Rhythm with Signs
Vocal Improvisation Workshop by Aixa Figini
Be part of an improvised choir, where we explore music, singing and body percussion as tools for collective expression and creation through the method of Rhythm with Signs.
The Workshop
The workshop is based on the Rhythm with Signs method, a sign language, which allows to conduct real time improvisation in order to create musical compositions and sound landscapes in a creative and playful way. The workshop is taught by the Argentinian singer and choir leader, Aixa Figini.
The method starts as a sign language but it soon becomes a musical game where each participant is encouraged to explore their individual musical resources by sharing these with the group and experiencing collective and creative music making. It is a tool that allows to develop our listening, creativity, coordination, appraisal of diversity, understanding of the roles and responsibilities in a group, and the ability to embrace mistakes as creative opportunities.
During the workshop we practice voice, rhythm and body percussion games and exercises, learn traditional songs and rhythms from around the world to widen the musical repertoire in our improvisations. These sessions offer a dynamic space where participants can nurture and explore their own musicality, embracing new elements and resources in their music making, while enjoying the experience of collaborative music creation.
The Method
Rhythm with Signs is a musical sign language that allows the coordination of rhythmic improvisations for any kind of instruments or solely for voices.
Created in 2005 by the Argentinian musician and multi-instrumentalist Santiago Vazquez for his group La Bomba del Tiempo, it soon became a phenomenon that transformed the cultural scene of Buenos Aires. It has since been adopted by numerous musicians and educators in over 30 countries due to its innovative character and pedagogical value.
By employing over 130 hand and body signs, the conductor leads the performing musicians to create a collective composition in real time. Each sign refers to different music parameters (rhythm, melody, harmony, structure, repetition, polyphony, unison, etc..), or suggests specific priorities or objectives serving as guiding principles in the creation of a musical piece.
Aixa Figini
Aixa Figini is an Argentinian singer, musicologist and producer. She holds a Degree in Musical Arts from the Universidad de Buenos Aires, with additional studies at the Escuela de Música Contemporánea de Buenos Aires. Later, interested in arts management and production she studied a Masters Degree in Arts Administration and Cultural Policies at Goldsmiths University of London.
Passionate about the multiple creative possibilities of music improvisation, she studied the music improvisation system Rhythm with Signs, created by Argentine percussionist Santiago Vazquez at CERPS (Centro de Estudios del Ritmo y Percusión con Señas, Argentina) and took part in several improvisation ensembles.
She is a certified music trainer by Musicians without Borders, specialising in the utilisation of music as a tool for community building and social Cohesion. She participated in various music projects as a versatile vocalist, in genres such as tango, Argentinian folklore, Latin American music, and vocal improvisation.
She currently leading her own Latin American music ensemble and is the founder and director of CIRCULAR, a female vocal improvisation ensemble in Portugal. She regularly conducts vocal improvisation and singing workshops for groups in Portugal and other European countries, collaborating with conservatories, festivals, and cultural spaces.
Practicalities
The course is divided into 2 workshops:
1. Morning session: open-level introduction to get familiar with the signs, warm up our voices and together as a group and immerse in musical games through improvisation. No former experience is needed for to participate.
2. Deep dive to the rhythm with signs: build-on to the first one to deepen the knowledge on the signs and various possibilities they can provide in different settings. Participants get to practice using the signs with the group and have a wider knowledge on the signs. Former experience is recommended for this session.
WHEN?
2nd of November, 2025
10.00 - 13.00: Introduction course
14.00 - 17.00: Deep dive to the signs
WHERE?
Vester Allé 15, 8000 Aarhus C
HOW?
Fill out the form below to apply to the workshop. As we have a limited amount of spots, we recommend doing it as soon as possible.
PRICE
Introduction workshop:
- full price: 250 DKK
- with student discount: 200 DKK
Full workshop with deep-dive
- full price: 450 DKK
- with student discount: 400 DKK
CONTACT
In case of any doubts or questions, feel free to reach out by writing to koret.rigo@gmail.com.
