The Natural Singer: Find Your True Voice

The Natural Singer is a weekend singing workshop at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, led by award-winning master coach Claude Stein. It is for anyone who has wished they could sing or chant, or wished for a better voice, from absolute beginners to experienced performers who want to refine their work or prepare for public performance. No prior singing experience is required.

What to Expect

The weekend runs three days, built around group songs, harmonies and in-depth individual attention. Claude Stein teaches exercises in diaphragmatic breathing, tone, range and projection, and works with participants on breaking through blocks so they can express themselves from a more empowered place. There are also techniques for hitting the notes, easing fear and building confidence. The emphasis is on the voice you were born with and how to improve it, including for people who have had trouble carrying a tune.

The days follow Kripalu's usual rhythm. On the opening day, check-in begins at 2:00 pm, followed by a Kripalu Yoga class from 4:45 to 6:00, dinner, and an evening session from 7:30 to 9:30. On the middle day, silent breakfast runs from 7:30 to 9:00, with program sessions from 9:00 to 12:00 and again from 2:00 to 4:45, and lunch in between. A yoga class and dinner close the day. On the final day, breakfast is followed by a session from 8:30 to 11:30, then lunch and departure. Actual times may vary, and the schedule given at check-in has the room locations.

About Claude Stein

Claude Stein is an award-winning master coach known for helping people find the music within themselves. He has taught The Natural Singer at Kripalu for 31 years, and it has remained a favorite there, consistently earning wonderful reviews. Therapists, coaches and workshop leaders also find the techniques useful in their own work.

The Setting

Kripalu is a center for yoga and health in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. Accommodations are intentionally simple, meant to help you unplug and feel grounded. Options include a single-occupancy private room, a room shared with one other guest, and community-style dormitory lodging. Rooms are ready by 4:00 pm, and a luggage room is available if you arrive earlier.

Three meals a day are served, with breakfast taken in silence. Vegetarian and vegan options are offered, and other dietary needs are accommodated on request.

Before You Go

Tuition covers the workshop instruction, ten or more yoga classes over the stay, three meals a day, and access to the Kripalu grounds and facilities. Lodging is arranged and charged separately according to room type and occupancy. Healing Arts sessions and purchases from the Kripalu Shop and Cafe are extra.

The workshop is taught in English. On the day of departure, room check-out is at 10:00 am, but you may stay on campus and take part in other workshops until 2:00 pm.