Singing songs of love, peace and protest

Joining together through the power of song. We will sing a variety of musical styles, including world music, pop, rock, punk, folk and everything in between!  In recent years we have sung songs by The Clash, The Cranberries, Patti Smith, Bob Marley, Tracey Chapman, The Beatles, Rag 'n' Bone Man, as well as traditional folk, gospel and mantras for peace and wellbeing.

 

“When you sing with a group of people, you learn how to subsume yourself into a group consciousness because a capella singing is all about the immersion of the self into the community. That's one of the great feelings - to stop being me for a little while and to become us.”

Brian Eno

 

Check out our Sing from the Heart playlist to give you an idea of the songs we have/will be singing during our singing retreats.

 

Find your voice and sing from the heart

Whether an absolute beginner or a more experienced singer all abilities are welcomed to our sing from the heart singing retreats. Singing is for everyone. So even if you haven't sung since school or only sing in the shower this is for you too!

 

There is no need to read music, as all songs will be taught by ear. The only requirement is a curiosity to explore your voice and creativity. We will learn and develop good vocal technique, working with the breath, diaphragm, pitch, tone and vocal control. All songs will be taught by ear and repetition. There is no anxiety provoking solo singing (or singling out of individual singers) and all songs are taught to the group in various split harmony parts (according to vocal range).

 

Peter has taught everyone from chart stars and professional musicians to those who think they are tone deaf and can't/won't sing. He works holistically and sensitively with the emotional blocks and negative inner voices people can have that stop them from finding and using their voice, and reaching their full potential. We can all sing! 

 

Singing is good for you!

Build confidence, meet new people and sing in a fun, friendly and supportive group. Whether improving our health and wellbeing, expressing the creativity we all have, or 'feeling the fear and doing it anyway', there are so many good reasons to sing.

 

"The voice gets to the soul of a person more than any other instrument. Because it's the voice. It sings talks, it cries, it laughs, it squeals, it barks, it shouts it whispers, There is no other instrument that can do that. We're born with it."

Bobby McFerrin

 

Group singing has been scientifically proven to lower stress, relieve anxiety and elevate endorphins. Singing is joyful and benefits our health and wellbeing too.

 

When you sing, musical vibrations move through you, altering your physical and emotional landscape. Group singing, for those who have done it, is the most exhilarating and transformative of all. It takes something incredibly intimate, a sound that begins inside you, shares it with a roomful of people and it comes back as something even more thrilling: harmony. So it’s not surprising that group singing is on the rise.  

credit: singing changes your brain

 

Fun, friendly and supportive group singing retreat holidays in France

Our singing retreat holidays in France focus on positive group learning and interaction. A great opportunity to meet new people whilst sharing a fun and creative activity. Many lifelong friendships have been formed on our singing retreats and workshops throughout the years, and we have many guests who return regularly.

 

This year we are keeping our residential retreat groups even smaller (maximum 4 residential guests) which will allow us to personalise and tailor the retreat more effectively to the specific needs and wishes of the group. It will also enable us all to manage the health and safety requirements necessary for everyones wellbeing and peace of mind during this time.  

 

Spend time in the heart of nature

We are located in the Millevaches Natural Park, one of the least populated areas of Europe, with walks and forest trails straight from the front door. The shores of Lac de Vassiviere (the 'little sea of the Limousin') are also only a short walk away - a beautiful place to swim or relax by the water. We will be happy to recommend numerous walking and cycling routes, viewing points and places of interest during your retreat stay. Find out more about the beautiful Millevaches Natural Park, Lac de Vassiviere and Creuse department here.

 

“Research shows positive health effects from viewing natural landscapes on stress levels and speed of recovery from stress or mental fatigue, and long-term overall improvement on people's health and well being.”

Psychologist Dr Saima Latif

 

A typical Sing from the Heart singing retreat day

After a delicious shared buffet breakfast we will spend the morning singing in our large workshop barn space, or outside in nature (weather permitting). Starting with vocal technique exercises to help us warm up and strengthen our voices, before working on the group songs we will be learning and performing during the week.

 

Afternoons are spent on further group and individual vocal sessions with Peter and enjoying your free time. Do as much or as little as you would like; from the many beautiful walks straight from our front door, relaxing and swimming at one of the beaches at Lac De Vassiviere, to mountain and road cycling, horse riding, art galleries, live music and regular local food and craft markets, there is much to discover and explore in your free time here in the Limousin.There is also the opportunity to book a nurturing holistic treatment with Ema if you would like to.

 

Evenings are spent enjoying a shared group meal, perhaps a picnic at one of the beaches at Lac de Vassiviere, a trip to a local market or live music gig.  

 

Our end of week performance

The group songs we have learnt during the week, (plus solo songs from any students who would like to do one), are showcased in the fun and informal performance night at the end of the week,

 

Delicious meals prepared every day using our own home grown and local produce

From big flavoured dishes from around the world to home made cakes and desserts. Our food is made with love and enjoyed at shared group meal times everyday during your singing retreat holiday. Vegetarian and vegan dietary options are available, just let us know when you book.

 

You can read more about our food and recipes on our blog

 

Sing from the Heart singing retreat holidays include:

• comfortable rustic French farmhouse accommodation. Single room accommodation (shared rooms available for couples) for up to 4 people. We are keeping our retreat groups even smaller this season so we can maintain recommended Covid-19 guidelines for the health, safety and wellbeing of all

• delicious home cooked meals using home grown and local produce

• small group/individual singing workshops for all abilities

• individual vocal coaching session

• free vocal exercise CD

• free WIFI

• time to explore the beautiful Limousin landscapes with walking and cycling routes straight from the front door

• plenty of time to rest, sleep and relax into a slower natural pace.

 

Staying with us

Find our more about staying with us and transport links here.

 

The local area

Read more about the beautiful Limousin area and what there is to do and see here.

 

Testimonials

Read what our guests have said about their stay with us at De Tout Coeur Limousin here.

 

Booking

Please get in touch to book and chat more about your singing retreat

800 euros per person