In this course, we will experience singing in a twofold way; as the most mysterious and intimate connection to the supersensible cosmic musical powers that formed the world and humanity, on the one hand; and, on the other, as a joyous, breath-deepening, and health-giving experience that can energize, heal, uplift, and help us meet our life challenges.

While singing songs, rounds, and choral pieces, we will give special attention to meditative vocal exercises that stir the formative and healing powers of tone, re-enliven our voices, and liberate our breathing. These exercises were developed by Valborg Werbeck Sverdstrom, a Swedish opera singer working with Rudolf Steiner. As we retrace the formative role of music in the development of humanity, we will also be exploring the role of music in child development and introducing age- appropriate repertoire.

Daily tone eurythmy will deepen our experience and understanding of music as a path to the spirit.

This course is for teachers, parents, health professionals, and those wishing to explore singing and its healing, pedagogical, and spiritual dimensions, as well as Rudolf Steiner’s indications about music and the work that has developed out of them.

Tone eurythmy with Leonore Russell.
Formdrawing of musical aspects with Elizabeth Auer.

Materials fee: $15

ELEANOR WINSHIP, a longstanding K-12 Waldorf music teacher, is a graduate of the Waldorf School of Garden City and Oberlin Conservatory, where she studied violin, voice, conducting, and music pedagogy. Eleanor was trained in Werbeck singing by Jurgen Schriefer, a student of Valborg Werbeck Sverdstrom, and has studied anthroposophical singing therapy with Thomas Adam. She has given numerous music workshops and courses at anthroposophical and Waldorf colleges, training centers, and conferences across several continents.