Vocal Play Lab
Interactive Musical Programs
Join us on a joyful journey where every voice matters!
Vocal Play Lab
School & Library Programs
Join us on a joyful journey where every voice matters!
All-Ages Interactive Experiences
Vocal Play Lab musical improvisation experiences bring audiences together through rhythm, song, and creative expression.
In a world where voices can feel divided or unheard, Vocal Play Lab experiences offer a simple but profound reminder: connection begins with listening. These creative interactive musical experiences weaves sound, color, and community into one joyful expression of unity. Participants of all ages explore how individual voices—like threads in a scarf—can intertwine to create something beautiful and strong.
Through singing, movement, and reflection, Vocal Play Lab artist, Heather Rene, helps participants practice mindfulness, empathy, and creativity. Heather will take you on a musical journey that mirrors the world we live in—balancing sound and silence, dissonance and harmony, individuality and togetherness. Designed to align naturally with social-emotional learning, Vocal Play Lab programs build self-awareness, confidence, and collaborative spirit in every participant.
Each presentation adapts to its audience—whether a full-school assembly, a family-friendly library event, a preschool music session, or ongoing creative gatherings with homeschool communities, the result is always the same: joy, connection, and a renewed sense of belonging.
With games, call-and-response, body percussion, and spontaneous music-making, Heather brings her unique brand of joy to every space. Her background and life experiences have cultivated a true sense of celebration in the average, ordinary every day moments where we can celebrate the power of community and the magic of our own voices.
Audiences can let go of expectations and pre-requisites for participation. No singing experience needed—just a willingness to play, listen, and explore.
About the Artist:
Heather Rene is a Colorado-based vocalist, educator, and facilitator with decades of experience helping people discover the power and freedom in their voices. A licensed K–12 music educator and founder of Vocal Play Lab, Heather creates playful, inclusive spaces where people of all ages can explore singing as both an art and a tool for connection.
Her approach blends music, movement, and mindfulness to help participants develop self-awareness, emotional expression, and community through sound. Whether in classrooms, libraries, or circle singing workshops, Heather’s work reminds us that everyone is musical—and that our collective voice is one of the most powerful tools for healing, learning, and joy.
Vocal Voyage
Vocal Voyage is an interactive 60-90 minute musical improvisation experience that brings students together through rhythm, song, and creative expression.
With games, call-and-response, body percussion, and spontaneous music-making, we celebrate the power of community and the magic of our own voices. No singing experience needed—just a willingness to play, listen, and explore.
Vocal Play Lab
Current Offerings
Scarves: The Power of One Voice
All Ages: 60-75 Minute Experience
Scarves inspires empathy, courage, and connection through music and movement while supporting social-emotional learning goals.
Each presentation adapts to its audience—whether a full-school assembly, a family-friendly library event, a preschool music session, or ongoing creative gatherings with homeschool communities. The result is always the same: joy, connection, and a renewed sense of belonging.
In a world where voices can feel divided or unheard, Scarves: The Power of One Voice offers a simple but profound reminder: connection begins with listening. This interactive musical experience weaves sound, color, and community into one joyful expression of unity. Participants of all ages explore how individual voices—like threads in a scarf—can intertwine to create something beautiful and strong.
Through singing, movement, and reflection, Scarves helps participants practice mindfulness, empathy, and creativity. It’s a musical journey that mirrors the world we live in—balancing sound and silence, dissonance and harmony, individuality and togetherness. Designed to align naturally with social-emotional learning, Scarves builds self-awareness, confidence, and collaborative spirit in every participant.
We Are All Composers
Grades K - 2nd and 3rd - 5th
Pick up the baton! Our lives are a musical adventure
Get ready to move, sing, and play!
This fun-filled assembly invites our youngest voices on an exciting adventure through sound.
With silly songs, echo games, and musical surprises, kids will discover that their voice is a powerful instrument—and making music together is pure joy.
Ready to energize your community?
Fill out the form and we’ll be in touch soon.
Voices In Motion:
Artist-In Residence Program
All Ages: Multi-Day Experience
Vocal Play Lab’s Voices in Motion Artist Residency invites an entire school community—students, staff, and families—into a multi-day immersion of creative musical exploration. Building upon the joyful energy of the SCARVES kickoff assembly, this residency cultivates curiosity, confidence, and community through voice, movement, and play.
Each day of the residency expands on the initial SCARVES experience, giving students opportunities to explore sound, rhythm, and expression in new ways. Designed to align with Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and arts education standards, the program can be customized for multi-day or week-long engagement.
Rooted in play, connection, and community, Voices in Motion begins with the joyful SCARVES assembly — a vibrant, movement-filled kickoff performance that sets the tone for a week of musical exploration. From there, each day expands the experience through classroom visits, sound experiments, and opportunities for students to discover their own voices in motion.
During the residency, Heather Rene — a Colorado-licensed music educator and founder of Vocal Play Lab — guides participants through imaginative vocal play that nurtures listening, confidence, and creativity. Teachers experience professional development that reconnects them with the power of play and presence, and families are invited to join a culminating community celebration, where everyone is part of the music.
Vocal Play Lab for Littles
Preschool Program
Playful, musical and full of wonder!
Vocal Play Lab engages young learners in playful singing, movement, and sound exploration that builds imagination, listening and joy., and joy.
With joyful singing, movement, and sound exploration, early learners stay engaged in a fun, developmentally rich environment. Children discover how to use their voices expressively while building social-emotional and listening skills through rhythm, rhyme, and imaginative play.
School & Libary Programs
Get Silly. Build Confidence. Have Fun.
Students & Families
Interactive Improvisation Programs Strengthening Social Emotional Learning
Artist-In-Residence Program
Week Long Adventures
Staff Development Workshops
Treat Your Staff To A Creative
Professional In Service Training
Why It Matters
These classes help children build confidence in their creativity, boosts their listening and collaboration skills, fosters emotional expression through music and provides a lifelong love of sound and self-expression.
Our Teaching Philosophy with Young Learners
At Vocal Play Lab, we don't believe in perfect notes - we believe in bold ones. We know that young children learn best to play, movement and wonder. That's why we meet them where they are: on the floor, in the circle, with hands clapping and voices ringing. Our classes are rooted in the idea that every child is musical. We simply create the space for that music to unfold. There's no pressure to perform, no judgment, no “ right way” to sing - just an invitation to explore sound, rhythm and expression in a way that feels joyful and safe.
We encourage risk-taking, celebrate mistakes and delight in the little sparks that happen when a child finds their own voice. Because when a child feels heard they shine.
Together, we explore our voices through playful improvisation, games and creative exercises, building confidence and joy in every session.
This class isn’t about reading music or preparing for a performance - it’s about discovering the unique sound o fyour own voice in a space where there are no wrong notes.
What We Believe
We believe your voice is more than sound—it’s a doorway to healing and joy.
We believe in play, in presence, in singing for the love of it. We believe there’s no such thing as a wrong note. We believe every voice—shaky, strong, quiet, bold, is worthy of being heard. And we believe in following the music wherever it wants to go.
Vocal Play Lab Young Learner Programs
Because every child is already a composer.
At Vocal Play Lab, we believe music should feel like play. Our kids classes are joyful, interactive and full of imagination - designed to nurture creativity, confidence and connection from the inside out.
We don't just teach songs, we invite children to create their own. Whether we're exploring instruments, echoing silly sounds, or composing group rhythms, every child is encouraged to experiment and express themselves freely.
Ready to bring something different to your staff, students and families at your school or library?
Fill out our form. We’ll be in touch soon.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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Vocal Play Lab is a playful, supportive space to explore your voice through improvisation, group sound play, rhythm and connection. It’s not about performance -it’s about presence, curiosity and joyful expression.
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Vocal Play Lab can happen anywhere! Schools, Libraries, Churches, Concert Halls, Auditoriums, Riverbanks, Bandshells.. You name it. Based out of Longmont, Colorado, Vocal Play Lab holds classes locally at several different locations. Check each class for location details. Want to invite VPL to your location or event? Contact us for private/custom classes/workshops/retreats!
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You can expect playful warmups, circle singing, vocal improvisation, rhythm games, deep listening and moments of spontaneous music-making together.
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Not at all. These sessions are open to everyone, whether you sing in the shower or have never sung a note out loud.
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Not in a solo or spotlight kind of way. Most of the singing is done together in a circle, so you’re never put on the spot unless you want to be.
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Not really. While you’ll definitely use your voice, Vocal Play Lab isn’t about technique or performance. It’s a playful, exploratory space where you get to experiment with sound, connect with others and express yourself freely. There’s no sheet music, no rehearsals and no auditions. And because there’s no pressure or judgement coming from an audience, the real listener is YOU. Vocal Play Lab is a safe space where you might even be able to explore a few parts of yourself you haven’t even met yet!
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Click here to read an explanation about Circle Singing.
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We create music together! Most of what we sing is improvised - layered, looped or echoed. It’s less about genres and more about shared, in-the-moment creation.
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Absolutely. All genders, races, sexual orientations, body types and backgrounds are welcome. This is a space rooted in respect, curiosity and care.
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That’s okay. Our voices carry so much - memories, stories and unspoken parts of ourselves. Emotions are welcome here and you’ll be supported.
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Yes, absolutely. Listening is an important part of the process. You’re welcome to participate in whatever way feels authentic for you.
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There’s no performance, pressure or judgement at Vocal Play Lab. We’re not singing songs to impress anyone - we’re exploring sound to express.
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That’s totally normal. Many people come into the lab feeling that way. You’ll be met with kindness and there’s never any pressure to do anything that doesn’t feel right to you.
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You’re in the right place. This space was made fo you. We believe everyone is musical and that singing is a human birthright - not something reserved for professionals.
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Yes. Many people find that singing in this way opens doors to healing, self-discovery and deeper connection. It’s not therapy, but it can be deeply therapeutic.
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Vocal Play Lab is a beautiful place to begin reconnecting with your voice. We’ll go gently, and you’re always invited to participate at your own pace.
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There’s no formal training required - just curiosity. We’ll explore breath and sound in a natural and playful way.
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Absolutely! Bringing a friend can make the experience even more fun and supportive.
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That’s totally okay. This isn’t about singing perfectly - it’s about expressing yourself and connecting to yourself and others through sound. There are no wrong notes here.
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Yes - though maybe not in the way you expect. As you grow more comfortable and connected to your voice, your confidence and vocal ease naturally improve.
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You’re not alone. Many people feel that way. Vocal Play Lab is designed to help you meet your voice with compassion, not criticism.
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Singing alone is personal - singing together is transformational. In a group, we co-create something greater than ourselves and that shared experience can be deeply healing.
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Yes. Group singing, breathwork and vocal play have been shown to lower stress and boost well-being. Many people leave sessions feeling lighter and more grounded.
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Yes, we do! Click here for more information.
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Yes! We will travel to wherever people want to make music together and we look forward to singing with you! Heather thoroughly enjoys visiting schools & libraries and she welcomes the opportunity to work with professional teams for off-sites,retreats or conferences, encouraging risk taking and connection through a variety of Vocal Play Lab experiments.
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Actually, Vocal Play Lab is NOT a performance based music experience. We create music in the moment. Every song that arises is unique and one of a kind. We don’t perform. We create together. If you are experiencing Vocal Play Lab you’re either singing or witnessing others sing. Both are valuable experiences and support each other. Play is the work of life and we need to remember what is is to cultivate spaces in community to play and create every day. PLAY is our work!
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Contact us about raising the level of joy at your event through one of our spontaneous, experiential singing sessions.