandez.org/album/banquet-of-love/ 

    Nuts & Bolts: 6:8, major, 2-part harmony

    Join this community of people who love to use song to help navigate life? Absolutely:  https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/335811/81227018071442567/share

    Help us keep going: reviews, comments, encouragement, plus contributions... we float on your support.  https://www.abreathofsong.com/gratitude-jar.html