Naxos, Naxos and Lesser Cyclades, Greece
Up to 20 in group
May 5 - 10, 2025
About this Retreat
Jill Edmonds has worked in Music Education for over 30 years, where she was Head of Music in a specialist music school. She has conducted choirs which have appeared on radio and tv, but her greatest love is enabling children and adults to face their fears, follow their hidden dreams and be the best version of themselves. Jill’s musicianship is augmented by her amazing inspirational teaching style and ability to get the very best out of everyone she works with.
In addition to her teaching qualifications Jill is also a trained Counsellor.
Co-Founder of Naxos Creative | Voice Teacher, Acting Coach, Life Coach
Ros is an exceptional voice teacher and acting coach with a wealth of experience in both performance and personal development. As the co-founder of Naxos Creative, she brings a unique blend of artistic and therapeutic expertise to her work. She trained at the prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama, where she honed her skills as a teacher and voice coach. In addition to her training as a voice coach, Ros is a qualified counsellor and life coach, offering a holistic approach to personal growth alongside her acting and voice training.
Her illustrious career includes working as Assistant Director at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield under the late, great Clare Venables. She then moved on to the Royal Shakespeare Company, collaborating closely with celebrated voice coach Cicely Berry. Following her time at the RSC, Ros was Assistant Director at the National Theatre under Sir Richard Eyre, contributing to numerous high-profile West End productions.
Ros has coached some of the most iconic figures in film, television, and theatre, including Dame Judi Dench, Madonna, Dame Maggie Smith, Ewan McGregor, and Benedict Cumberbatch. She has also worked on major productions, such as the original Five Guys Named Moe with Clarke Peters and Joan Rivers’ UK tour “Broke and Alone.”
Her expertise extends globally, with work for the British Council providing coaching for staff in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and training drama teachers in China. In 2019, Ros co-founded the Wells Theatre Festival, an internationally recognized event now publicly funded, where she remains the Artistic Director.
Ros’s journey is a rich tapestry of artistic excellence, personal transformation, and cross-cultural collaboration. Through her work at Naxos Creative, she continues to inspire and empower individuals to develop their voice, both in performance and in life.
Details of this retreat
Discover Your True Voice
with Ros Johnson and Jill Edmonds
Course Price: 1000 euros shared accommodation with one other - we will never put different genders in the same room. 1078 euros for a private room
Retreat dates :
Retreats will commence every Monday throughout May 2025, offering an immersive 6-day experience that extends from Monday to Saturday.
Discover Your True Voice: A 6-Day Holistic Voice and Singing Retreat on Naxos Island
To speak and sing with power and authenticity, we must practice and explore our voices with intention. Voice work is a craft that requires commitment, repetition, and an openness to self-discovery. On the beautiful island of Naxos, we invite you to embark on a transformative 6-day journey that combines the art of speaking and singing, creating a holistic experience that nurtures both body and soul.
Whether you want to develop a clear and resonant speaking voice for greater confidence in your professional and personal life or learn to sing with freedom and joy, this course is designed to help you find and express your true voice.
Why Combine Singing and Speaking?
Finding your voice is more than just an exercise in sound—it's a path to unlocking your inner potential, overcoming self-doubt, and embracing your unique expression. Singing and speaking are deeply connected; each can enhance the other to create a balanced, resonant, and confident vocal presence. Through voice work and singing, you will learn to connect with your breath, release emotional blocks, and cultivate a voice that is powerful, clear, and true.
The Benefits of Group Singing
"Group singing benefits not only the individual but also the whole group. Singing releases endorphins, the brain’s 'feel-good' chemical, resulting in a sense of euphoria, enhanced immune response, and natural pain relief. It also triggers a release of oxytocin, which helps relieve anxiety and stimulates feelings of trust." — Goldsmiths University, April 2015
Singing in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment fosters a deep sense of connection, joy, and personal growth. This course is perfect for those who have always wanted to sing but haven’t yet found the confidence to do so. All voices are welcome, especially those that have been hidden for a while!
What to Expect from the Course:
Breathing and Relaxation: Return to the breath in its most natural and relaxed state. Breath is the foundation of a strong, resonant voice, whether speaking or singing. Holistic breathing focuses on using the breath to enhance overall physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We integrate techniques from various traditions, such as yoga, meditation to promote relaxation, mindfulness, and balance in the body. The approach emphasises deep, conscious breathing as a way to manage stress, improve focus, and connect with one's inner self and find your voice.
You will:
Centre and Focus: Learn techniques to centre yourself, stay present, and project your voice.
Group Singing and Vocal Freedom: Experience the joy and therapeutic benefits of group singing, where you will explore harmony, rhythm, and melody in a supportive environment.
Holistic Voice Exploration: Discover how speaking and singing can complement each other, helping you unlock the full range and power of your voice.
1:1 Sessions with a Counsellor and Life Coach: Throughout the course, you will have personalised sessions with a counsellor and life coach to address any personal barriers, work on self-confidence, and explore deeper emotional aspects of finding and expressing your true voice.
A Journey of Healing and Empowerment
This retreat is a journey of healing, empowerment, and transformation. Whether you struggle with public speaking, experience a sore throat when nervous, run out of breath while speaking, or simply wish to express yourself more freely, this retreat offers a safe, nurturing space to explore and grow.
Celebrate Your Voice
On the final day, celebrate your newfound vocal confidence with a group performance in our beautiful outdoor venue, sharing your voice with your fellow participants and instructors in a joyful, supportive environment.
Rejuvenate and Reflect: A Serene 6-Day Retreat by the Sea
Each day of the retreat begins with a choice: awaken your senses with a revitalising yoga session or take a serene early morning walk along the beach, feeling the gentle ocean breeze. You will participate in two enriching sessions daily, led by our skilled and inspiring practitioners, each designed to deepen your experience and personal growth.
Delicious lunches are provided each day, followed by leisurely afternoons where you can relax by the beach, take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters, or indulge in a peaceful siesta. As the day winds down, you'll find plenty of quiet moments to reflect and write in your progress diary or journal, capturing the day's insights against the backdrop of a stunning sunset. End your day with a delightful dinner at one of our carefully selected tavernas or restaurants, savouring local flavours and the warm ambiance of the evening.