Here is two examples of what you can expect at a Meditative Music Making Workshop:
Example one:
1.Yoga for flutists is a great way to start. Not only does the body get warmed up, but breathing and awareness also play an important role in both meditation and music making.
2.A listening meditation to get in contact with the gaps between our thoughts, which is where our essence lies, the center we want to connect with when we play.
3.Following the breath. This meditation technique is centuries old and especially perfect for anyone who likes to breathe!
4.Meditatively, we reach for our instruments (or tune into our voice) and as in the breath meditation, play or sing long notes on the exhale. This is supported with a backing track (like a tambura or one of my pre-recorded tracks). In this way, we learn to maintain a meditative atmosphere while we play or sing. (It’s also wonderful meditation in itself!) We don’t necessarily have to make a good sound, as that might actually bring us back to our old habits. The idea is to be aware of the breath and the air. Extended techniques and unusual sounds are welcome here! The main point is to feel relaxed, at ease and in connection with yourself.
5.Now we experiment with a few improvisations which enable us to be spontaneous and respond to the moment. That permits us to bring our centered self with us when we play our regular repertoire. This is how we learn to express music from our being.
What you can expect at a Meditative Music Making Workshop
Example two:
1.Meridian tapping to warm up the body and get the energy flowing.
2.Pranayama or alternate nostril breathing to balance the two halves of the brain and calm the thoughts.
3.The Alexander “constructive rest” position (involves lying down with bent knees, feet on the floor) to release any tension. We imagine playing in this position. This helps develop body awareness and also brings us out of our thoughts and into the moment.
4.Playing with one of my backing tracks in a slightly improvisatory style which allows us to play from a deeper meditative part of ourselves, connected to our being.
Me in India at a Yoga class with B.K.S. Iyengar back in the 1980's!
Born in Canada but based in Europe, my life has been mapped out by my love of music. As a child, I was magnetically drawn to the piano. Singing still sometimes brings me to an ecstatic state but the course of my life changed when I became infatuated with the flute.
Instrument in hand, my intuition led me time and again to meditative music in many forms – from calm and soothing to wild and crazy as well as everything in between. I play with all kinds of musicians, Classical, Folk, Latin, Italian, New Age, Persian, Indian, Brazilian - I love to meet others in their musical world.
Playing music meditatively brings me to my center and in the same way, I help you find your center and express your being with every breath you send through your instrument. Using meditative techniques specifically adapted for musicians, I lead you into your rich inner world, enabling not only you but others to be deeply touched by your music.
Listening and performing this kind of music is like drinking nectar from the beyond. It is nourishment for the spirit and a portal to our innermost self. It is a wake-up call for all those who are searching for authentic self-expression and an authentic way to change our world with music.
For a free Meditative Music Making workshop, contact me here!
Touch your essence, express your being!
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