Labeling my style of music is far from settled. I work in diverse styles — jazz, rock, folk, classical, opera — so it may sound odd that what impacts my work the most is silence, nature, and an absolutely positive atmosphere in my everyday life. Living in these conditions, I find sympathetic vibrations, and my ideas spring forth.

My music is based on contact with nature. To access a natural, present musical moment within the group, I encourage students to center themselves away from the noise and distraction of technology and stressful day-to-day activities.

Lessons include breath training, vocal or instrumental scales and exercises, polyphony and overtone technique, circle singing, choral songs, improvisation, and (most importantly!) listening to the spaces in between the sounds of the woods. Our gatherings adapt to the capabilities of each student, focus on individual expression, and through our shared space develop each participants’ unique vocal or instrumental message.

As your guide, I encourage you to separate your abilities from your fears, to take baby steps and giant leaps, to learn many different approaches, styles, and techniques, and to play with everything you learn as freely as a child.

– Iva Bittová

Teaching Philosophy

Throughout human history the voice has been a carrier of knowledge and tradition, an accompaniment to courtship, child-rearing, manual labor and ritual, and the clearest indicator of the bearerʼs spiritual state. Around the world these factors have led to myriad modes of expression. At Žingora School of Voice we dig beneath the surface of styles to uncover the individualʼs truest embodiment of their own voice. As such, lessons are individually tailored to each student’s needs and goals.  Students of all ages and levels of experience are welcomed. Lessons may include breath training, vocal or instrumental scales and exercises, polyphony and overtone technique, harmony and composition, music theory, diction, vocal coaching, repertoire selection, improvisation, and (most importantly!) listening deeply.

As expert guides, we encourage you to separate your abilities from your fears, to take baby steps and giant leaps; to learn many different approaches, styles, and techniques; and to play with everything you learn as freely as a child.