Collaborative Vocal Improvisation Workshop

Karen Porkka, originally from southern Alberta, has made Edmonton her home for the past 30+ years as a musician, vocalist, composer, improviser, music educator and community song leader. Improvisation is a passion and has been the foundation of her studies, teachings and performances. During her artistic career, Karen and her groups have collaborated with artists from other disciplines including dance, theatre, film and visual arts. In 2010 she founded the Vocal Improvisation Network of Edmonton (V.I.N.E.) She has studied and worked internationally as a vocal improviser presenting at conferences in Portugal, Hawaii and was a guest conductor at Oakland’s Sing For Your Life yearly CircleSong event in 2019. Karen, inspired by her master teachers Bobby McFerrin(CircleSongs) Rhiannon (Vocal River) and the Brazilian community improvisation method Musica do Circulo, weaves these teachings into playful community vocal improvisation classes and workshops that free the voice and body while creating deep connection to self and others.