I have been playing music for nearly 25 years but it wasn’t until my late twenties that I realised it was singing that gave me the greatest joy.
After a spiritual awakening and some years experimenting with different kinds of voice and sound healing I did my first workshop with Chloe Goodchild in 2005. This transformative experience crystallised in 2006 with the release of my first CD Planting Peace, running regular chanting groups and a life-changing trip to India.
Since then I have worked extensively with Chloe and been witness to the incredible power of the voice and chanting in particular. I began my chanting groups in 2006 and currently run monthly sessions in Bristol and Bath and regular sessions in Camerton, near Bath. I also sing at Shekinashram in Glastonbury, plus Chippenham and Swindon.
In the last couple of years I have sung at the Winter Bhakti Gathering, the Bhakti Music Festival, and also with US Kirtan singer Dave Stringer. This practice of chanting is a continued source of joy and nourishment for me. I love the depth of silence that is so effortlessly achieved by chanting and this is very much the focus of my evenings.
I use meditative and ecstatic chants combining Sanskrit mantras and English words with simple melodies accessible to the Western ear. The repetition of these chants is a powerful and transformative practice, taking us deeper into our hearts. Chanting provides an opportunity to sing out without fear or judgement and is beneficial for singers and 'non-singers' alike.
I have recently started offering some 1-1 sessions for those interested in developing their voice, chanting or harmonium skills. In June 2012, I released a new chanting CD, Devotional Heart.
www.timchalice.com
