The study of a musical instrument can be a conscious practice that integrates mind, body, and soul in a creative and transformational way. This approach to music study involves much more than simply learning notes, repertoire, or technique; it is a learning and remembering of the innate receptivity and inspired responsivity that lives within each of us and which can emerge through the integrative impetus of music making.

Lectio Musica receives its inspiration from the monastic tradition of contemplative prayer known as Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina, as practiced by the monks, refers to the reading and recitation of spiritual writings and combines sounding aloud with interior contemplation. This daily practice, utilizing sound, word, and repetition, bypasses the limitations of purely linear cognition as the capacity for body memory takes the meditations of the day into the dream world of the night. As readings were learned by heart they became so embodied within the nervous system that they informed the daily responses and creative inspirations of the monks during the day-to-day process of conversion to wholeness.

Similarly, in our process of conversion toward musical wholeness we inwardly prepare and consciously allow for the new to emerge in more fully embodied and integrated ways. This model of looking, sounding, and listening with deep intent and focus lies at the heart of the study of music as a contemplative practice.

Is the desire and intention to play the harp a personal expression alone? Ultimately, no, for any activity that invites relationship through the integrative wholeness of the expressive human being adds to the world. This activity of conscious music- making changes, heals, and serves all beings in many subtle and unforeseen ways.

The contemplative musician learns to move and live with lyrical ease within ever-expanding landscapes of sound and interior spaciousness.

Contemplative Music Studies

The study and performance of music as a contemplative practice lies at the heart of  this approach to musicianship. Through Lectio Musica, ongoing Tutorials and Harp Intensives are offered in individual or group formats that explore the unique phenomenology of the harp.  A musical being and technique that truly becomes an experience of wholeness and beauty is facilitated as the musician’s activity of forming sound spirals back to continue the ongoing growth and transformation of the musician and musician-clinician.

Harp Tutorials

Ongoing Tutorials: Each cycle consists of nine weekly sessions, seventy-five minutes in length. The nine sessions are divided into groups of three. Each group is followed by an open week intended as a time of integration and synthesis for the student.

Harp Intensives: Individual and group lessons are offered for 1-5 consecutive days in 2-4 hour daily sessions. Practice facilities and a harp are provided for those traveling from a distance.  Accomodations are available in a small cabin, the Bee House, situated amidst flower gardens and overlooking a sounding brook in the mountains above one of the ancient glacial lakes of Vermont.

Each individual session is tailored to the particular needs and skill level of the student. All levels from beginning to advanced are invited to register for individual lessons.

Harp Sinfonia

Members of the Harp Sinfonia receive a weekly seventy-five minute ensemble lesson following the same format as the individual harp lesson with nine weekly sessions divided into three groups of three.

The ensemble experience of mutually sculpting a musical phrase, through coordinating movements and breath while creatively “listening the phrase” together, inspires the experience of ensemble playing as the creative resonance of a living musical organism.

Prerequisite: Previous harp study or current study with a teacher of your choice. All levels accepted.

Supportive Tutorials

Supportive tutorials in harp and contemplative musicianship are offered to students enrolled in the Chalice of Repose Contemplative Musicianship program or Music-Thanatology Certification program. Contemplative Musicianship is one of  two programs pioneered by Therese Schroeder-Sheker of the Chalice of Repose Project. (www.chaliceofrepose.org)