Lecturer's introduction: "I really like the idea of the Dutch organist and music teacher Willem Adriaans who believes that music exists of itself and we either hinder it (for example by our exaggerated expectations of ourselves) or we allow it to flow through us freely and loosely, opening ourselves as a mediator between music and the world. This concept does not prevent one from learning music, from improving one's technique, but it also invites one to take away an understanding of music and one's participation at the level of a player, who is also a calm observer and someone who testifies to the miracle of the world of music. The techniques I use in my work enable deep reflection and self-reflection on what we do when singing and playing, how we deal with ourselves, what is happening within us and where we are blocking something.
During the workshop I will offer variously modified relaxation techniques based on various paths - tuning, how breath works in our bodies, what the muscles feel and what they need for deep relaxation, where there are barriers and blocks and, in contrast, where there are places in which we feel a pleasant energy.
I will combine relaxation techniques with imagination. I have developed this specifically for working with the voice or playing.
I will bring a brief energising exercise inspired by techniques of working with the body that have roots in bioenergetics.
I'll give a demonstration of PBSP (Pesso Boyden Therapeutic System) modification methods to experience
well-being and security when singing or playing.
I will offer self-reflection procedures to safely examine how well our voice is doing in our bodies and what
we're doing with ourselves when singing.
I avoid judgmental stances. There is no right or wrong, there is always something.
Everything will be discussed in detail, step by step we'll come back to what we went through and integrate it into our own personal experience.
Everything will be based on the participants' personal experience.
Security is important during my work. This means that I will take into account the participants' individual needs, thoroughly explain everything and indicate a path that a voice teacher or therapist can use immediately and what needs training or a qualified co-worker.
Part of the daily programme will be a discussion according to the participants' needs.
The outlook is to continue in a working group, which will link the work's pedagogical techniques with interpretative performance and secure self-experience, which plays an important role in the interpretation, but it is often neglected or even some devalued by some teachers.
If it works out we may achieve a seemingly simple outcome, that the singer or musician can feel good when singing or playing and enjoy music."
The seminar is intended for all who work with voice or perform in front of people, from teachers to artists, singers to instrumentalists; but also for those that are interested in singing. To a certain extent, the workshop will be experiential. Participants will try out everything for themselves - physical experiences, singing, finding the optimal support for their vocal or playing performance.
The lecturer is a psychotherapist and musician, more information about her can be found HERE.
Applications can be downloaded HERE.
The seminar will take place from 10 am to 5.30 pm, with a break for lunch in the auditorium at the Dům dětí a mládeže, Slezská 21, Prague 2. The price is CZK 790 (for students, pensioners and persons on parental leave CZK 690).