Your Voice, Your Story:
Tools for Keeping a Conversation Alive
Workshop with Holly Near
In May 2008 Melodic Vision presented a workshop with Holly Near at the Schlesinger Library at Radcliffe Institute in Cambridge to an appreciative and attentive audience. The program was so engaging that many participants asked if Holly Near would return for a follow-up workshop. To our delight Holly was thrilled at the prospect of returning for another event. (Date and location TBA)
Holly’s intimate workshop is designed to be of use to artists, musicians, teachers, lawyers, ministers, activists, storytellers, writers or anyone else interested in becoming better presenters of their work or in making their story or message have a bigger impact — whether it’s in front of an audience or over the backyard fence.
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
"GOD. PEACE. DEMOCRACY. SECURITY." These are all words that can be highly misunderstood. Such vague generalities are often used to manipulate and are key words when dragging a nation to war.
Those of us who want to move towards greater understanding, find we must improve our communication skills so that our days are not filled with missed opportunities. Whether one writes songs, poems, letters to the editor, or sermons, we are all story telling. But what is it that we really believe or mean? How do we find the words that most profoundly express what we mean and articulate what we truly believe? How do we improve the power of what we are saying — tell a story in such a way that the reader/listener leans into the ideas? Good writing is an invitation.
For me, because I am interested in social change and community, I practice "active noticing" and "creative curiosity". I try to remain open to new ideas, to be willing to change my opinion, to enjoy challenging the misinformation that may have made its way into my little childhood brain. In this workshop, I will offer up tools that can be of use in this journey towards creative expression. Even if your main form of communication is talking to a neighbor over the fence, this "practice" can help keep that conversation alive.
I do not separate my music from my heart nor do I separate my ideas from my daily life. I open my self up to learning as much as I can about humanity and this mysterious life experience, but I do not relate to political work as a series of "causes." Moment by moment, I integrate what I learn into my personal life, personalizing my politics. It is from this personal place that I write my songs.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS: MELODIC VISION
As co-directors of Melodic Vision, we serve the community within the context of our own performances, and regularly rely on artistic collaboration to create those shows. In this workshop, we are again using artistic collaboration—this time, outside of our own shows—to reach out to others and help them find the creative juices in their own work.
In working with Holly Near, we are providing an environment for you to have creative experiences and to learn to articulate your work clearly.
Proceeds will be used to fund future projects by both Holly Near and Melodic Vision.
—Susan Wilson & Rebecca Strauss
Copyright © 2009 Melodic Vision
All photos copyright © Susan Wilson
“Thanks to Holly for the seeds she planted. I loved her generous spirit, her humbleness and grace, her vision. I appreciate her lens on the culture, on the world.
“I love Holly's voice, and am grateful to know how she uses it to raise the consciousness of those who can listen. Indeed I gained some "tools" for presenting my workshops. But more than that, I enjoyed being in the company and energy of people willing to use our voices--through writing, talking, teaching, singing--to create positive change in the world.”
–Kathy Leo, singer
“It was SUCH a helpful
workshop. I had to do a one minute shpiel at the Lincoln Garden club this morning and I used everything Holly had us practice in the workshop last night.”
–Miranda Loud, singer
