Interview:

All sound acts upon the physical world whether it is expressed as pressure waves through the air, which one would perceive via our ears, or conducted through the bones and tissues such as when we place a hand on a washing machine. Yet sound is more than that. From birth, we are programmed to associate different sounds with different experiences. A newborn associates its mother’s voice with nurturing comfort while the squeal of a braking car would release adrenalin as we sense danger. Hence, our life experiences with sound help to program or attune our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Music can provide a myriad of sounds that can stimulate or evoke specific responses in each of us. Musicians can choose specific rhythms and tones to energize and stimulate, or to calm and open our hearts to love and forgiveness. When we listen to music it is not just with our ears, for it engages all aspects of our being, and can be used to help us heal and transform our lives.

Art and music invite us to flow in a non-rational manner. They are designed to engage us in an experiential way so that we connect with ourselves and one another on a deeper level. Well-constructed art and music move us to beauty, compassion, empathy, and love. These things are communicated without the cumbersome translation of language and are universal. Whenever I have travelled, I revel in the music and art of other cultures as that is how I can connect to them – by experiencing what brings them laughter, joy, and love.

If you had asked me even three years ago if I was going to record I would have laughed. My students frequently asked after a class if I had a recording of my meditations as they found them so compelling. Finally, I was convinced to make a CD. The themes of love, forgiveness, and joy were chosen for my first CD as I have found, in my own journey, and that of my clients, that all healing begins by learning to love and forgive oneself. Recently, a women met me and said I looked so familiar and after some thought, she said, “I know where! You are on the cover of a CD someone gave me. I listened to it every day on my holiday at the beach. Thank you, it has helped me so much!” Her words had a profound impact on me as I suddenly realized that this creative work has taught me to value the sound of my own voice.

“Our life experiences with sound help to program or attune our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.”
– Jeannette Nienaber, Author, Composer & Workshop Leader