Singing the Soul with David Ruffin

At Boston-Area Singing Circles, we inspire deeper connection to ourselves, each other, and the Earth through song. We believe in the healing, freedom, and joy that can come through communal singing, and aim to make that experience more widely accessible.

Singing the Soul is an immersive workshop exploring how collaborative vocal improvisation can help us hear—and sing—our truths.

Through simple circle singing and improvisation structures, we cultivate musical skills alongside responsiveness and courage. We also create space for embodied exploration and journaling, inviting each participant to attune to what is stirring within—tender, joyful, dark, playful, prophetic, or unexpected.

Rather than focusing on “getting it right,” the workshop centers co-creating music that emerges authentically from each voice, supported by the group. While practicing foundational improvisational skills, participants are invited into deep listening—to themselves and to one another.

Weaving lineages of vocal improvisation and somatic voice work, including Rhiannon’s Vocal River, the work of Roy Hart, and Voice Movement Therapy, Singing the Soul offers a space to explore your voice and sing and sound yourself into the New Year in community.

Pre-requisites: Some basic initial experience in Circle Singing or some other form of Vocal or Musical Improvisation is ideal, such that you are not learning the practice of improvisation entirely from scratch. No expertise needed - just some familiarity. Reach out if you’re unsure! davidruffinvoice@gmail.com

About the Facilitator: David is a performing artist, community song leader and teacher with a passion for authentic expression. He loves creating space for voices to emerge fully and freely. He calls Central Vermont home, where he’s grateful to be able to share his holistic, embodied and soulcentric approach to voice in community through lessons, workshops, singing gatherings and performance collaborations. David’s work is inspired by a diverse background including studies with Roy Hart Center voice teachers, deep dives in vocal improvisation, especially with Rhiannon, explorations and training in Voice Movement Therapy and over 20 plus years of performing arts, teaching and counseling/ministry experience. DavidRuffinVoice.com

Location: SomArt Space - this studio is located on the 3rd floor of the Somerville Armory, located at 191 Highland Ave, Somerville.

Public Transport: 1 mi from Porter Sq. Redline, 0.7 mi from Magoune Sq. Greenline, or steps from 88 or 90 bus stop.

Parking: Available behind the building or street parking on Highland Ave.

Bring: a water bottle, snacks and a lunch. There will be 45 min break for lunch, a few lunch options available within 1-2 blocks.

RSVP & Cost: Regular Price is $75, with pricing tiers available for community members to pay what is feasible and generous given their circumstance. We also have 4 pay-what-you-can tickets available for those for whom the listed cost is prohibitive. Use the code "access" at checkout to reveal those tickets.

Get in Touch: If you have questions, please feel free to email us at bostonarea.singingcircles@gmail.com. Learn more about us and sign-up for our email list, whatsapp thread, and calendar at www.bostonareasingingcircles.com