Music as Meditation

Mollie Birney 

Choral Conductor, Music Educator and creator of

 Music as Meditation

Vocal Mindfulness; Music as Meditation: While the focus of a traditional voice lesson is the development of a student’s vocal technique and repertoire, Music Meditation places emphasis on the cultivation of the client’s own authentic sound in the service of their own meditation practice. Likewise, as the breath is usually the primary object of mindfulness in meditation, here the resonance of the voice becomes the object of mindfulness. Elements of each session include instruction in mindfulness and meditation, short periods of meditation, breathing techniques, vocalization practices and aural meditations. When the voice becomes the object of mindfulness the client is granted a connection to the body by the resonance created in the breastbone and bones of the facial mask, allowing a more focused experience with the meditation practice itself.

The therapeutic element of this approach arises when the client is asked to relate to their own voice through simple and accessible vocal exercises. The inherent vulnerability that most people experience with singing, attributed to the fact that the instrument is housed within the body, often generates fear, resistance, anxiety, and most significantly, judgment (typically negatively but sometimes positively). This is where the practice of mindfulness explored in the first part of a session (specifically tools like labeling, observation, and most of all compassion), steps in to aid the client’s reactionary experience, be it positive or negative. The exercise then becomes meeting whatever sounds, and sound-induced reactions arise with mindfulness and compassion. These sessions are intended for all levels of experience in both music and meditation - one needn’t be a musician nor a monk to benefit. What I observe in clients with whom I’ve worked over time is an increasing gentleness with self as a result of practicing mindful compassion in the face of a challenging and often uncomfortable experience. In addition I notice an ability to observe themselves as more “right-sized”, and to be less triggered by their thoughts and their reactions to these thoughts. One student reported “I guess I realized I don’t have to believe all of the things I think”. Most clients even develop their own independent meditation practice outside of our sessions.

Drop by anytime to see our facilities and learn more about our program.

 One-on-one Sessions:

You will be introduced to the basics of mindfulness and integrated mind-body meditation. Based on your personal goals and needs, you’ll then be guided into a deeper level of these practices using music, your voice, and your relationship to it as an object of concentration and connection. By focusing on the physical sensations of singing (resonance) and the brain's reaction to music and harmony (notes in context) we can deeply and mindfully explore your relationship with your own body, your voice, and with music itself.  

Workshop:

Our workshops are a wonderful way to explore group meditation and ensemble music-making in an open, encouraging and non-judgmental environment.  Techniques in mindfulness and meditation are explored within the group dynamic using breath work, vocalism, and even musical gesture.  You will explore your own relationship with your voice and ensemble vocalism through singing in unison, harmony, and aural meditation. 

Santa Monica Conservatory of Music   1501 Colorado Blvd, Santa Monica, CA  90404