“Best male jazz singer in Britain” – London Evening Standard

“One of the world’s most outstanding male jazz singers” The Guardian

Charismatic vocalist, performer and educator Cleveland Watkiss brings excitement and creativity to any stage he inhabits. He’s comfortable in ensembles of all sizes and styles and always shines. With just a microphone and on occasion a few interesting electronic gadgets are all he needs to create a perfect solo performance.

His solo vocal project is mostly preceded by a short course of vocal workshops. The Watkiss Workshops are legendary because he’s committed to sharing his great skill and artistry in the community with the conviction that “everyone has a voice and something to contribute”. In The Watkiss Workshops Cleveland communicates through participation the joy of learning through music with a great sense of fun and humour. He combines proper vocal techniques with group performance and improvisation for a truly uplifting musical experience. The satisfaction of bringing music to life in an invigorating workshop where the participant shares the treasured working practices of a vocal master.

1. Introduction – usually with a short live performance.
2. CW philosophy of singing.
3. Different ways to warm up.
4. Discussion on posture, breathing, projection.
5. Ear training
6. Songs and Structures – ways in which to generate melody and lyrical ideas.
7. Techniques for unlocking and freeing the voice
8. Group improvisation.
9. Composing techniques, solo voice singing,
10.Diet and health for singers
11.Learning how to control nerves
12.Group improvisations and concert.

A series of 4 Vocal Improvisation Workshops
World Heart Beat Music Academy
58 Kimber Rd, London SW18 4PP
TUESDAYS 24 APRIL, 1 MAY,
8 MAY and 15 MAY, 7pm
£10 per workshop
Places are limited, so please book in advance

BOOK NOW: call 07973 631203, or email us:

World Heart Beat Music Academy
58 Kimber Rd, London SW18 4PP

BOOK NOW: call 07973 631203, or email us:

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What is tabla?

Tabla is a set of hand drums originally from India that are now played all over the world. There are 26 different hits and combination strokes, making this the most dynamic acoustic drum in the world!

The benefits of learning tabla are numerous, Tabla helps coordination, stimulates memory development and focus, develops rhythmic control and sense of improvisation, and creates greater cultural awareness

Improved IQ scores can now officially be added to the growing list of benefits from playing drums. A recent study shows that playing the drums or other percussion instruments actually improves IQ scores of children

Playing the drums makes the brain think in a way that very few activities can and being able to understand musical notes and dissect how rhythms work and go together is a very complicated thought process. The most recent study shows that being constantly exposed to this type of brain activity can actually improve one’s IQ level.

The process of drumming engages both the linear, (rational left brain) and the creative, (intuitive right brain). It slows the brain waves to around 8 cycles per second, the exact frequency of the earth.

While previous studies have hinted that musical training improves a child’s literacy and math skills, this is the first time that a study has shown that one’s intelligence level can be improved by drumming.?

According to the study by E. Glenn Shallenberg at the University of Toronto, IQ test scores of 6-year-old children significantly improved after receiving drum lessons. Shallenberg recruited a group of 144 6-year-olds and separated them into 4 groups: those receiving drum lessons, voice lessons, drama lessons and no lessons. Children receiving the drum lessons showed significant improvement in their IQ tests, gaining an average of 7 IQ points. Meanwhile, children receiving voice lessons increased 6 points, those receiving drama lessons increased 5 points and children receiving no lessons improved 4 points. In his article in Psychological Science, Shallenberg concluded that musical training, in particular, was responsible for the extra IQ points.

Among the other benefits of playing the drums are improved musical coordination and brain activity; physical therapy, and stress relief; improved social skills such as team work, self-esteem, discipline, improved abstract thought processes, a tool for creative expression, a balance for internal energy, life long enrichment, a great mood lifter, physical fitness, responsibility and a fun alternative to other less productive activities.

We are really excited to have Michael Csanyi-Wills come and teach at the
World Heart Beat Music Academy. Michael has written works that range from
solo instrumental pieces and chamber music to large ensemble works and
film scores.  Michael is also in high demand as a producer and composer
for a range of commercial projects, often collaborating with composer
Nigel Clarke on film scores that include several Warner Brother’s films.

We welcome any student interested in composition and GCSE, AS and A level
students studying composition as part of their course. Our students will
be taught how to compose music in a range of styles and musical forms and
guided through their compositions with all the experience that is in the
making of a successful commercial/film composer.

Find out more about Michael Csanyi-Wills on his website »

BOOK NOW: call 07973 631203, or email us:

BOOK NOW: call 07973 631203, or email us:

Listen to Rachmaninov Vocalise Played by Nunziatina Del Vecchio-Wills and Michael Csanyi-Wills
Rachmaninov Vocalise Played by Nunziatina Del Vecchio-Wills and Michael Csanyi-Wills

Soulful, jazzy and spiritual – these one-off performances have been described as the highlight of the season in Jazz Festivals worldwide.

SOLO VOICE Cleveland Watkiss presents:
VocalSuite, an amazing vocal experience PLUS an interactive performance with the World Heart Beat Music Academy, led by Cleveland Watkiss.

VENUE: TESTBED 1
33 Parkgate Rd, London SW11 4NP
19 May 2012, 8pm
Free entry, no booking necessary

He combines samplers, digital technology and the human voice to create mind blowing orchestral soundscapes. Blending harmonies, percussion and basslines – all made by his voice alone and switching effortlessly from lead/lyrics to bass lines, falsetto scats to human beat box, Watkiss’ breathtaking vocal range moves seamlessly between musical cultures.

VocalSuite is an exciting vocal improvisation concert that uses the atmosphere of the venue, the mood, and the interactivity of the audience to present a performance created in the moment. It makes seamless links between musical cultures from Africa to Europe, creating the sound-scapes of an orchestra, all through the human voice. It can only be described as an amazing vocal experience.

“confidently delicate, with carefully sculpted melodies, intriguing textures and real drive.”  – BBC

“An original work from a unique British talent”  – Blues & Soul

Cleveland Watkiss is Britain’s leading jazz vocalist. This concert presents his VocalSuite and an interactive performance that has been developed in workshop style with the students of the World Heart Beat Music Academy led by Cleveland Watkiss

This is an exciting vocal improvisation concert that uses the atmosphere of the venue, the mood, and the interactivity of the audience to present a performance created in the moment. It makes seamless links between musical cultures from Africa to Europe, creating the sound-scapes of an orchestra, all through the human voice. It can only be described as an amazing vocal experience.

Cleveland will combine samplers, digital technology and the human voice to create mind blowing orchestral soundscapes. Blending harmonies, percussion, basslines all made by the voice alone and Watkiss’ breathtaking vocal range –and switching effortlessly from lead/lyrics to bass lines, falsetto scats to human beat box.