Lila Music Centre is located in the unneeded territory of the Quw’utsun Coast Salish people where we have been grateful to offer music classes in the Valley for over 14 years. We are committed to bringing joy through music to the community at large through singing, community gatherings, voice lessons, choir, singing at bedsides and much more .
Cari Burdett, founder and artistic director of Lila Music Centre started singing at a young age with musical theatre and went on to study Opera and gain her Bachelors from McGill University and her master’s of Voice and pedagogy from the prestigious Royal Academy of London, UK. During those years Cari gained a thorough understanding of the voice, performance practices, languages, diction, stage craft and a deep connection to modern music. As a performing artist, Cari has soloed across BC, Montreal and the UK with many orchestras, operas and classical song recitals. During the past 5 years Cari has focussed on performing around BC with some stellar musicians. Presently, Cari is working on completing her 2nd studio album of all original songs, to be released 2021.
As a music teacher, Cari Burdett weaves her musical experience, teachings and performance practices together with her love and commitment to building community through music and invites anyone who wishes they were singing, wants to sing, wants to improve their performance practice, wants to try to develop their voice in new dimensions, or wants to be coached with songs you already know – to reach out and connect with her about vocal possibilities.
Voice Lessons Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced –
Individual classes available – Please connect with Cari for a Meet and Greet prior to registration. Cari tailors voice lessons to each students age, ability, teaching style and personal goals for their own singing. Often Cari will begin with body awareness stretches, then be lead in a series of vocal exercises focussing on unique aspects of the voice that each student is developing, often the student works on songs with Cari accompanying on piano.
Community Choir – Starts Week of Sept 19th – I have to see which venue I can get and what time, then I will broadcast it for those who want to be online – it will be Thursday or Friday, Sat or Sunday. – Cari will be offering a series of 6 week on line courses for those wanting to try online choir. These classes will be for all levels and interests. The songs will be a variety of styles and languages. All welcome to participate. The face to face choir will hopefully begin again in a new state – TBA with the details on website Covid dependent.
Vocal Improvisation – Starts Sept 25th, 10:30am – 11:30am for 6 weeks.If you would like to explore singing freely, develop more playfulness with your voice, express your thoughts, feelings and musical ideas through song, this might be the course for you. Vocal Improvisation can mean so many things – essentially it is singing without knowing or planning what you will sing, with no musical score or pre plan. It is about a deeper listening and connection to all that surrounds us and is within us. There will be classes for beginners and those with more experience with Voice Improvisation.
Song Coaching – Private Coaching available online and in person on going times. Group Class TBAThese classes can be private one offs or a series of classes where the focus is on working on the performance aspect of the songs you wish to perform. You will come to the lesson and have a shorter vocal warm up and work through songs. Cari will be offering this as a group lesson as well, so that the students have the opportunity to share their songs with others – in classical music it is called “Master Classes”.
Sound Release – Starts Sept 20th, Sundays 9am – 10 am, for 6 Weeks. Sound Release will be an intuitive exploration of the voice. Lessons will begin toning, movement, journalling and if possible singing outdoors. The classes will be focussed on sound release as a tool to reduce stress, trauma, depression, anxiety. We will use the format of ‘Way of Council’ for some of our singing by taking turns sharing with others in the group through sounds, songs, vocal expression and words.
101 Basic Vocal Techniques – Starts Sept 21st , Mondays 10:30 -11:30am for 6 weeks. In these classes you will learn foundations of healthy singing techniques. This is an ideal class for someone who sings in choirs, or someone who wants to take voice lessons, but isn’t ready to commit to private lessons yet. It is also ideal for any singer wanting to review foundational techniques of voice projection health, tone and breath support.
Threshold Singing– Starts Sept 25th, Fridays 9 – 10am, For 6 weeks.Bringing back this class by popular demand! – Comfort through song for those passing. Our core intention is to sing at the bedside of those in their final days of living, creating a vibrational veil of peace for the dying and a sacred space of love for the grieving family. Our music is chosen for it’s simple melodic tune and its words of peace and comfort. We are non denominational. When able, depending on Covid and how protocols change and continue – we would wish to be offering our songs at the home, hospice, care facility, hospital or by telephone/media. For anyone who wants to sing these heartfelt songs. No experience necessary.
Singing in Nature – Start Sept 19th Saturdays, 2 – 3:30pm – Place to be determined each week – for 6 weeks.
Cari will take participants on a hike and stop to sing as we go along. Songs will be uplifting, joyful, fun and easy to learn. At times we will explore our voices with nature and perhaps journal. Ideal for those who love nature, love to hike and love to sing. Each Nature Singing Outing will be different so different levels of hiking and accessibility will be available.
COVID guidelines and protocols .
Face to Face lessons and group choir will be reviewed on a weekly basis depending on the current situation with the pandemic and with each students personal health. Face to Face lessons will be flexible to be available on line. Students will be asked to sign a waiver to declare they are taking on precautions which will help to keep everyone safe. A thorough list of Covid protocol is available on the website, as well as a sample waiver. Agreements include, not attending face to face if any symptoms of illness are present, respect for keeping a distance, washing and sanitizing hands prior to lessons, etc.
Email joythroughmusic@shaw.ca or text Cari 250 710 4174 for more info.
Cari will be away in secluded nature away from phone and internet and not avaialable tor respond until Sept. 3rd. Registrations will be available on Line on the website and will be updated accordingly.
Registration for the 6 week courses will be necessary to participate.
Sliding Scale $60 – $120 per 6 week class
Please send to PayPal or Etransfer: Joythroughmusic@shaw.ca
“Thank you for the fun sing-along yesterday. I felt very uplifted by it! I love to sing and love to sing with others and am also wanting to hone my skills of teaching songs as this is fairly new to me. Thank you so much.” – Theresa
“Join Cari’s Zoom singing event as soon as you can. Do it especially if you’re nervous about singing on Zoom. You can remain on mute and enjoy beautiful harmonies, uplifting pieces, talented guests who bring unique material – and a kind, expert host. I’m not kidding. Lift yourself up with this Zoom soon. Sing tunes in your room!” – John
