Introduction to Circle Singing:

Circle Singing is an improvisational vocal practice where singers form a circle to create spontaneous music reflecting their current feelings and intentions. Rooted in global communal singing traditions, it fosters free expression, deep listening, and creativity, popularised by Bobby McFerrin.

Harini's experience with circle singing stems from her time at Berklee, where she was part of several ensembles that practised this art form. She now teaches Circle Singing as an elective at a music school and leads workshops, sharing the practice with others.

Circle Singing Agenda

•⁠ ⁠Vocal and physical warm-ups

•⁠ ⁠Body percussion exercises (claps, snaps, foot stomps, chest and arm percussion) – solo and hybrid complexity exercises

•⁠ ⁠Mouth percussion (imitate a few instrument sounds, especially drums)

•⁠ ⁠Express your voice through colour/ situation/ emotion/ elements of nature (listening and participating)

•⁠ ⁠Spontaneous Circle Singing (Improvisation)

•⁠ ⁠Traditional Circle Singing – Bobby McFerrin style where there’s a leader and he or she will give parts to each group.

About the Facilitator

Harini Iyer is a multifaceted Indian singer, songwriter, and music educator renowned for her captivating fusion of classical Indian music with contemporary genres such as Soul, RnB, and Jazz. Iyer was part of a Grammy-nominated album titled “Shuruaat” along with the Berklee Indian Ensemble. With over a decade of rigorous training in Carnatic vocals under the tutelage of Smt. Akhila Siva, with additional instruction in Jazz vocals from the esteemed Lisa Thorson, Iyer has honed her craft and continues to explore nuances in global music.