Community Corner
Stephanie Heidemann's Authentic Voicework
Authentic Voicework will have you Singing, Humming, and Chanting in a few minutes. When is the last time you sang a tune? What if you had not sung in years and in the space of 20 minutes you were singing with a group and it sounded great?
Sarasota Patch is in search of hidden talent here in Sarasota. One such talented resident is Stephanie Heidemann who teaches Authentic Voicework to all ages and abilities.
Offering workshops and intensives, Heidemann takes you and your voice on a safe, fun journey to places you never expected. It does not matter if you cannot carry a tune. It does not matter if you have not sung in 20 years. Nor does it matter if you happen to be a world-famous singer. Heidemann brings people together who want to explore the connection to their authentic self through using their voice.
Known as the “yoga of the voice,” Heidemann’s work can remove long-held obstructions or fears associated with singing. Participants walk away from the first session feeling exhilarated, having realized that through group exercises (no one is ever asked to sing alone) they can easily blend their voices with others to create harmonious experiences.
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Heidemann started Authentic Voicework several years ago and has offered workshops and intensives around the Sarasota area for the past four years.
Heidemann developed the concept to shed the fear within us when a microphone and an audience is before us.
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“So many people are terrified of singing in front of other people," she said. "They won’t sing unless they are home alone, in the shower, or driving in their car. I work to relieve that primal fear so people can enjoy their voices in a variety of ways.”
Authentic Voicework incorporates a variety of modalities including breathing techniques, relaxation, stretching, singing play and expressive arts therapy. The throat, voice and sense of being are all affected by fear. Fear of humiliation, fear of drawing too much attention to self, or a trauma that inflicted tension can be potential inhibitors.
Authentic Voicework opens up this territory, and explores these issues on the levels of body, mind and spirit. It offers new tools for gaining comfort when external and internal pressures are so daunting. Singing from the place of authenticity uncovers and draws us closer to our place of origin within.
Heidemann blends her unique background in Healing and Arts, folk and international music into her work. Heidemann studied classical technique with Brenda Boozer (NY Metropolitan Opera) & gained a bachelor's degree in Expressive Arts Therapy from Indiana University. She received national attention with a cappella world music group, "VIDA" (IMG-Artists) and continues to spread her music through CD compilations (Sounds True, Inc.) and film soundtracks. Heidemann recently presented Authentic Voicework at the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association conference in Peru.
Having experienced Heidemann’s work personally as part of a writer’s workshop, I must say that I was shocked by the how comfortable I felt with the group and how easy Stephanie made it for all of us to participate in a playful way. I have not sung in 25 years because I was told I could not carry a tune. All of that changed for me after one 20 minute session with Stephanie.
Heidemann also offers private lessons as well as six-week intensives. Massage therapists receive 14-CE credits (NCBTMB Approved Provider # 451581-11) for a two-day workshop.
The next Authentic Voicework two-day workshop takes place Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. at Mandala Med-Spa and Yoga Shala, 1715 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota. Call 941-927-2278 to register.
Additionally, a 6-week intensive begins soon. Contact Heidemann for details through her website, www.authenticvoicework.com, or call 941-927-2278 to register.
