MEET METTA…
METTA lives from the heart centre. She is lured by the power of singing and creative play to boost life force, restore the nervous system, generate confidence, nurture authentic connection, build deep empathy, and transform individuals and groups alike.
Since 2003 she has guided engaging group process within community, schools, festivals, workshops, celebrations and work places to bring about positive change in Australia, Canada, USA, and now New Zealand.
She creates super safe spaces where participants can revel in the joy of music-making. A curious spirit and extensive training in education, anti-oppression, theatre and performance, vocal technique and creative facilitation inform her process.
Metta has worked as a choir director across diverse communities for over 11 years in Melbourne (VIC.), Vancouver (B.C.) and New Zealand. In 2016 she established an instrumental music program for young people (teaching ukulele, guitar, piano and voice).
She is informed by a rich background in youth arts work: as a vocal director for kids musical theatre, theatre troupe director, creative facilitation trainer, high school drama teacher, primary music teacher, outdoor educator, and youth empowerment camp leader.
The last couple of years has seen her stepping further into event management and production for both community arts endeavours and larger festivals and events.
Metta plays percussion in a Brazilian Samba school, performs original and cover material (check out her Soundcloud demos), performs as a jazz singer, and plays marimba as part of Mhara Marimba.
Professional Community
Metta is connected with a number of professional organisations. Checkout the good work these folks are doing across the globe in music and creative play:
Partnerships for Youth Empowerment Global (Seattle, WA, USA & London, UK) https://www.partnersforyouth.org/
Safeteen Inc. (Vancouver, BC, Canada) http://www.safeteen.ca/
Musical Futures Australia (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) https://www.musicalfuturesaustralia.org/
Community Choir Leadership Training (Victoria, BC, Canada) http://www.communitychoirleadership.com/
Ubuntu Choirs Network http://www.ubuntuchoirs.net/index.php
Training
Tony Backhouse Gospel Singing workshop, Melbourne Singers of Gospel (Melbourne, 2018)
Level 1 and 2 Estil Voice Mechanics, The Voice Gym (Melbourne, 2017)
Diploma Music Performance (Voice), Australian Institute of Music (Melbourne, 2016)
Song Leading and repertoire with Sweet Honey in the Rock, at Festival of Voices Australia (Hobart, 2015)
Registered teacher in both Victoria and Queensland
Voice in Performance with The Alexander Technique School (Melbourne, Australia, 2015)
Singing in the African American Tradition with Ysaye Barnwell (Hollyhock Institute, BC, Canada, 2012)
Community Choir Leadership Training with the Gettin’ Higher Choir (Victoria, BC, Canada, 2011)
Heart of Facilitation with PYE Global (Seattle, WA, USA, 2010)
Diversity and Cultural Competency” with I am… Development and Inside Out Development LLC (Portland, OR, USA, 2010)
Theatre of the Oppressed Facilitator training with Headlines Theatre (Vancouver, BC) and with Julian Boal and TOPLAB (NYC, NY, 2009)
Bachelor of Creative Industries (Theatre Studies, Social Work, Sound Production, 2007)