Honouring My Teachers & De-Colonizing My Teaching Practice
I believe that our beautiful world is full of music! Our collective diversity in musical styles, traditions and influences is something to be celebrated and cherished. There is so much richness and beauty we can learn from each other.
As a white woman of settler ancestry (Celtic & Germanic) born and raised in Canada, I recognize that I may hold biases I am unaware of and see some things through a privileged lens of whiteness, due to being immersed in a culture of colonization.
It feels intimidating and vulnerable to speak about my de-colonization journey this way, and yet I have learned that it is important to use our voices to declare what we stand for and what we believe in, in the name of hosting safe and brave spaces, and co-creating a better world for BIPOC, also known as people of the Global Majority.
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How to Reduce Your Stress with Music Medicine
It’s really hard to make decisions when you’re stressed out and in survival mode.
When we’re focused on surviving and our root chakra/Maslow’s hierarchy safety needs are not met, it’s really hard to think about anything other than what is most immediate and urgent.
When you’re feeling this way, it can be really beneficial to take time out as much as possible to focus on calming your nervous system. Music and sound medicine can be so very helpful!
Here are some really effective ways to soothe your nervous system and increase your brain function and decision-making capacity…
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WHY I TEACH VOICE HOLISTICALLY
When I became an Expressive Arts Therapist 10 years ago, I noticed a shift - the people who were coming to me were less interested in developing their voice with scales and formants and mastering songs for performance. They were seeking a deeper healing connection with music and reclaiming their own voice and right to sing.
One amazing day around 2014, one of my students had a huge breakthrough after doing some simple chanting through the chakras. She experienced a huge opening and new freedom for her voice; this one practice seemed to be more effective than all the technique I had taught her up until then. That's when I really knew my path…
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The Power of Resonance (singing the water element)
Have you ever noticed how your sound resonates through your body when you sing, chant or hum? If you pay close attention, you might notice your sinuses, lips, chest bones, or even your hands buzzing.
When our resonance is fully awake, we can feel the healing power of our own voice, vibrating through our whole body.
To sing with more ease and power, you must open up and surrender to the sound so your voice can flow like a river.
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