About Harbour Harmonies
About me
Harbour Harmonies was created to offer a welcoming, relaxed singing space that anyone can join. We usually sing in a circle if the space allows, which creates a rich, immersive sound we all benefit equally from. Sessions are about connection, wellbeing, and being present in the moment, not performance. We do also, more often than not, sound sublime too. No previous singing experience is needed, no one sings alone, and nobody is ever put on the spot. We sing for fun, to feel good and to enjoy the magic of making music together.
Group singing has been proven to reduce stress, lift your mood and help you feel more connected, to your own body and to the people around you. It boosts dopamine and oxytocin, the “feel good” hormones, while also activating the vagus nerve, which supports relaxation and healing. Whether you come along to meet new people, take time out for yourself, or simply have a good sing and a cup of tea, you’ll leave feeling lighter, calmer and uplifted.
I’m Laura Blake, a singing facilitator based in Emsworth, Hampshire. I’m passionate about helping people rediscover the joy, freedom and comfort that can be accessed through singing. I believe that - as with eating, sleeping, breathing and dancing - singing is just part of what it is to be human. We've been doing it as a species since the beginning.
I trained as a Singing Mamas Leader in 2024 and now run a range of classes, from parent and baby groups to women’s evening circles and sauna singing.
I love supporting people to re-find their voice, even those who for a long time have considered themselves non-singers (especially them). My classes are unscary and with a focus on wellbeing, connection and having fun together. If you're in any way curious, come give it a try! Even if you just want to listen.
Classes
Singing Mamas
Singing Mamas is a global movement for all women, and children of any age and babies are welcome too! Designed to support peri-natal wellbeing, this class offers more than just singing - it offers a village. Classes are Fridays, term-time, 10-11:30am at Westbourne Parish Hall, and cost £9 (or £11 drop in). Concession options available too.
Emsworth Songbirds
A women's singing circle held once a month on a Monday evening, 8-9pm, at The Meeting Place, Westbourne. Here we sing songs in up to four part harmony, from the sublime to the ridiculous, and we always finish on a tranquil one (feel free to sit on the floor or lie down). This is an inclusive, relaxing group - no introducing yourself, just turn up and sing with others, all led in an unscary way by Laura. £8 a session, £11 Pay it Forward or £5 Concession.
Melody Circle
Melody Circle takes place at Chichester Festival Theatre and is for all parents, carers and their little ones 0 - 4 years. Held in the Pimlott Building you can spend time in the gorgeous grounds and café before or after an hour of gorgeous group singing with maracas and toys a plenty for your little one to join in. Classes are Wednesdays term-time, 1:15-2:15pm, and cost £6 per class. Search for 'Melody Circle' on CFT's website.
Sauna and other sessions
Enrich your singing life by coming to a Harbour Harmonies pop up event such as a singing sauna, art workshop with singing, or another gorgeous event entirely. Details will be on Instagram so please do follow! You can also hire Laura to lead singing at your own meet up or craft event - I'd love to hear from you.
Here's what some Harbour Harmonies singers say...
"Laura you always have such a lovely brightness, you manage to bring a sense of joyous energy and also peacefulness at the same time, which I don’t know how you do it but I always leave feeling simultaneous perked up and calmed down, which is a special kind of magic, so thank you so much!"
Sing for the love of it
Fall in love with singing again
Nurturing wellbeing and connection through group singing, and usually a cup of tea as well.
