Did you know that singing is scientifically proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and release endorphins? Group singing also builds a sense of community and boosts your confidence and wellbeing.
Music and singing has always been there for me; during these past few tough months it has particularly provided a real release and escape from the difficult time we have all faced.
During these past two years, many of us have struggled with feelings of isolation and loneliness, and as a performing songwriter and music tutor who thrives on the energy of an audience and enjoys the interaction with my students, I have found it really challenging. Despite continuing to find alternative ways to perform my music online and teach my music lessons since March 2020 via Zoom, it was very strange not seeing others for a very long time.
For me it has always been so rewarding to encourage and guide others, and there have been some great benefits to remote teaching - including expanding to teaching students in other countries. However, there is something very special about the enjoyment of connecting and interacting with others in person. It was great in the latter part of last year getting to perform live again in the area again including at the Norfolk Showground for Norfolk HarFest, Deepdale Festival in beautiful Burnham Deepdale and at Common People and a special Women in Music Day at The Brickmakers, Norwich - hopefully this year will bring more concerts and festivals.
I’ve been wanting to do something positive and inspiring that reflects my passion for singing and could really make a difference to those who are struggling with their mental health or loneliness at the moment. From this month I'm really excited to be sharing my love of music and singing with others by running some new, free and uplifting community group singing sessions at the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library starting Tuesday 22nd February 2.30 - 3.30pm and also at Earlham Library on Colman Road at 11.00am - 12pm on the same day - and then every Tuesday for 6 weeks.
During these uplifting and informal sessions it is going to be really invigorating to have fun singing a wealth of classic, well known songs and to connect with others while boosting health, wellbeing and confidence through a shared singing experience.
No previous experience is required and there is no need to read music. The aim is purely to discover or reconnect with the joy of singing as part of a supportive community group with an emphasis on having fun and making you smile. Everyone is welcome and people can just drop in on the day.
Free to attend, all you need is a love of singing. Join me to create some happy memories and improve your wellbeing in a relaxed and safe, welcoming space. I look forward to seeing people there and lifting their spirits to share the many amazing benefits of singing together.
For more information about the singing sessions at the Millennium Library, please visit here:
For further information about the singing sessions at Earlham Library, visit here:
If you’d like to find out more about my private lessons, upcoming guitar and ukulele courses at Wensum Lodge and upcoming gigs, or would like to ask any questions about these sessions, please check out my website:
Talented Norfolk Singer and Songwriter Lisa Redford will be teaching Guitar and Ukulele at Wensum Lodge, King Street in Norwich this Spring. These are exciting new music courses being launched in association with Norfolk County Council Adult Learning with taster sessions and 10 week beginners courses.
Passionate about teaching music, Lisa Redford is a local musician and professional music tutor who has been described by legendary BBC broadcaster Bob Harris as "one of our finest singer songwriters". Lisa has earned worldwide acclaim for her heartfelt acoustic music and her original songs have featured on BBC Radio 2 and other radio stations worldwide. Having taught locally for over 10 years as well as in Manchester and New York City, Lisa loves sharing her skills and experience as a touring musician and has performed, written and recorded many songs.
As some of you know, last year I wrote a fundraising single for Norwich community station Future Radio, This Fine City - a celebration of Norwich and also a message of hope with us all coming together to get through this challenging and unprecedented time. It felt very rewarding that it was received so well, gaining radio airplay and local media coverage - including being featured here in an article I wrote for All Things Norfolk - whilst, more importantly, raising funds to help Future find a new city centre studio.
It’s continued to be a challenging start to the year for us all; for myself, with the lack of gigs and festivals on the horizon, it can be hard to find inspiration. I wanted to start the year on a positive note; be creative, while also doing something good, and felt that I wanted to do something for another local charity. One in the Crowd is a new acoustic song in aid of Safe Rescue for Dogs, whose events I have previously attended. As a huge animal lover and dog walker - mostly to springer spaniel Wesley who was also my co-star in the video for From Afar, a single I wrote and recorded during the first lockdown - I know the joy and unconditional love that they bring into our lives.
In her latest feature for All Things Norfolk, Lisa focuses on the exciting launch of her fundraising single in aid of Future Radio "This Fine City" about Norwich and how we're all coming together znd overcoming this tough time.
"I began volunteering at Future Radio in 2018, regularly hosting the Afternoon Session and also briefly covering NR Sounds which showcases bands and artists from Norwich and the surrounding areas of Norfolk and North Suffolk. It has been so rewarding and enjoyable to be part of the station - certainly been a real buzz broadcasting live to listeners and sharing my passion for music"
All Things Norfolk business member, singer-songwriter and music tutor Lisa Redford has written and recorded a brand new song at home during the lockdown "From Afar"
Lisa got her inspiration for writing this song when walking in her local area in Norwich and seeing a poster in a window which said "know you are loved from afar" . The song is all about missing loved ones but knowing that we can still love and care from them "From Afar" until we meet again. Once the song was written Lisa then recorded an acoustic version of it from her home studio.
We highly recommend that you take a listen to "From Afar" by visiting https://lisaredford.bandcamp.com/track/from-afar and support this talented local artist by purchasing the song digitally for £1 . You can also view the video by visiting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfnukKmLcqc
It has been a very busy and creative start to the year and I'm really looking forward to playing some lovely local gigs this month and throughout spring. These include some brand new live music nights that are happening in Norwich showcasing the wealth of talented local artists from Norfolk.
Common People at OPEN Norwich ~ Friday February 21st
My next gig is a really special one. As well as performing my own material, I love to perform many of my favourite songs from different genres. I'm looking forward to be playing an acoustic set at OPEN Norwich next weekend as part of a special 90's music charity night of Britpop, indie and dance from the team behind Common People. Expect some surprise 90's favourites in my set!