Who is Debby Boland Watt?

Performance Artist

Artist's Statement
I’m deeply curious about the concept of the continually changing composition. Some of my pieces have a very basic outline or idea, a specific poem, or some sort of rhythmic structure that’s been pre-planned, and that’s it. My voice (as an instrument) creates, from musical intuition, free form languages and sounds pushing pre-set boundaries of musical construction while charging my listeners to follow...challenging them to understand what they hear. In spontaneous composition, how my history and experience yields new choices per tune, subsequent band members contributions to it’s free form and the audience’s response to what is happening, are all very important and quick decisions to be considered.

By trial and error (if there is such a thing) I will continue to carve out a niche for this work as I expect it may not be a music for the masses. Yet for those who enjoy 'the process' and understand that what is happening now will never again happen in the same way...is very compelling. Artists such as Bobby McFerrin, Pauline Oliveros, Meredith Monk, Juana Molina and Meredith Monk have all contributed to how I feel about, listen to and execute my music. For now, I still include many standard jazz pieces, first establishing credibility as a vocalist. I then segue into more interesting free forms of the tunes. Lately I’ve been constructing ideas and rehearsing for increased audience participation pieces. Other areas I would like to hear my music performed would be in film or documentaries and interpretive installations.

Teacher

Ms. Watt has experience teaching ages five to adult as well as individuals with special learning disAbilities. Creative approaches to Music & Voice are built on fundamental requirements established by most academic institutions: breath control, range, intonation, tone quality, phrasing, diction, repertoire, expression, and interpretation. 

As Debby's teaching moves the entire student (body, mind, and spirit), learning may be accomplished through various methods: music theory, improvisation, visual art, movement, composition/poetics, and compassionate play. Self-awareness on a kinesthetic level is just as important as the vocal basics, helping to avoid injuries due to overuse and/or misuse, establishing good postural habits, supporting vocal longevity and stamina for those long vocal sets.

Community Leader

Debby has been leading song circles in the Seattle area for nearly a decade, bringing diverse members of the community together in song. Her all-inclusive approach to organizing and facilitating circles means that participants sing alongside the old and young, people who are differently-abled, those who are performance artists or those who only sing in the shower, and members of various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. This diversity breathes life and challenge into Debby's circles, where you might hear sounds that take you to a jazz club or Native American drum circle, or that seem to express your innermost feelings. She brings together people who may have 

never met in their everyday lives, and they somehow always make beautiful music together. Wherever she travels, Debby brings acceptance and resonance to all who are willing to listen.