EMERGENT SONG: JULY ARC

4 Thursdays, July 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th at Elias Wolf Music Studio, 825 Monroe Suite 4

What begins to unfold when we let go of fixed melody, rhythm, and lyric—and instead meet each other in the moment through improvised, embodied musical connection?

Over the course of a 4-week arc, singer/improviser/teacher elias wolf facilitates an intimately-held group of singers (capped at 12 total) in weekly 2-hour deep dives, exploring the alchemical power of collective vocal improvisation. We’ll play with form and freedom—sometimes marrying improvised movement with voice —sounding from center, from edges, from in-between. Bringing warmth, grace and humor, elias will lead Vocal River exercises from their mentor, master improvisation teacher Rhiannon (Alive! Bobby McFerrin, Gimme 5).

Each Emergent Song session is a space of aliveness, creative risk, and co-regulated resonance. We root in our bodies, tune to the moment, and co-create music none of us could make alone. Bring your breath, your grief, your joy, your creative expression and your magical queer self.

* Some prior harmony singing experience is recommended, and no improvisation experience required!

ACCESSIBILITY

elias wolf music studio is unfortunately not ADA-accessible and has one flight of stairs to access the space. Gender neutral restrooms are available.There is ample street parking and a small lot next to Smeed sign. This is a neuro-spicy space where multiple ways of interacting and learning are welcomed and appreciated.

COVID/ILLNESS POLICY: If you are sick, have any symptoms, or have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID or was otherwise contagious, please stay home. Masks are not required, but encouraged as needed (i.e. if you are no longer contagious but symptomatic).

ABOUT ELIAS

elias wolf (formerly Lisa Forkish - they/them) is a heart-forward, moon-guided, water-bound singer, composer, teacher, vocal director and arranger, musical spellcaster, abolitionist, community-weaver, and spirited world-builder creating music and collective singing experiences. A change-maker from the start, elias is devoting this era of their life to stewarding what they call “re-humanizing queer song alchemy for the revolution.”

elias has been at the helm of over 15 choirs and vocal groups over the past 22 years, including 5-time national champion high school a cappella group Vocal Rush and powerhouse vocal quintet, HIVE. elias is also an award-winning vocal arranger, and their work has been showcased alongside Kehlani, Ben Harper, Pentatonix and the Oakland Symphony Chorus. Their love of organizing singing humans and producing events also led them to found an arts advocacy nonprofit devoted to uplifting marginalized voices in vocal music. elias’ stint as director of University of Oregon’s a cappella group Divisi from ‘03-’06 was the inspiration for the film “Pitch Perfect,” A graduate of Berklee College of Music, elias has released five albums of original music; their most recent album From the Ashes exploring themes of transformation, justice and love. A performer of 25+ years, elias has appeared at SFJAZZ Center, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Yoshi’s, and is currently recording their next release, to the water, arriving 11/11/26.

elias identifies as a genderqueer white-bodied witch of English, German and Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. They hold the superpowers of ADHD and high sensitivity, as well as the gifts of being a Cancer Rising and Sun with a 1st and 12th house cusp. elias is currently a settler on unceded Kalapuya land where they live with their sweet chihuahua mix rescue pup Wally and their Yamaha upright piano.

You can watch this video to get an idea of what elias' singing spaces can look like, and explore their artist CV to learn more about elias' experience and training.

TESTIMONIALS

“elias creates space that allows me to be my freest self. They remind me through music that I can be playful, bold, and connected. In this space I get to witness how we heal each other, and we need examples of that to see the world we want.” - Nani

“elias creates a safe space to unpack all the vulnerabilities and sensitivities that come with singing for me. They are absolutely present and so very knowledgeable. I feel safely held and guided.” - Jenn

“elias does a wonderful job leading and facilitating a supportive space in which everyone is able to co-create safety and trust. I appreciated how the various exercises contributed to a sense of peacefulness, love, and close community.” - Heather

RECIPROCITY

This offering has a set fee; sliding scale/tiered pricing will not be available for this particular space. Limited scholarships available - please inquire at me@eliaswolfmusic.com. Thank you for your understanding.

Emergent Song: July Arc