Song Leader Training

2 - 6 sept 2025, Seia, portugal

A four day residential training for aspiring and practicing song leaders and vocal facilitators. At these trainings Sophia shares her wealth of experience, inspiring others to develop their ability to bring people together in song.

Quinta Darnella is a stunning retreat venue in the "Valley of Stars". The land has been cultivated with respect and honour of the native trees and plants, with beautiful yurts and bell tents, an outdoor yoga deck and an ancient roman built swimming pool all nestled in a beautiful green valley with epic views and bubbling crystal springs and rivers close by. It has this unique energy of feeling totally held and nestled, but expansive and free at the same time.

1/1

"A rich, deepening experience with a toolkit of vocal techniques to take away!" - Seren

"My favourite part was observing each person allowing themselves to be vulnerable, their unique character beautifully unravelling and their emotional and energetic growth through their song leading, including myself. I loved how Sophia created a space where each one of us could bring more of our personality into our leading practice". Denia , participant

This training is for you if:

You love community singing and want to begin your journey of learning how to teach songs to groups
You already lead singing groups and would like some some tips, inspiration and a confidence boost
You would like to incorporate singing into spaces you already hold

What’s included:

An overview of community singing and why it is so important for our collective healing
The essential aspects of facilitation - how to create a safe and relaxed space
Anatomy and physiology of the vocal mechanism and how to support the safe use of the voice
Exploring effective vocal warm ups and identifying their purpose physically, emotionally and collectively
How to select songs for specific groups/situations
How to teach songs effectively - i.e. 'chunking', layering parts, adapting structure
How to embody the music so that you can transmit the essence of the song
Exploring conducting techniques
Developing an embodied understanding of pulse and rhythm
How to use simple audio software to learn harmonies and teach them effectively
How to run online singing sessions using a loop pedal (if requested)
An introduction to group improvisation and singing games
Opportunities to lead a song and receive constructive feedback
Plenty of time for Q&A’s
Lots of singing!
A PDF of what's covered on the training
An online peer support facebook community for all those who have completed the training
An opportunity to book 1-1 zoom sessions with Sophia after the weekend (for an additional fee)
Private or shared accommodation in a beautiful venue
Delicious, nourishing, food

"Sophia generously shared her experience and practical skills in a supportive and encouraging way" - Laura

"It exceeded my expectations, it challenged me, and it created a most wonderful space" - Anna,

"Embodied learning, heart learning, technical learning!" - Jake

1/20

book your place here

BOOKING & ACCOMMODATION:

The prices for the different accommodation options are below (please note that these prices are inclusive of all meals and group sessions):

Price per person:

Private £795 (EarlyBird £695)

Shared £695 (EarlyBird £595)

Camping in own tent £595 (EarlyBird £495)

TRAVEL INFORMATION:

The nearest airport is Porto. The venue is 2.5 hours by taxi from the airport. We can arrange a group transfer for €50 pp each way, or you can get a bus.

*Please note, Quinta Darnella is on a mountain side, on several levels and terraces. Participants will need a fair level of physical fitness to be able to navigate around the site*.

I look forward to sharing the journey with you :)