workshops / training courses / sonic concerts

innerSounds proposes workshops, training courses and sonic concerts, all focused on a deeper understanding of the different aspects of musical expression (sound / rhythm / instruments / voice) and the healing power of music.

set within the framework of an open, creative and playful atmosphere, innerSounds workshops, training courses and sonic concerts aim towards an inner approach of performing music, by integrating body, breath, movement, feeling and musical expression.
innerSounds

the intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. we have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.

albert einstein

 

 

trans tala
easy rhythm with body and voice

trans tala introduces specific exercises, using hand clapping, reciting of rhythmic syllables, basic steppings and body expression in order to easily understand and absorb the refined structures of tala, India’s ancient science of rhythm.

the exercises are built on our own inner pulse and stimulate the independence and integration of left and right and of the three body levels: voice, hands and feet.

both, experienced musicians who strive for complex rhythmical patterns, and those who have little practice in score notation and rhythm, will easily gain access to and understand about rhythmical intricacy.

this holistic approach to rhythm can be applied to any musical situation and style of music, to vocal techniques, to any instrument, to drumming, percussion and dance, as there is no need to learn new instrumental techniques.

the course is open to all those who are interested in rhythm, whether they are contemporary performers, composers, actors, musicians, dancers, therapists, teachers of the healing arts and teachers in the general educational system.

 

 

tibetan bowls
vibrational healing

the resonance of the tibetan bowls reaches deep into our psyche, for spiritual stimulation, focus and purification. the singing bowls are excellent tools for sounding, healing work, meditation, and chanting, as well as a beautiful musical accompaniment.

a rich, resonant tone emanates from these bowls by gently striking or rubbing them. the sound of the bowls moves through the body in vibrant waves, calming, re-aligning and healing cells, inner organs and the energy centers.

medical research is validating the powerful use of tibetan bowls in balancing and healing the human body, mind and spirit. anyone can benefit from the relaxing, soothing effects of the sounds.

for more detailed information about innerSounds healing / relaxation concerts and please visit innerSounds / myspace
cd sprits of shambhala

 

 

nada sadhana
healing energies of indian vocal music

indian music is based on the yogic science of nada. nada sadhana stands apart as a spiritual practice. it uses the musical form of raga (melodic movement) and tala (rhythm) and privileges the human voice, unique in its capacity to express sensations, emotions, as well as tensions, well being and disease. the healing and harmonizing possibilities of the voice are immense.

from a holistic point of view, Indian music helps to maintain the relation between man and nature, in order to synchronize the individual and cosmic vibrations.

nada sadhana includes exercises from both Yoga and the Indian musical tradition (asana / body, pranayama / breath, nada anusandhana / voice), but also draws on a more recent holistic vocal experience combining movement, breath and sound, turning the body into a vibrant instrument.

the singing of specific vowels (akar / omkar), of intervals (sargam) and melodic movements of the ragas to the full harmonic drone of the tanpura, is an appropriate means to let sound energy flow freely through the resonant spaces and energetic centers of the body, and consequently deepening the breath and harmonizing it with the original body rhythms.

 

 

overtone singing
power of voice and breath

overtone singing is an ancient voice technique from central asia, and is the prima materia of music. based on the harmonic series of intervals, which the voice produces naturally, overtone singing allows one to sing two distinct tones / voices simultaneously.

one tone is a low, sustained fundamental pitch. the second is a series of bell-like harmonics, which resonate high above the fundamental note and may be perceived as sounds of a flute.

vowels and breath help to experience resonant spaces in the body and the understanding that the voice is an expression of the inner personality. overtone singing is a powerful experience, producing one-pointed concentration, inner calm and clarity.

overtone singing is an adventurous, sacred, meditative and healing journey into our inner world by using the power of the voice and the breath.

 

 

the 5 elements
the five keys to inner knowledge
with sheela raj and friedrich glorian

a week long experimental workshop using body, breath, sound and meditation. based on the ancient yogic / tantric practice known as tattwa shuddhi (purification of and through the elements), we have developed a more contemporary and free form system where we explore the 5 elements through

the body
yoga / dance / free movement

the breath
pranyama / yogic breathing techniques

the voice
singing of intervals / scales / chanting of mantras

sound
use of specific musical instruments / music of the elements

rhythm
rhythmic patterns related to the elements

color and form
impact of color / form on our consciousness

last but not least
techniques to gain access to the mind (use of yantras, guided and free form meditation)

 

throughout the ages, diverse cultures worldwide have used the theme of the 'elements' as a process to self evolution and spiritual growth. everything that we do or think is under the influence of the 5 elements (earth / water / fire / air / space), for they permeate the body-mind.

the qualities invoked by the 5 elements represent a power or archetypal energy available to us. experiencing these qualities and learning to bring the 5 elements into a state of harmonic balance, opens up new, hidden or long forgotten dimensions of our own being and allows us to fully develop our true potential.

the process is about integration at and of all the layers of our existence. the tattwas are intimately linked to the five senses, and therefore it becomes possible to live fully in our sensorial world but no longer be overwhelmed by the impact of the sense experiences, that so often lead to emotional distress:

° to use our discriminative power to select, filter and enhance life experiences

° to learn to transform our sensibility and move towards a more creative use of our emotions.

the experience acts as a springboard to a better understanding of the more positive aspects to one's personality. this allowing the participants to leave with the precious keys that open the doors to their own growth as mature, responsible and creative beings.

 

 

body and sound dimension
a course designed for musicians / dancers / actors
with sheela raj and friedrich glorian

neuromuscular integration exercises
these simple exercises based on yoga postures and also on a specific method of body and breath coordination, create a mind\body connection and balance on all levels of the body's functioning.

neurorespiratory integration
these simple techniques of breath control promote health and vitality. they also help to settle the awareness. As a result the power of concentration increases, as well as the capacity to be fully present in the here and now.

relaxation
the pacifying of the body and the breath leads to a state of relaxation where stress and tensions are released and the deep tissues are allowed to recuperate.

visualization
these techniques are a very valuable tool for all artists in terms of practicing with the minimum expenditure of physical energy.

rhythmic resonance\body percussion
built on one's own inner pulse, these exercises stimulate the independence and integration of the three body levels voice, hands, feet, as well as the two hemispheres of the brain. a global approach, the experience results in the interplay of different levels of rhythmical perception and expression, and can be applied to any style of music, dance and acting situation.

overtone singing
an ancient voice technique from central asia (mongolia\tuva\tibet). based on the harmonic series (the prima materia of music), which the voice produces naturally, overtone singing allows one to sing two distinct tones/voices simultaneously. vowels and the breath help to experience the vocal resonances of the body.

application
all the above mentioned techniques are of vital importance for musicians, dancers and actors when used as a preparation for their own technical practices.

a vitalized, supple and breathing body is more capable of executing technical difficulties with greater ease, whatever the technique may be.

stress due to faulty body patterns may also be dealt with in a more intelligent way. awareness of the quality and use of the breath in terms of dynamics can also enhance musical perception and control. balanced and vitalized brain hemispheres open doors to effortless learning and memorizing.