Would you like to welcome spring with song in stunning natural surroundings? Join a singing course that offers a thorough introduction to vocal technique, breathing techniques, and intonation. We will sing in harmony and play with rhythm and tone.
Qigong master Harald Øygard will join us for three of the days. Qigong is a wonderful way to open the breath and find grounding in the body. Harald will work with mantras and Sound Daoyin, and you will experience the healing power of sound vibrations.
The retreat is held during Ascension Week, just as the mountains come alive again. Here you’ll have the opportunity to recharge after winter with a refreshing combination of Qigong, singing, mountain air, and nourishing food. You will return home with deeper knowledge of—and greater confidence in—your own singing voice.
No previous experience required. Welcome!
This retreat is for you if you want to:
• develop your singing voice
• explore Qigong
• treat yourself to a week-long mountain retreat
• enjoy delicious vegetarian meals that nourish the body
• become a more confident choir singer
• gain insight into vocal anatomy
• improve your regulation of the nervous system
• have fun
The Course
These five days offer a unique opportunity to delve into both vocal technique and Qigong with singing teacher Anna Granqvist and Qigong master Harald Øygard. Throughout the retreat, you’ll get to know your voice better and have access to a vocal coach for questions.
Learning vocal technique in a group allows you to explore blend, harmony, and tone together. The sessions will be a playful mix of theory, canon singing, rhythmic exercises, and choral work. We have selected a mix of moving and joyful songs to work with—something for everyone to look forward to.
You will also work with focused listening and learn tips for singing in tune with others. This is especially valuable if you sing—or wish to start singing—in a choir.
Whether you feel like a croaking crow or a nightingale, the course is suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some experience who want to refresh their fundamentals.
Course Content – Singing
• Theoretical introduction to vocal anatomy
• What is “Vocal support”—and how do you activate it?
• Breathing meditations that release old tension and free the voice
• Intonation exercises to blend better with others
• Active listening
• Learning simple, beautiful harmonized songs
• A fully illustrated course booklet summarizing theory and key exercises
Qigong Course
Qigong helps release tension, free energy flow, and establish deep contact with the breath—essential for developing a powerful singing voice.
Harald Øygard will focus on Qigong exercises directly related to breath, voice, and posture. You will get to try Sound Daoyin, mantras, and breathing meditations.
Who Is This Course For?
This is a beginner-friendly course open to everyone.
– Maybe you are a choir singer who wants to become the “steady one” in your section?
– Maybe you’ve sung before and want to revisit the basics?
– Or maybe you simply want to invest in yourself for a week and learn something new?
Practical Information
– Wear soft, comfortable clothing that allows free movement. Avoid tight trousers.
– We do not use shoes during singing sessions, but lightweight indoor shoes with smooth soles can be useful for Qigong.
Questions about course content:
anna@granqvist.no
About Anna Granqvist – Singing
Anna Granqvist holds a degree in vocal pedagogy (cand.mag.) from the Norwegian Academy of Music and has also studied at Operastudio 67 in Stockholm. She has sung in choirs since the age of nine and began private voice lessons at twelve.
She has taught both private students and music school students, and has over 20 years of experience as a choir conductor. She runs Sangerverkstedet on Nesodden, offering weekend workshops in vocal technique.
Since 2014 she has been a contributing editor for Korbladet, the membership magazine of the Norwegian Choir Association, which reaches 26,500 singers and conductors.
Anna is also an illustrator and uses her playful style to make complex theory accessible. She co-developed the digital music theory tool Notelyst together with Liv Astrid Hall.
Harald Øygard – Qigong
Harald Øygard is one of Norway’s most experienced instructors in Qigong, Taiji, and meditation, and teaches weekly at the Qigong Centre in Oslo. He has studied both in Norway and abroad and has taught since the late 1990s. More than 100 students attend his regular classes and weekend workshops.
Harald has studied Qigong, Taiji, and meditation since 1995 and has taught actively since 2000. With a pedagogical background and long experience, he is a highly popular instructor whose courses are consistently fully booked through word-of-mouth recommendations.
He is a key figure in developing Qigong and Taiji in the Nordic region and leads the Nordic Buqi Organization, which regularly hosts weekend workshops with international instructors.
Program
Monday
13:00–14:00 Lunch
14:30–17:00 Welcome and introduction. First singing session: Setting up the resonance chamber
17:00–18:00 Free time
18:00–19:00 Dinner
19:30–21:00 Evening session: breath work, vocal blend, and evening meditation
Tuesday
08:00–08:45 Shared meditation
09:00–10:00 Breakfast
10:00–12:00 Vocal technique: releasing tension in the jaw and tongue
13:00–14:00 Lunch
14:00–15:30 Free time/nature
15:30–17:30 Introduction to Qigong
18:00–19:00 Dinner
20:00–21:00 Singing and evening meditation
Wednesday
08:00–08:45 Shared meditation
09:00–10:00 Breakfast
10:00–12:00 Qigong
13:00–14:00 Lunch
14:00–15:30 Free time/nature
15:30–17:30 Qigong continued
18:00–19:00 Dinner
20:00–21:00 Deep listening and singing
Thursday
08:00–08:45 Shared meditation
09:00–10:00 Breakfast
10:00–12:30 Qigong
13:00–14:00 Lunch
14:00–15:30 Free time/nature
15:30–17:30 Vocal technique: register shifts and intonation
18:00–19:00 Dinner
20:00–21:00 Singing and evening meditation
Friday
08:00–08:45 Shared meditation (optional)
09:00–10:00 Breakfast
10:00–12:30 Vocal power and closing group singing
13:00–14:00 Lunch and check-out
Your Investment
Our retreat offers a range of accommodation options to suit your comfort and budget. Choose the space that feels right for you - whether it’s a cozy shared room or your private sanctuary.
Rates start from 4451 NOK
Included
Accommodation
Three delicious, vegetarian meals daily
Retreat program
Not Included
Transport from/to Gol or Fagernes
About Nøsen Yoga og Fjellhotell
Nøsen Yoga og Fjellhotell is a mountain retreat center in the heart of Valdres, Norway, surrounded by breathtaking nature and peaceful hiking trails. We host yoga retreats, workshops, and events all year around, offering guests a chance to slow down, connect with themselves, and enjoy nourishing vegetarian meals in a warm and welcoming community.
About BITR – Back in the Ring
Our hotel is run by a dedicated mix of staff and volunteers, creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere. Some of our volunteers join us through Back in the Ring (BITR) – a transformative program that supports people in rebuilding confidence, resilience, and purpose after life’s challenges. They take part in daily operations while developing practical skills, building community connections, and engaging in personal growth activities. This means you may meet people from all walks of life, each contributing in their own way to the Nøsen experience. We invite you to embrace the spirit of patience, openness, and shared humanity that makes our community special.