(Photographed above: Cecilia Spyer and Jeanie LoVetri)
In the new year, Jeanie is headed back to Brazil, what has the reception of Somatic Voicework™ in Brazil been like since Jeanie’s last visit?
(Photographed Below: Cecilia Spyer)
When I first came to study Somatic Voicework™ in the United States in 2012, Somatic Voicework™ wasn’t well-known in Brazil. Since Jeanie first came down, Somatic Voicework™ has become very popular in Brazil. There is a lot of buzz, excitement, and curiosity about Somatic Voicework™ and Jeanie’s trip in 2020!
Quando eu fiz a formação nos EUA em 2012 poucas pessoas conheciam o método aqui no Brasil. Desde que Jeanie veio a primeira vez, Somatic Voicework™ tem sido bem mais divulgado. Criou-se mais curiosidade sobre o método.
As someone who has served as faculty on Somatic Voicework™ teacher trainings and has worked with Jeanie for a long time, how has Somatic Voicework™ helped you as both a teacher and a singer?
(Photographed Below: Jeanie LoVetri and Somatic Voicework™ Faculty in Rio de Janeiro, Cecilia Spyer, Sylvia Cueva, Betinha Amin, Suely Mequita, Marcella Martinez, and Joana Mariz)
Somatic Voicework™ fits like a glove for my singing and philosophy on teaching. As a singer, I have always understood the integration of the body and the voice. As a teacher, I have explored various bodywork methods, meditation, and workshops exploring the body-voice connection. Having already explored Alexander Technique in depth, it has been amazing working with Jeanie and continuing to explore the body-voice connection that is a foundational part of Somatic Voicework™.
The possibility of doing less and getting more is a constant thrill that excites me as a teacher and as a singer.
Somatic Voicework™ caiu como uma luva nas minhas expectativas em relação a voz e ao ensino. Sempre entendi a integração do corpo e voz e sempre investi nisso, aproveitando muito experiências com terapias corporais, meditação e com educação somática. Quando eu descobri técnica alexander já foi um grande encontro comigo mesma e ao trabalhar com a Jeanie esse encontro só expande. A possibilidade de fazer menos e estar mais presente é uma busca constante que me enriquece como professora e como cantora.
You maintain a very busy schedule as a singer and a teacher; what projects are you currently working on?
(Photographed Below: Cecilia Spyer)
I mainly teach one on one lessons. However, recently I have been offering and expanding into group classes which has been an excited new adventure.
I’m seeing people benefit greatly from music and contact with each other. Maintaining the quality of listening that we employ with Somatic Voicework™ in a group setting is an exciting new learning experience for me.
As a singer, I’m working on a new material; some original material and a few well-known songs too, there’s lots of variety. I’m very excited, it’s coming along really well.
I also perform a jazz show where I do a mix of American and Brazilian standards (bossa nova and samba). I also sing lots of backing vocals, which I love and was for many years was my primary job.
Currently, I’m working very hard preparing for Jeanie’s first-ever Level I Somatic Voicework™ Training in Rio de Janeiro.
Tenho principalmente dado muita aula e agora ando expandindo para aulas em grupo, que é um grande desafio para mim. As pessoas se beneficiam muito da musica e do contato uns com os outros e manter a qualidade da escuta que trabalhamos em Somatic Voicework em grupo é um novo aprendizado.
Como cantora , estou trabalhando num novo repertório ; canções de um compositor ainda desconhecido, algumas minhas e outras variadas, mas todas pouco conhecidas,.. vai ser algo bem cool.
Mantenho também um show de Jazz que faço eventualmente misturando standards não só americanos, mas brasileiros ( bossa nova e samba) e também continuo fazendo backing vocals, que eu adoro e foi durante anos minha maior atividade. Faço também preparação de cantor em estúdio!!
Agora, estou bem envolvida no projeto de termos o Level 1 pela primeira vez no Rio!!
What advice do you have for artists pursuing a career in Brazil?
(Photographed Below: Cecilia Spyer)
My biggest piece of advice right now would be to stay creative and very flexible, stay open and carve new paths! Unfortunately, investment in the arts has sharply declined. However, times of crisis are usually very conducive to the emergence of new artistic trends.
O grande conselho no momento é se manter criativo e muito flexível, aberto e disposto a inventar caminhos!
O investimento em cultura no momento diminuiu muito, mas momentos de crise normalmente são propícios a surgimento de novas tendências.
What are you excited about for the future of Somatic Voicework™?
I’m very happy to be part of this amazing community that Jeanie has created. I consider the exchange between people the greatest wealth. It is amazing to be connected with such a diverse, talented, and renowned group of people united by a common interest — singing! The webinars are also incredible, I can’t wait for the next one!
(Photographed Below Right: Cecilia Spyer)
Estou muito feliz de fazer parte dessa comunidade incrível que Jeanie formou. Considero a troca entre as pessoas a maior riqueza. É um super estimulo manter contato com pessoas tão diversas, mas com um interesse em comum. Os webinars foram uma grande conquista e pretendo estar nos próximos!
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