Music is an Endless Ocean

This monthly lecture series, presented by Mark Heinemann and guest speakers, is available to all students enrolled in Encouraging Hands Music School, and enhances music education by covering broader aspects of music.

All "Music is an Endless Ocean" topics from 2000 thru the present have been videotaped and available for purchase.

Topics 2002-2003

Nov. 22, 2002
Improvisation is Being in the Moment
6:30-8:30 pm – St. Ambrose Church

A special evening of collaborative improvisations, designed for all people, musicians and non-musicians. Free to all! We will be participate in sets of structured improvisations, running the gamut from funny, meditative, adventurous, prayerful, joyful, and uplifting. We will see what new territories we can travel to together. You are invited to bring traditional and non-traditional instruments, or they will be provided.

Topics 2001-2002

September 28, 2001
The Keys to Skillful Body Use for Musicians

An evening co-taught with Douglas Wisoff, physical therapist and distance runner. The class will focus on posture, structure, body awareness, tracking and releasing tension when playing music.

October 26, 2001
Voice: Open Your Mouth and Let the World Know Who You Are!

A mini-workshop co-taught with Jeremy Mcleod. We will work with singing and discovering how the voice is a primary channel for tapping into your power and leting out your self expression. Geared for all levels. Jeremy says "I thrive on working with beginners."

November 30, 2001
An Orchestra Held in Your Hands: Dynamics, Timbre and Interpretation
An Evening with Classical Guitarist Jocelyn Nelson

In this class, designed for all instruments, we will be exploring the different ways we can present a piece whether it is a folk or pop song or an intricate piece for solo guitar. Learn to use the full range of sounds on your instrument and how you can orchestrate a performance so it captivates an audience.

Dec. 14, 2001
Stalking the Wild Beast: How to Practice with Patience, Inspiration and Love

We all have to practice if we want to pregress as musicians. How do we get the most out of our practice and utilize our time efficiently so every effort you make is a potent step forward?

January 25, 2002
Passages – Songwriting: Winter into Spring

The evening will be devoted to songwriting and what goes into creating or improving a song by yourself or in collaboration with others. There will be time to help works in progress, and we will also be making songs from scratch. Songwriting is a wonderful way to celebrate and chronicle the changes in a person's life, just as the changes of the season occur, like Winter moving into Spring.

March 1, 2002
Ear Training

Ways to experience and hear sound and music differently: How do we hear? How can we open and revitalize our senses, so sound can enter and be received in fresh and new ways. What is ear training, and why is it essential at every point of a musician's development?

March 29, 2002
From Short Order Cook to Head Chef: Developing Sensitivity in Music

In our quest to learn music, do we become fixated on the technical hurdles we have to overcome and forget about the soul of the music? The nuances, dynamics, and color that make music come alive. How do we engage all of our senses, breath and body to make music that has depth and substance.

May 24, 2002
Heightened Listening: Gifts of Grace, Spirit and Contentment

This is a special evening which begins with the ancient practice of the tea ceremony while listening to music. We will focus on increasing our sensitivity while listening, and developing awareness of sound on our body in everyday life.

June 15, 2002, 9:00 am
Experience the Music of Nature: Auditory Nature Walk

An auditory nature walk with Mark Heinemann. Listen to nature with new ears. Experiencing the sights and sounds of the natural world can increase your musical sensitivity and enhance your ability to hear and produce music. Contact Mark for location and further details.

July 26, 2002
Music as a Vehicle for Self Growth

At the core of many people's desire to learn to play an instrument is the love of learning and challenging one's self to new heights. This love of discovery can be brought to every area of a person's life and can aid in breaking through issues that can keep us from feeling free. In this class we will examine how music can be a strengthening influence in a person's life and how working on one's self can free up new avenues of musical expression.

Date to be determined
The Music of Bach (with special guest artist performers)

"The ocean from which all rivers run." Bach was able to harness the musical forms of his time and transcend them in order to speak on the human condition, and man's relation to life and the universe. His music is as vital and essential now as it was back then, and forms a body of study that is rich in endless discovery for any musician.

Topics 2000-2001

Nov. 30, 2000
How to Practice

An evening devoted to improving your musical practice, establishing good work habits and coming up with strategies to move past any difficulties or resistance that you might have.

Dec. 12, 2000
Full Bodied Music

Playing music requires that we use our body to produce sound from an instrument. On this evening we will work with the body in new ways that will enable you to release tension and discove ways that you can become more sensitive to your breath and posture while playing.

Jan. 18, 2001
Rhythm: From Heart Beat to Dance

Rhythm is an essential ingredient for any musician and the secret is to discover the dance that is in every musical style. Together we will explore this world through percussion instruments, drums, movement, listening and work with your chosen instrument.

Feb. 22, 2001
Composing and Improvising as Related to Practice

This evening will be a journey into two disciplines which are essential for a musician's development. For those who have experience with this we will work with new ways to help you hone your craft and for those who have never had the opportunity you will get to roll oup your sleeves and dive in. All questions are welcome.

Mar. 22, 2001
Feast of Notes: Ear Training

Throughout the ages, most music has been passed down by ear. From early caveman to present day musician, people have heard sounds and been able to imitate and produce those sounds back on their instrumentsl How do you develop your ear so that you can learn songs off of records or to adcurately play what you are hearing and feeling inside your soul when you are improvising? This class will give you the tools to become your own musical pirate.

May 24, 2001
Heightened Listening with Tea Ceremony

A very special evening which begins with the ancient practice of the tea ceremony while listening to music. We will focus on increasing our sensitivity while listening, and awareness of sound on our body in everyday life.

June 14, 2001
Music as a Vehicle for Self Growth

At the core of many people's desire to learn to play an instrument is the love of learning and challenging one's self to new heights. This love of discovery can be brought to every area of a person's life and can aid in breaking through issues that can keep us from feeling free. In this class we will examine how music can be a strengthening influence in a person's life and how working on one's self can free up new avenues of musical expression.

All the above sessions were videotaped and available for purchase. Contact Mark Heinemann if you are interested in purchasing any videotapes.