The Find Your Natural Voice Workshops were created with the intent of helping others get over their fear of singing in public. It’s a common anxiety and often stems from what I call a “shut down” experience. Mine happened at the age of 8, so I didn’t grow to appreciate my voice until 18 years later when I sang The Wedding Song at my brother’s wedding. Everyone has a natural singing voice – you may just need a little help finding it.

I grew up singing Beatles tunes, hoping to be a famous singer someday, but was fortunate enough to live vicariously by managing rock groups and running a major concert hall in Chicago called the Aragon Ballroom. Promoting over 120 concerts a year ranging from Crosby Still Nash and Young to the Rolling Stones inspired me to enroll in the Roosevelt University of Music where I learned voice, music theory, classical guitar and piano. After rediscovering my voice, I sang at every opportunity. Moving to San Francisco offered just that. I perfomed at a few clubs, then landed a 9 month long gig at Montefusco’s Night Club on the wharf, singing with a top flite jazz group. The thrill of performing in front of a packed house was challenging and exciting and I loved the overwhelming appreciation. At the age of 34, I got married, had 2 children and primarily sang at parties and small gatherings for the next 7 years. At 41, I met David Darling, my musical mentor, at the Esalen Institute in California where he taught that everyone could “make” music, by singing or playing an instrument. After his workshop, I felt compelled to create something for singers - any singer - with a great voice or not.

I wrote the Find Your Natural Voice Workshop to help regular people overcome their fear of singing. The first 4 hour workshop was a huge success, sending participants away singing. Due to the success of the premier workshop, I expanded it to a full day and for the next 12 years, continued to hold the workshop in the same context. In 2001, I moved to Maui from Califormia and by 2003, a second workshop was added, focusing on harmony. In 2004, I completed the Trilogy Series with The Performance, where participants sing with a band and backup vocalists in a live concert venue after just 5 weeks of preparation. Call or email to sign up today!

Mahalo – Robert Farland, founder