A note from our director:
When I was young, I loved music, theater, and art. I was always expressive, but never wanted to be the center of attention. I wanted a supporting role, to be a member of an ensemble, but not to be in the spotlight. I was terrified of showing myself to an audience. At one point in time, I was so afraid to sing that I would visibly shake, and would often be in tears after a performance, because my anxiety severely limited what I could share with an audience.
I was overly concerned about other people’s expectations of me. When I went to auditions, I was embarrassed if I was rejected. To pursue a career meant that I needed to be successful, whatever it took. No one pressured me more than myself. I put everyone’s expectations on me, not that which was actually given, but all of the imaginary expectations I could conjure up in my head. This, as you might imagine, was not very helpful.
My conservatory studies taught me a great deal, but it was contemporary music that finally began to liberate me from myself. Extended vocal techniques and improvisation taught me to listen to myself and my environment. Mindfulness helped me to develop a deeper connection with my breath and body. When I developed a better sense of all that I was holding and learned how to release the tension, then WOW!, my voice exploded – opening up in size, depth, color, and range. Now I have had the privilege of performing as a soloist throughout our amazing country and internationally with innovative artists from all over the world, and work with the fabulous students at University at Buffalo where I teach.
I am no longer tied down by imaginary expectations of other people. I have empowered myself to be my own artist. I make “beautiful” and “ugly” sounds without concern of which is which, because I now see how that which might seem ugly in one light can create exquisite beauty in another. I think of myself as a sound painter more than a singer, singing colors and textures in place of notes on a page.
As a singer, I have often heard, “I wish I could sing, but I can’t.” Everyone can sing, but unfortunately, some are too filled with fear to make their voices be heard. This goes beyond singing into personal expression in everyday life. Too many voices are repressed.
My path has not been easy. It has been filled with much anxiety and fear. Now I can look back and see what I have accomplished, and I am filled with gratitude for where my journey has taken me. It has been an incredibly empowering process, and I want to share it with others. I hope that you will join me at the Expression and Creativity Experimental Learning Laboratory so that I can share it with you!
-Dr. Tiffany Du Mouchelle
Testimonials
“Excellent strategies on self thought, expression and creativity. Enjoyed workshop.”
“I felt it was a safe place for me to express my music and I loved listening to what everyone came up with each class.”
“It was a really inspiring class for me, and something I really needed. It helped motivate me and really helped break me out of this shell of being afraid of rejection, putting myself out there, and failure. I learned a lot from the class! “
“Thanks for the class! It was fun and it really helped my creativity by making me think outside the box! I thought everyone’s songs were great and they gave me some cool ideas for the future.”