As bedside musicians, there are times when we want to set aside our musical instruments and use instead the simple power of the solo voice. Join us to create or expand your vocal repertoire, while taking time to restore and connect with each other at a special 2 day MHTP workshop led by acclaimed world musicians Susan Robbins and Marytha Paffrath of Libana. As we create a musical community for the weekend, we will interweave body and mind relaxation and breathing techniques with vocal and listening skills, while learning simple songs from many cultures, especially suitable for bedside work. With guidance from CMP Ellen Epstein, Susan and Marytha will select and teach unaccompanied songs in a variety of styles. Practitioners new to the exploration of their voice as well as seasoned singers are warmly welcomed. Scroll down to read comments from last year’s participants.

Workshop details and registration form at http://www.overallmusic.com/thissingingworld.html

Recently lauded as “the spiritual mothers of song circles around the country”, the 6-woman world music ensemble Libana illuminates the spirit and universality of women’s experience through the performance of music, song, and dance from around the globe. The group has released 8 recordings and published 3 songbooks including the acclaimed A Circle Is Cast.

Susan Robbins, Libana's founder and Artistic Director, knew from an early age that singing was at the core of her spiritual path. Her deep compassion, love of laughter, and heartfelt belief in the healing power of music bring a clarity, insight, and brilliance to her music and teaching.

Marytha Paffrath, Libana's principal drummer and percussionist, is a singer, composer, writer, and innovative teacher who believes deeply in bringing the simplicity of song to the complexity of the world. Together, Marytha and Susan bring lively, humor-filled, grounded guidance to workshops coast to coast.

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Participants in last year’s workshop wrote:

"there was joy - so much of it... my soul was touched"

"it was very transformative and healing - I have never experienced so much energy from group singing"

"I experienced the reinforcement of a belief in the healing power of music, the joy of stepping out of the mundane into a space of vibrational beauty, heart-sharing, deep listening and soul-journeying - also a broadening of possibility in myself"

"I won't be the same - something deep happened, that I never expected"

"a welcoming space and environment where we were free to explore and discover and open our hearts to the music... an unforgettable experience."

"wow... so layered and abundant.. two extraordinary teachers... beautiful repertoire"

“my favorite part was meeting and working with Susan and Marytha; glorious, humorous, generous, lovely women"

"my voice is re-awakened"
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MHTP CEUs = 9

TUITION: In order to accommodate varying financial realities, we are offering a sliding scale of $125-180 per person. Put yourself where you feel comfortable, and be generous in equal measure. Some tuition assistance may be available – contact Ellen for more info.

(Note that tuition does not include food or lodging.)

REGISTRATION: Until November 1st, priority registration will be given to MHTP graduates and students, students and graduates of other therapeutic training programs, and to last year's workshop participants. Space is limited so we suggest you enroll soon to be guaranteed a place. After November 1st registration will be opened to the larger musical healing community.

PAYMENT: Payment in full is requested at the time of registration, via check or PayPal. If this is not possible for you, a $60 deposit will hold your place until Dec 15, at which time the full amount is due. Full payment is required for registrations received after December 15.

We regret that we cannot hold your place until payment is received.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Tuition will be refunded in full for cancellations prior to Jan 1. After Jan 1, a $30 cancellation fee will apply.

LODGING: You will need to make your own arrangements. Just one mile away there’s a Holiday Inn (30 Washington Street, Somerville.

There is free parking at the hotel, and a city bus that runs directly to Union Square). They are holding a limited number of rooms for us at the discounted rate of $80/room (+tax). Each room has two beds.

Up to 4 people can stay in each room without extra charge. This rate applies for 3 days before and 3 days after our workshop, should you want to extend your stay. Reservations must be made directly with the hotel – call (617) 628-1000 and mention MHTP to get the discount, or use this link to book online: CLICK HERE

FOOD: We will provide water and tea throughout the workshop. For lunch on Saturday, Union Square boasts a wide variety of reasonably-priced ethnically-varied food within steps of Third Life Studio (personal favorite: Machu Picchu - Peruvian food - right across the street). We will provide a list of local restaurants and menus for your perusal. Although the studio does not have a full kitchen, a small fridge and microwave are available for your use.

Note that there will be no lunch break on Sunday. Feel free to bring snacks.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS: Boston’s Logan Airport and Amtrak/South Station are each about 4 miles from Union Square. When making travel arrangements, keep in mind that we may not end precisely at 2pm on Sunday. Leave a little wiggle room in your travel plans if at all possible.

QUESTIONS? Contact Ellen Epstein CMP ellen@overallmusic.com (781) 608-0966