Music and Transformation

                                         

A holistic, informative and original music-centered journey that can lead to spiritual renewal and self-understanding.

In these sessions, participants enjoy such experiences as creating intentions, journeying with music, mandala drawings, meditation, prayer, energy work and group discussion.

The class provides a unique container for centering and focus on the spiritual within, enhancing energy and a renewed relationship with yourself and others.

Music and Transformation is a presentation, workshop, 28-week course and teacher trainer experience of music, spiritual growth and transformational journey in a series of stages.

The stages of transformation are those that we all experience. Change is the only constant in life. The stages of Music and Transformation flow with: Surrender, Mystery, Abyss, Hope, Discovery and Renewal. The last segment is from the folksong How Can I Keep from Singing? , a summary of living out or manifesting changes made intentionally and consciously.

The course is conceptually based on the music Songs for All Seasons: A New Day. This original music by professional musician and music therapist Mary J. Morreale is a musical rendition of the stages.

Songs for All Seasons: A New Day includes improvisations on piano, 'cello, flute and voices, as well as natural sounds. The music invites the listener on the journey through the stages of transformation as described below:

The piano, a representation of the soul, is the focal point of the music. The 'cello is an expression of earth, or the physical world, and the flute, spirit. Each stage is a musical interpretation and expression of the process of interaction with physical and spiritual aspects of who we are. The journey closes with the folk song "How Can I Keep from Singing?"

The music is available on CD and digitally.

Why experience Music and Transformation?

Music and Transformation uncovers tools for integrating wholeness into awareness of life patterns. The experiences enhance and increase uncovering and knowing the deepest, truest part of your being. Through music, scripture, prayer, creative arts and discussion you will be led to renewal of body, mind and spirit!

The Music and Transformation presentation is one to two hours in length. Participants get a flavor of the course through a journey with poetry and music that outline the 7 segments of the course. The presentation is a great and quick way to see how your life has experienced stages of change and growth.

The Music and Transformation day workshop explores these stages further through creative expression, journaling, mandalas and dialog with the self and one another. The workshop is a means to learn how to shift old patterns that no longer serve your highest self. Treat yourself to the experience of healthy change and growth, consciously evolving toward the person who longs to emerge and express.

The 28-week course covers all 7 segments in 4 classes each. The course is designed so that each class stands on its own. Experiencing just one class can change your life! Here how the course is organized:

Music and Transformation  © 2007
Mary J. Morreale

STRUCTURE

The course is offered in seven segments with four classes per segment for a total of 28 classes.
The segments and intentions are as follows:
  `` Surrender: letting go/surrendering to
  `` Mystery: questioning/searching
  `` Abyss: embracing the shadow
  `` Hope: Divine awareness that shifts perception
  `` Discovery: experiment/experiential steps in this shift of focus to
  `` Divine Renewal: rebirth, recharge, trusting inner guidance
  `` How Can I Keep from Singing?: relating with love to others

Each segment has a class with the following focus:
  `` Music and Mandalas to connect with current issues/questions
  `` Prayer emphasis to connect with Divine Presence
  `` Dialog with current issues/questions within spiritually and with others Integration       of insight experienced and movement toward the next segment.

METHOD

There are five means to Music and Transformation:
  Prayer/Intention
     `` Making an intention guides the student in a focused direction.   Prayer methods are varied to offer several tools to deeper communication with the Divine Presence.
  Meditation
     `` Quieting the mind and body is a means to actively listen to the insight of the deepest aspect of who we are as Divine beings.
   Creative Arts
      `` Active music listening and drawing of the mandala and physical movement offer creative means of expression.
  Study/Knowledge
     `` Each class includes a didactic segment that expands awareness to include intellectual, philosophical and psychological study of the theme of the class.
  Group Discussion
     `` We are all students, and learn we a great deal from sharing and in relationship with others.

The Music and Transformation teacher-trainer course is new in 2008!
Music and Transformation- Course and Teacher Trainer, offers a course that uses music, creative arts, meditation and group discussion to enhance a person’s sense of spiritual self. Through the stages of transformation one develops a deeper awareness of the True Self. This course offers tools to improve the quality of life.

In addition the teacher trainer course for music therapists, counselors, pastors and life couches will qualify those who have successfully completed the training to teach Music and Transformation to others.

Included in the teacher’s training is the 80-page Music and Transformation Teacher’s Manual and CD with lesson plans for all 28 classes.

Congratulations to the first group of teacher trainers of Music and Transformation!

Standing: Linda Carleton, Suzanne McGriff, Mary Morreale (and JJ), Penelope Rebuzzini. Kneeling: Marjorie Colton, Ann West, Nancy Mann.
The teacher training class was held in Guilford, CT April 11-13, 2008.