Vocal Workshops
“One minute we were a circle of strangers all staring at each other. 10 minutes later we were a throng of worshipful singers revelling in some of the most glorious harmony singing of my life. What Tony offers is stunning.”
Clare Grayson, activist, UK
“We'd like to see a big medal on that man’s chest - he has brought music into more people’s lives, good music, music you make, than anyone we can think of in the Antipodes. Respect and thanks.”
Sam Neill, actor, NZ
"TB has probably introduced more people to the physical pleasures
of singing gospel music than anyone else in Australasia. On both sides
of the Tasman and further afield, dozens of gospel choirs have emerged
from his itinerant workshopping, and his arrangements form the backbone
of mush of their repertoire. Put simply, as far as this part of the
gospel world goes, he's the man"
Rick Bryant, singer, Auckland
"What an inspirational weekend! Tony teaches with such ease and
such and obvious love of the music that it makes for a joyous
experience for everyone"
Jennifer Ward-Leyland, actor, Auckland
"As someone who finds singing in the shower stressful, I wasn't
expecting to exactly enjoy Tony's workshop. However, he soon had me
singing loudly and exuberantly with the rest of the group. I had a
blast"
Cal Wilson, actor, Auckland
Nick Bollinger, New Zealand Listener
"What a breath of fresh air it was to have Tony rehearse our high school choir. He had an immediate rapport with the students, and his enthusiasm rubbed off on us all. We insist that there be a return visit in the not too distant future."
Peter Muddle, music teacher, Newcastle Waldorf School, NSW
"Just wanted to say thank you again for the wonderful sessions in Launceston. I love your approach and the fact that whatever offering any of us bring it is so accepted, validated and even celebrated. I find your sessions to be totally healing - 'pure therapy'. Every doctor should include them on their prescription lists! Your work must add so much to the lives of so many. You are so generous with the sharing of your gifts and energy and we all are richer for your sharing."
Mary Brake, Launceston, Mary Brake Inclusive Programs
Te Kapowai, Nelson 2002Tony has run over 2000 vocal workshops since 1987. He regularly runs workshops for those who want harmony, fun, collective improvisation and freedom of expression. The content focuses the African-American repertoire, spirituals, gospel songs old and new, choral and quartet styles, and often including South African gospel, doo-wop, R&B and pop. All the songs used in Tony’s workshops are his transcriptions or arrangements . (Workshops can run over over an entire weekend or for an evening.)
He has run training sessions for choirs and a cappella quartets, and taught seminars on gospel music history and vocal arranging. Since the year 2000 he has taught every year at the top singing and songwriting camp in Australia, Summersong. He has worked with many community choirs in Australia and New Zealand, and has run workshops at festivals, in educational institutions and in the corporate sector for enterprises such as BNZ and the All Blacks. Several choirs have formed out of his workshops, and many of his students have gone on to direct choirs and run vocal workshops.
Tony regularly travels throughout Australia and New Zealand leading public workshops and appearing at festivals. He has taught at institutions (Waikato Polytechnic, NZ School of Music, Kahurangi Performing Arts College, and many secondary schools in Australia and New Zealand). He also teaches in Canada, the UK, France and leads singing in exotic locations such as the Australian outback, Italy, Samoa and Fiji.
Watch a video of the Singing in Siena 2010 group singing in the Montestigliano chapel here.
Festival workshops have included:
WOMAD
(Australia and NZ)
Festival of Voices (Tasmania)
Sing Aotearoa (NZ)
Sydney ChoralFest (Australia)
Queensland Biennial Festival Of Music: Hallelujah Logan!
Melbourne A
cappella Festival (Victoria)
Brisbane Sacred Music Festival
Brisbane International Festival
Hastings Choral Festival (NSW)
West Coast Sacred Music Festival (Vancouver)
West Coast Acappella Summit (California)
Go to Calendar for more information on upcoming workshops.
Paris 2007