Women in Harmony
A small group of women are making a big impact on women's empowerment through a weekly harmony class.
In the heart of Niddrie is a local singing tuition, Vocal Concept, owned and cherished by Amanda Bruns. For the past thirty-five years she has been a pioneer in the local music industry and has recently sought out a way to bring women together.
"Women do so much these days and I wanted this to be something for them"
Every Wednesday at 7 pm this group of women come together in what's known as a 'Harmony Class' to learn things like breath control, tone and voice but also to unwind and relax.
One student, Narelle, says that the class is "something that's just for [her]" and is important when most of her day is taken up by her "job, fiancè, daughter and two dogs at home."
Students like Narelle are why Amanda started the class and made sure to make it an hour for only ladies.
She also notes the importance of a class like this in the current environment of Australian politics. While government reforms and protests are taking place across the country for the recent rise of violence against women, this class is an opportunity for women to empower one another through singing.
Amanda notes the subconscious thoughts that race through women's for their safety such as "who's watching, who's looking but this class is where women can come in and not have to worry about things like that."
It's a ladies-only class. You don't have to worry because we're all the same and we're all together so we're quite powerful
The class is also an opportunity for families to come together. Another student, Olivia uses the time to bring along her nan Helen who is in her late seventies. Both of them lead busy lives and don't have much time to spend together but Olivia says the class is "quite special" for the pair.
Narelle also uses the class to connect with her daughter who is a student of Amanda's.
This class is mine but it's also my daughter's and it's really cool. It's important I show my daughter that her mum can get up and do stuff - to lead by example
In the future, Amanda wants the ladies to be confident enough to perform for a live audience by the end of the year. Amanda is currently taking students for both her private and women's harmony group classes and hopes more women can be empowered through the art of music.
