Finding Your Artist Path

Did you ever have that feeling that you were in the wrong place or somewhere at the wrong time? Dr John has a great song and interpretation of this. I know I’m not alone but there have been so many points in my life when I felt something was off with where I was in my development as an artist. Back when I was in college I started to experience the beginning effects of being split in two (or even three) directions because I had interests in music and dance as well as writing. I eventually signed up to become a music major but it was after lots of trial and error. Still whenever I was in a music class some part of me felt like we ought to be moving and when I was in dance class, I thought we should be singing or playing more. I couldn’t understand why I was the only one who appeared to feel this way and why none of the teachers were doing anything to create a balance between the two. I didn’t realize it then but this was the beginning of my opening into voice and movement as its own discipline (which isn’t something I take credit for since music and dance have been practiced together in most traditions throughout the world).

Time and time again I am happily surprised at how advantageous movement can be in aiding singers to find their authentic voices. It’s also part of what propelled me to write my first book over the last few years. 

If you’re looking for some extra support along your artist path, make sure to take a look at my summer offerings. And I hope to see you on July 15th at the launch for my book Lost & Found: Finding The Power In Your Voice!

Music Spells for Self-Transformation

Be careful when you tell yourself a story 

It’s better not be not to tell yourself a lie

Life is full of wonder

There is glory

You don’t have to wait until you die

-”A Heart Is Not A Toy” by Abbey Lincoln

Whether I’m teaching or getting ready to perform I regularly like to call on the wisdom of Jazz vocalist/composer/musical ancestor Abbey Lincoln. There are so many lyrics one could quote from her catalog to use as a remedy, or antidote, for what you’re going through in life. Like the lyrics from “Throw It Away”

 “Keep your hands white open 

let the sun shine through 

cause you can never lose a thing if it belongs to you” 

Lincoln’s special notes and fragrances are like those your wild, great aunt stored in a book of recipes for you to turn to when in need of answers or encouragement like nourishing stew or comforting cookies.  I’ve been wondering how Ms. Lincoln’s notes apply to the path of being an artist and the inevitable ups and downs, self doubt, desire and frustration that will arise. Whether you have a professional career with mainstream success or niche success or choose your art as a hobby just for yourself, personal barriers often show up along the way. 

So that’s where I turn to Abbey. Abbey sang “the music is the magic” and while it’s a short and simple statement, it’s still a profound truth. Musicians are magicians. That’s our superpower should we choose to use it. And often the cure to life’s ups and downs is in how we engage with the music both on and offstage. We mix potions and powders, we whisper words and incantations while combining ingredients into sequencers, cymbals, microphones, nylon, steel, laptops and more. We write poetry that becomes the personal affirmations for hundreds if not thousands for decades. Just think of the list “Say it loud I’m Black and I’m proud!”, “One love, one heart let’s get together and feel alright”, “The creator has a master plan” and more. 

In a world of chaos, magic is most definitely needed. In a world of violence, where so many are starved for love, connection and purpose…where hopefully most of us want justice and joy for everyone, we need magic. 

The Porch Sessions are my latest aim at creating music magic. So if you are in need, our next offering will be on Wednesday, February 15th at 1pm live on IG. And if you know a great venue near you where you think The Porch Sessions would be a match, please send an email here.

Til the next time! Keep casting those music spells!

Art, Fear & The Power of Ancestry

I wonder how far back in time we would have to go to get to the point when humans first became fearful about making and sharing art. What event happened at that particular moment? It makes sense that any rite of passage would bring with it some level of anxiety or concern but art seems different. Since art hasn’t always functioned the same way in society, it’s hard to believe that our role as artists/artmakers and our interpretation of that role hasn’t also changed with it. Over time music, art, dance and theater has gone from a balm, a spiritual mobilizer, a means to mourn and celebrate to a commodity, a quick exchange often consumed as fast as food at a drive thru. 

Has it always been human nature to feel some sort of imposter syndrome, performance anxiety or pressure to be the best or did this arrive with colonialism, sexism, patriarchy and a move away from indigenous spiritual practices? I spend a lot of time thinking about art and fear, how it manifests, why and what to do with it.

Just yesterday I lead my monthly Embodied Artist workshop for women/nonbinary people. This workshop is something which I’ve been offering for the last 3 years and in special one off moments before the pandemic. Our theme this month was ancestry and how a connection to one's ancestors can help dissolve the myths, confusion and fear many people hold around authentic artistic expression.  Every time I teach an intro or full length workshop on this topic people are amazed at the insights and wisdom they receive from their personal and collective family stories. It’s the reason that I’m so convinced people ought to regularly review their unique stories time and time again.

If you’ve been struggling with self doubt and how to make an impact with your voice and art, then Tuning In is a great space to find like-minded community. I highly recommend this online artist support group! Need help with accountability, planning, breaking down steps to an artistic goal, carving out space just for you, finding time to practice? We got you! Same bat time, same bat place on Mondays at 11am EST. To find out more about how to make art your way and stay true to your values, reach out to us here.

How To Keep The Spark Alive…In Your Life

Do you ever wake up in the morning wanting to get right back under the covers? You swing your legs to sit up and notice the stiffness in your back or the fogginess in your mind. Then you stand and draaaag  yourself to your morning tea or coffee. As you run through the items on your to do list you realize, nothing excites about this day. Ok, maybe that’s just me. Lol! Hopefully you’re not feeling that way right now but if you are, there’s a way to revive yourself when life gets dreary. 

Everyone faces depressing, stressful, daunting and frustrating news, especially these last three years. Kids have had to learn how to go to school without social connection (one of their number one needs), adults have had to learn how to do everything from work to working out, from therapy to going to the doctor from home. People of all ages have been deprived of not only physical affection but emotional connection and we’re still facing threats of new challenges to how we thought life was supposed to be lived. So how do you bring the joy back to getting the dishes done and responding to those 10 emails in your inbox? Get creative!!

In my experience creativity and even more specifically rituals help draw the magic out of the everyday, mundane aspects of life. And in the West we often forget about the importance of magic as well as hard facts. For example one of the things that makes music so magical is the fact that we can’t see it or touch it. Music touches us but it is intangible and therefore has a kind of mystery to it. 

We all have lists of administrative tasks, domestic duties, practice sessions and various phone calls to tend to.  Some of these to-dos are fun and some are not. But you don’t want the general terms of being an adult to kill your creative spirit. 

What if you could bring the sparkle, or glimmer, back to life when you’re feeling low? Not for nothing but being inspired is good for your health! It’s good for your mind, your nervous system, relationships, not to mention your art and art making process and more. A lot of times when I find myself moving about without interest, I know it’s time to shake things up a bit. 

A Mini Ritual For Creating Magic In Your Day

1. Connect with an intention. You can set an intention, wish or gratitude before doing absolutely anything. From running errands to having a difficult conversation. Think of something you’re grateful for. Even the most benign things make me feel different in my body like “Thank you for such a relaxing shop at the grocery store” or “I’m so grateful for fresh water”.

2. Close your eyes and breathe thinking of your intention. This can take 1 minute or 30. It's up to you. It’s just a way to change your thinking and the way you’re experiencing life.

3. Light a candle or some type of scent you really like. Waking your senses is a way to shift your state of mind as well. Often when you’re working on autopilot, grumbling about the woes of life, you’re not as in touch with your sight, sound, smell, touch or taste. 

A ritual is a feeling of making things sacred to you. A next step can be finding a form of accountability from a group to a partner, coach, mentor or therapist. This month I am beginning another month of my Tuning In monthly artist support group for women/nonbinary folks who want to create with the awareness of what feels good for their bodies, minds and spirits. That way they don’t wind up steam rolling over themselves and their feelings (which never works) and then have to go back and redo what they did in order to find a sustainable way to work. Come join in this month to create more sparkle in your life and art:).

Finding Nourishment

Hey Everyone,

It’s Scorpio Season and today is my birthday!!  I don’t know about you but this semester started and I felt like I hit the ground running. Since then I’ve been trying to reassess my routines and find a normal pace again. So this month I’ve been thinking about how to recenter and nourish myself. Oftentimes this can be a combination of slowing down, finding sound and movement that energizes and supports me and going to see live art and performance (Follow my instagram to see what I’ve been going to lately)...

Whether you’re a teacher, artist, parent, caretaker, small business owner, or all of the above,  every so often we need a chance to refill our cup so that we can give to the people and projects we care about. Most of what I teach is built on this idea. In order to be truly successful and thriving artists, you need space and time, practices and community that will allow you to tend to your art, personal needs as well as relationships so you can give to your art while it simultaneously feeds you. Yes, you can actually make art in a way so that it doesn’t just take every ounce of your energy but instead so that it fortifies you. (This is definitely an art in and of itself:).

Teaching voice and movement programs helps me to give students a full picture of learning in this kind of surround/holistic sound way. Starting next January 2023 I will be offering a new round of my group program, the Embodied Artist Group Program for women/nonbinary people looking to strengthen their voices for singing and speaking while also building confidence in themselves. If this sounds like you, contact us so you can plant your artistic dreams and watch them grow!

Dancing With The Devil & Other Recipes For Courage

Dancing with the devil

I’m doing a slow grind

Dancing with the devil

Feels like I’m losing my mind

Oh I’m waist deep 

in the mud

I’m half asleep

Just because

-”Dancing With The Devil” 

from the upcoming hybrid memoir “Lost & Found” by Pyeng Threadgill

Do you ever have those thoughts when singing like “Ugh, I sound terrible!”, “Why does it sound like I have something stuck in my throat?”, “How long is it going to take before I really like the way sound?” It’s not easy building the inner resilience to withstand days and nights of refining your voice and singing. You’ve probably started the work to strengthen your voice but from time to time fall off of the wagon to your full self-expression. 

As often as self-doubt may arise (and can be disappointing and even depressing), sometimes there’s a little part of that hopeless feeling that just feels good. In the same way that it feels good to skip going to the gym and watch tv instead. Sometimes you just have to embrace the devil. In much the same way that many people throughout the US and abroad will be dressing up as alter egos this weekend for Halloween, there is something empowering and luscious about dancing with the devil. And by the devil I mean that split consciousness we all have. In African mythology the devil isn’t usually seen as an all or nothing entity. In African mythology the devil is often a trickster luring us towards temptation to often wake us up and or strengthen our inner resolve. 

In more recent years I have gone from trying to suppress all negative thoughts all the time to wondering “Is there some part of this that I actually secretly enjoy?”… because if there is, maybe they could serve me. For example when I surrender to the sound of my voice in the moment, I actually can connect more deeply with the music and my body. I also stop fighting what I still want to improve about my voice. Add a dose of movement and you have a secret remedy for performing.

So should you feel called to “dance with the devil,” or find more freedom through embracing your full voice, you might be interested in my upcoming voice and movement program entitled The Embodied Artist Program. Email to find out more!

The Art of Listening

One of the hardest things about learning how to sing, or just refining your skills to sing, is being able to withstand the sound of your voice when it’s not doing what you want. It’s easy to dip into vocal warm ups on youtube, one off classes, to sing along with your favorite artists as you shout at the top of your lungs in your apartment but it’s much harder to just be with you. The no frills and subtle thrills as you weather the storm of your own voice and the thoughts in your head.

I receive a lot of calls from prospective students wanting to return to singing, to put out their original music and play regular gigs. Most of them say how passionate they feel about singing and music in general and how much they would like to strengthen their voices to put their best music foot forward. But strengthening your voice takes two kinds of strength; one, physical strength (and flexibility) and two, mental strength. When I’m working with students on building their holistic vocal routines it’s often in the “mess” that people want to quit the exercise. However, this is exactly when the breakthroughs happen and quite quickly. 

I wish I had known this back when I was finding my way in college but my commitment to teaching voice and maintaining a regular voice practice stems in part from this realization. Vocalizing consistently with new awareness and new interest everyday has taught me how to listen to my inner voice and embrace my “outer voice”. I know you might be wanting to strengthen your voice too. You might be wanting to sing louder and higher, to captivate audiences, to sing your unique music and look and feel confident. Well, you can do that quite swiftly incorporating the art of listening. Listening to your body and not just your mind.  

Next week is the start of several offerings that I have created to support the strength of you as a singer and your creative spirit. I hope to see you somewhere soon!  

The Value of Make Believe

I think one of the best feelings of being a performing/artist (besides the connections made while creating work together) is when your efforts and skills are acknowledged. Being an artist (or creative person) can require giving loads of time to ideas that often go unseen, unheard and unnoticed making it tempting to walk away and leave projects unfinished. Drawing and composing sketches day after day you might wonder “Will this ever make it to the light of day?" or "Will anyone even show up when it’s done?” However, eventually with the right support and consistency you will have the opportunity to share those creative works that have meant so much to you. 

Years ago I got to be a headlining performer at the annual Charlie Parker Jazz Festival held in Tompkins Square Park with my own group. Even though I had played a number of international music festivals in Spain, France, Greece and elsewhere and toured throughout the country it was playing in my own backyard that truly revealed to me how far I had come on my artistic journey. Similarly, I couldn’t help but feel giddy and a bit taken last week when I got to see this recent Kate Spade campaign which I worked on earlier this year. I guess there’s something about coming home that always feels magical to me. This job in particular was also unique because I was asked to essentially “play” myself! How fitting for someone who teaches voice, movement and authentic expression.

This Fall I’m wondering how can I continue playing with all the things that I love to do. If you want some inspiration for your own play practice, come join me this Thursday when Elias Meister and I offer our first livestream lunchtime Porch Session.

And to see this photo and it’s accompanying video in person, just take a ride on the B/D/M/F train to Broadway Lafayette.

Hope to see you somewhere soon!

Creating Space For Your Voice

Many years ago I used to live in what felt like a continual Groundhog’s Day of chronic voice loss and fatigue. After shows, during rehearsals, at the end of a cold my voice would play mind games with me ducking, disappearing then reappearing again. Getting sick once or twice and losing your voice is one thing but this happened on repeat. It was horrible! Last week I watched “Not Just A Girl”, the Netflix documentary on Shania Twain, where she shares, amongst other things, her fight with Lyme disease and how it took her voice away for almost a decade. I was reminded of just how stressful it is to be a singer/performing artist while managing a challenging voice condition and still trying to deliver the musical goods.  

Of course, I wish I knew then all the things that I know now about how to keep my voice healthy. All the self care tools that I have for listening to my emotional and physical body. When it’s telling me to slow down, take time for myself or when to move, get outside, see a friend. I’ve also cultivated ways to practice that truly maintain my voice, not just for rehearsing and performing, but also to handle all that comes with being a performer. These routines and practices are woven into my teaching and my life for good reason.

I want my students to be able to withstand long and sometimes uncomfortable travel days, quick dress changes, lack of privacy, soundchecks, glitches in sound and communication, radio and tv interviews, meeting and connecting with different people, posing for pictures, advocating for your and your band’s needs for sound, housing, pay, etc. There’s so much that can take a toll on you, especially as a woman, Queer person, person of color, or mother!… knowing at the end of the day you still have to play and do it gracefully. And by gracefully I mean allowing whatever frustration, exhaustion, sadness and joy there is to be a part of the music. 

I started writing “Lost & Found”, my upcoming book on the voice, because I wanted to share some of the struggles and many blessings of being an artist. Even in those times when I didn’t sound or feel my best, most often my voice just wanted me to take some time for myself.

So here’s the down and dirty quick cheat sheet…listen to your voice. When I make regular space for my voice, body and creativity most things in my life wind up having clear solutions, they become manageable, even great. But a lot of us, myself included, need some outside support, someone to listen, offer their own pitfalls and routines, give you a boost of confidence when you’re down. So if you would like to create some space for your voice , come join the Tuning In workshop later this month on Monday, August 22 from 11am -1pm EST.

Trusting Your Creative Inspiration

All over the world composers, painters, sculptures, dancers, playwrights and other artists sequester themselves alone in rooms or with like-minded folks to call on this voice. They sit at pianos, stand in front of blank canvas and balance on Marley to draft an artistic impulse and impression. Something they saw in their head, felt in their heart or heard in their mind.

From the upcoming “Lost & Found: Finding The Power In Your Voice”

It’s easy to witness beautiful art, groundbreaking dance or soul stirring music and think “I’ll never be able to do that”. But that’s because we’re often faced with the end result. Rarely do we get to see the beginning, middle or even initial flashes of inspiration that propelled a creative project into being born. So much of what helps to complete or generate paintings, scores and plays begins with an abundance of ideas, ideas that may even seem to be competing with one another. When you were young it was probably much easier to give yourself creative leeway but as you got older expectations, pressure, comparison got higher. 

When I think back on being a little kid I don’t even remember the difference between creative ideas versus other ideas. We were always inspired to manifest our visions, whatever they were. Like “How are we gonna get enough money to get some biscuits from KFC?” or “Let's have a songwriting contest!” to “Oooo! lets redo your room!” As a vocalist/composer and voice and movement teacher a large portion of what I teach is actually guiding students to let their creative ideas flow and actually trust them. We’ve been adulting for a good while now and some of those “adult” skills can have an adverse effect on a highly captivating and successful project. 

But what is inspiration? What makes it valid? And who gets to sing or write a song or make a film? The best barometer in my opinion is the level of joy, engagement or excitement it brings you.  I didn’t plan on writing a book at this point in my life but writing just felt good, just like when I was a kid (and there have been  a lot of things happening these last few years that didn’t feel good). So I followed the good feeling. I let it lead. And now as it turns out I’m in the midst of completing my first hybrid memoir!

How do you tap into your creative voice and trust the flow? I invite you to take note of the ideas that bring you happiness and come join me for my book launch this November 2022! Lets celebrate with like minded folks who too want to unleash the power in their voices. To be a part of the festivities please make sure to email us here!

Finding Your Creative Inspiration And Sticking With It

One day several years ago my husband found this free bike on the street. He brought it home, pumped up the tires and found that it worked like new! It had no bells or whistles, no basket nor kickstand (like the one above:), no flashy color or brand. But it turned out the bike ran perfectly! Not just perfectly, I actually love this bike!

It took me a while to start using it regularly but when I did, I discovered I really enjoyed it. I like the weight of it, I like how it glides uphill perfectly without me having to adjust the gears (because I prefer having less to think about when I'm riding Lol!). I like that it’s a "female" bike and that I can easily move my legs over when I’m getting off or on. I like that the handlebars are high so I can sit tall without cranking my neck and getting a tight neck and upper back from another modern gadget. As a result in the past couple months I’ve been super inspired to take this bike to discover parts of the city that I wouldn’t normally visit or bike to.

Just as a little background, my husband and daughter often prefer staying in the city during the summer and or holidays whereas I prefer visiting some place new so we often have to find a compromise. But lately I anticipate weekends with the excitement of a little kid. I can't wait to go on our next bike adventure!

Two and a half years ago I never would have thought that I would have a working manuscript to my first book. But just like my bicycle I followed my inspiration and saw where it led me. I hope that you’ll be a part of this next chapter in my voice and movement offerings when I unveil it this November. But in the meantime, tell me where is your inspiration leading you? Please send a reply. I love hearing from you all!

Using The Power of Your Imagination For Better Singing

There’s a misconception about music, performance and art making in general. (There are many misconceptions actually). For example that you have to be born with a good voice in order to sing or that music is all work and no play (or worse) that it’s all play and no work. As if musicians, dancers, filmmakers, comedians haven’t been honing their skills just as long and in depth as lawyers, teachers, scientists and others. But there’s also a misconception about dreaming. That dreaming  isn’t a worthwhile activity, that it isn’t advisable, practical or useful when it comes to getting things done. But I’m here to say just the opposite. Your visions, dreams and desires matter a whole lot!, especially when it comes to realizing your creative goals. 

Despite the fact it’s often in our “dreams” that we get inspiration for where we want to live, work, how to solve a problem or devise innovative technology, our society often holds strong biases against the power of our imaginations. We tell kids to “follow their dreams” yet criticize adults for being childlike if they continue dreaming. And it isn’t surprising if you take a look at the cultures which do value imagination and dreaming, such as African and Indigenous cultures, that messaging in the West continues to suggest the “primitive” thinking of these cultures. I’m not saying that being an adult doesn't demand a deeper level of responsibility and follow through (because it does) but for just that reason alone adults need spaces to free their imagination and dream their voices into being. 

When I work with singers and sounders I ask them to visualize just as high performing athletes and meditators do. In order to create the experience that they want with their voices I believe it’s crucial to spend time contemplating and reflecting on what it is that they want, how they want it to feel, who does it in a way that touches them and why. This intention can then be spun into the act of singing. Plus there’s a difference between wanting to sing for your pets and wanting to sing for stadiums or wanting to sing for weddings and wanting to record your own album. So as much as you need functional based vocal warm ups, a consistent warm up schedule, music that challenges you and moves you,  you also need to tune into what it is that you desire. That desire will be both a guide for your singing and a confidence builder because you are listening to and validating your inner voice. 

So what dreams and music wishes are you having? Next month on Friday, April 8th from 10a-4p EST I will be offering a virtual voice and movement for you to indulge in all the music making and daydreaming you desire so that you can truly improve your singing. There are still some slots available! For more information or to sign up, email here

‘Tis The Season For Your Voice To Shine

Do you ever feel that desire to take your singing and confidence to the next level? The level where you see and feel yourself performing in front of others and feel totally clear headed and relaxed in your body. Your voice shows up for you in a reliable way and as a result you're able to truly express your emotions.

I know you're busy wrapping presents and wrapping up the year but there's still that nagging sense that you're not getting the most out of your voice. It's a little weak, your head voice sounds thin, your chest voice doesn't really have much punch and you can't seem to create a steady time to practice. Well, while you're busy tying bows on everything, remember feeling good in your voice and body is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.

Next year I'll be launching my new Embodied Artist Group Program to fuse together the multiple levels of support I offer into one. It’s not easy, nor for the faint of heart, being an artist and putting yourself fully out there and sharing your emotions, your words and voice without fear or compromise. That’s why I created The Embodied Artist Group Program.

We are beginning to enroll students now for a January 19, 2022 start so if this program is calling you please email us at lessons@pyengnyc.com to learn more and how to get started.

Keeping Your Inner Child Alive

One of the things that I love about teaching is that my students are continuously reflecting back to me why voice and movement work so well in freeing one’s voice. Time and time again they articulate that using an integrative approach to singing helps them not only find their own authentic sound but it also gives them greater confidence. And the thing is I make sure to add a dose of whacky along the way.

For as long as I can remember I have had a deep bond with my inner child, that playful spirit inside of me daydreaming and goofing around. It is in part thanks to her that I often create outside the box teaching models and original music and artwork. It is thanks to her that improvising and creating music has felt so accessible and relatively easy. Although I am inspired by larger concepts my relationship to music is first a purely intuitive and or instinctual thing. 

On the one hand it seems obvious that play would be a vital component of art making. However, when you become more invested in studying the arts, music can become very serious very fast (almost like a 13 year old who suddenly has to provide for the family). Commit to this approach to art or music making and it will surely paint a picture that is dry and lacking the colorful, sensual and spontaneous impact it once had. You also don’t have to be a professional artist for art to lose its luster. Music can lose it’s shine if you are an amateur and for one reason or another you start to focus solely on your end goals and technical skills without connecting to your joy.

When I started playing with in a band with my friends in junior high and high school one of the things that we spent countless hours doing while practicing was laughing. We learned music, wrote music, found places to perform and throughout it all we laughed for hours and hours. People go to Laughing Yoga classes just to receive the benefits of laughter. Can you imagine how much Dopamine we were getting just from being around one another? That’s the beauty of music. So even though we would win competitions and record, we kept the spirit of play alive. If you want to develop your voice and vocal confidence but while still holding onto your inner child, then look no further to learn about The Embodied Artist Group Program starting January 19th, 2022. Come experience the freedom of your voice while staying true to your love of music. 

Why Groups Matter

Sometimes it doesn’t matter how much I’ve accomplished, how many checks I’ve marked on my to do list, how many new opportunities may be peaking on the horizon,  I just don’t feel right until I’ve shared the whole journey of how I got through Tuesday to appreciate what all I’ve done. Once I get to “break bread” with like minded folks who share my values and or interests, then I can see that despite the detours we’re all making spiritual and artistic progress.

For the last 20 months I’ve found an incredible amount of solace from various online thriving artist groups and it’s made me reconsider how I want to be supporting other artists/creatives. Since the start of the pandemic I began offering a weekly workshop as a way to build community and help those that wanted to feel more centered onstage. This eventually developed into a weekly artists support group for women/non-binary folks. And next year I will be launching my first 9 month group program called The Embodied Artists Program!!

While it seems like this was birthed out of the pandemic, I realize that groups have been a core thread for me throughout the years. From the singer songwriter circle that my friend Tom Paul ran yearssss ago out of his home every Monday evening in Park Slope. There I met artists such as Debbie Deane and Amma Whatt amongst others. I’ve worked with business coach Britt Bolnick where I then met Nikki Starcat Shields whose book writing group I joined during the pandemic where I am completing my first hybrid memoir. My connection to the goodness of groups dates all the way back to middle school and high school where I used to play music with my friends in our band Soul Sauce. Laughing and making music after school was in many ways the foundation for how I built my music making process to feel like home.

I’m now confident that group learning and support is an incredible tool for helping artists stay accountable and continue making huge leaps with their goals. If you’re ready to give your voice the confidence boost you’ve been looking for, email lessons@pyengnyc.com to find out more about The Embodied Artist Program

Finding Your Vocal Compass

What if there was a way that you could re-calibrate your nervous system when feeling stressed, scattered or alone? When you become forgetful and your thoughts start floating above you. What if there was a way to call back the Humpty-Dumpty-parts that perhaps fall down rabbit holes of self-doubt, self-sabotage, confusion or overwhelm into a whole? What if it could begin with the sound of your voice? The vibration starts almost like a homecoming gathering pieces of yourself together again. Like a horn call, alluring, mystical and magnetic illuminating your cells. A light from the lake house reminding you of the way back to your body.

You haven’t sung since that play in high school, since that one semester you took gospel choir, that time you got the courage to write a song and share it with the class. It feels like a really long time since those high pressure/high stakes music competitions that always left your palms sweaty. But your voice is still there waiting to assist, to be your guide, your slightly rusty but trusty compass. Show her a little love and she will surround you in the feeling you’ve been craving. The days are moving fast but it’s safe for you to stay in your body, to breathe and laugh, even cry.  Soon a casual conversation, a presentation, a performance will be your invitation to awaken.

I know for some of you the sound of your own voice is still a little bit jarring, something you prefer to tune out and for others it might be delicious like a cup of hot cocoa. You might want more from your voice but don’t know where to start. Well, no need to worry, this next month there are many opportunities for you to dip your toes into the vast and ongoing journey with your voice. I hope I will see you sounding somewhere soon!

What Artist Season Are You In?

As an artist there are times when I’m super inspired, churning out new ideas, researching, going to see other artists’ work, rehearsing and producing and then there are other times when I’m not quite “productive” at all. I’m doing the normal everyday stuff that everyone has to do like making meals, doing laundry, teaching, taking out the trash (which my daughter actually does), walking the dog, watching Netflix, exercising, going to bed, waking up and doing it all over again. But even during those times when I’m not actively producing new songs, installations, poetry or curriculum for teaching voice and movement, I am still extremely busy. We all are. Life is happening. It’s not just the flashy lights-camera-action of performing and premiering a new project, that makes us productive.

Years ago I had a talk therapist who brought it to my attention that those “slower” times when we’re not in an outflow of production are just another season, like winter. For instance summer harvest doesn’t happen all year round (unless you live in Southern California or the Caribbean and if you do, you will notice the folks there have adapted their lifestyle by moving slower and taking naps). Whereas those of us who live in places with four seasons like New York tend to ramp up for Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall! However, as it turns out, just like food production, if it’s unsustainable for the environment to constantly grow, then it’s also unsustainable for us as humans and artists to constantly produce.

As we head “back-to-school” I am really interested in remembering to cultivate healthy growth practices for the Fall. Earlier this month during my weekly Tuning In series I asked the group what is it that you want to bring with you, or harvest, from summer? What do you want to store away so that you can remember the ripeness and energy of summer? This month I am offering several opportunities where folks can gather and nurture their voices to move into Fall with greater confidence. I hope to see you somewhere fruitful soon!

What To Do With Art-Break

Even on good days sometimes I just feel art-broken. With so much disaster constantly afoot in the world I am well aware of the abundant blessings in my life. Each day I feel immense gratitude for the roof over my head, healthy food, a job that I love, healthy family, my own health and more. However, my desire to make art and contribute art is a spiritual longing that I can’t deny and sometimes I feel heartbroken by how long it has been since I last “loved.” Since I last sang in public, since I last worked towards recording an album of new original music, since I last expressed myself so fully, since I last felt that commune with like minded musicians and audience. 

I know I am not the only one. After a year of such devastating loss in the art world both financially and in terms of human lives I know many feel the yearning of our lost connections. While online concerts have been an option they cannot replace the connection of that mysterious, unnameable thing that happens when music is felt and experienced in real time with other humans  in the same space. It’s something that can’t go on pause and can’t be repeated. (That’s why I call it “living music”). 

But yesterday I realized that I have been carrying a sadness with me for a while now. A loneliness due to the fact that it has been hard for me to live up to the childhood dreams I had of being a successful, independent artist. (You can hear more about my experience with this in this recently aired podcast on Make More Music). However, my child self didn’t know about the adult challenges of carrying music and myself, of nurturing music and nurturing my relationships, of being able to get the rest and food that I need and also being fully available for the students that I love. Music feels too big and demanding at times. 

I wonder “Do I deserve to be here?”, “Am I supposed to be here?” I know if I were talking to one of my students I would say “Most definitely! YES!”  But I also need reminding from time to time. And that’s when I remember that having a talk with myself, including my shadow self, is warranted because maybe just maybe a part of me enjoys feeling lonely and like an outsider. Maybe a part of me enjoys this feeling of missed opportunities. (For those that don’t know her work author, teacher Carolyn Elliot refers to this as Existential Kink). I mean sad songs are kind of addictive! Similarly, when you see the same patterns repeating themselves in your life you have to wonder “Does some part of me actually like this?”

So if you, like me, have been experiencing some tugs on your heart strings, maybe you just need to indulge in this sad song of art-break, like a good cry, until you feel ready to move on. There’s something delicious about diving into the pain and sorrow of a sad song right? It’s actually one of the things I love about singing. I love to sing about longing and I think that’s because it is a huge part of our existence as human beings. There are always people, places, activities, experiences we are longing for. A desire for connection, for love, to be wanted, to be understood, to feel contentment. But alas all the good and the bad is always changing and so we are only left with impermanence. 

So what do you do with your art break? I haven’t fully figured it out but I can tell you what I am working on currently. Mix two parts meditation with one part visualization, add in one dose of negative thought releasing practice and pull a tarot card or some form of divination for good measure. Finally write, draw, sing, dance and witness your art-break start to transform. 

Send me a comment and tell me how you nurture an art-broken heart.

Creating Your Outdoor Studio

How do you get your work completed and also get outside?

Nowadays many people have been feeling they've had enough with being cooped up. With more people getting vaccinated and businesses opening up folks have also been feeling an increase in activities and personal as well as work commitments. As a result I have been hearing more students say “I  didn’t get a chance to practice much this week” 

For most musicians (as well as visual artists) we often spend a great deal of time inside practicing on an instrument, rehearsing new music and recording. During the winter months this probably was a welcome salve but nowadays you are ready to get out! So how do you meet your need to improve your singing, experience more freedom in your body and get outdoors? My suggestion is to combine all aspirations in an intentional way. 

Here are a few suggestions for how to heed your call for the wild:)

1. Create a Mindful Movement session. If you have access to a clean, quiet space such as a nearby park and or backyard, bring your yoga mat, notebook and go out for 10-20 minutes. Set a timer and explore 2 explorations that allow you to slow down and observe your movement habits. You could try lying on your back with knees bent and two books to support your head while raising your arms up and down or walking slowly. Notice when and where you overtighten and see if you can slow down to pause right before the grabbing, then continue moving while focusing on ease. Use your notebook to log your findings. 

2. Take a singing bike ride. This can be done while biking or rollerskating. Go somewhere safe where you don’t have to worry about cars and or traffic and use the momentum of movement as you explore sounds in your head voice. Notice the sensations of the wind and air around you and the feeling of going fast. What’s it like to sing outdoors vs. indoors? What’s it like to sing while moving vs. standing still? Remember to open and close your mouth fully so that your jaw is easy. 

3. Try a Vavavoom session. If you like to run, dance or swim, try a form of vigorous movement outdoors and immediately afterwards return home to warm up your voice with your lesson recording. What do you notice about your breathing, volume and even the energy in your sound after aerobic exercise? Want to take it up a notch? Try running in place or dancing while vocalizing. What got easier and what was more difficult? 

4. Take a mindful music walk. For songwriters/composers take a walk or go sit in nature and let whatever comes to you bubble up and record without editing. You don’t need an instrument such as a guitar or piano for this initial music download. You can use the power of your voice, your creative ideas and a good old handheld recorder (like the voice memos section on your phone which I use ALL the time for composing). Going on a walk is also a great time to listen back to music you are in the process of writing. How does it sit with you while walking in your neighborhood, in a park, sitting on the grass or walking by a body of water? 

5. Remember to listen. There are so many times that students say they didn’t get a chance to practice and forget to just listen to their voice and movement lessons. One of the MOST valued skills we can train as musicians (and people in general) is in the art of listening. Even if you can’t practice or don’t feel up to it, listening to your lessons reminds your brain and body of how to produce sounds in the new way that we are cultivating, it also trains your ear to match pitch and hear the nuances in your own vocal production. So take a walk, bike ride or solo picnic and enjoy the sound of your own voice. Afterwards listen to the sounds around you. What’s it like to fully surrender to sound? What happens to your breath and body?

Let me know how it goes building your outdoor studio. And if you are inspired, please send a photo or you can tag me @pyengthreadgill on social media with the hashtag #outdoorstudio 

As always thank you for being  a part of living music!

The Art of Puttering And Other Potions For Empowered Artists

It’s funny how often our conversations in my Embodied Artist support group, Tuning In, have come around to cleaning and clearing, more specifically puttering. However, puttering often brings with it slightly negative connotations that can make people feel guilty and or embarrassed for engaging with it. It suggests the person is wasting time, aimless, unfocused. Yet, I would argue that there is actually great, creative purpose in puttering.

I often tell people many years ago I used to think that being a composer had a set definition. No one person sat me down and gave me a definition of a composer but I absorbed it from the world I grew up in and  the higher education music training I received. Being a composer meant sitting for hours on end at one’s piano with pencil and paper gradually generating notes of music to form a composition. Similarly I thought being a music producer meant sitting in a dark, often dusty room for 10-16 hours or more staring at a screen as groups of musicians (primarily of the male gender) would gather, smoke, talk and eat as music was arranged and mixed and then this formula would repeat itself. I never realized in my late 20’s that neither of these visions fully lived up to what I wanted although I was aiming my arrow towards both of them.

Instead, what appeals to me is creating in a large space, with lots of natural light, having the ability to play piano, move on the floor, sing, record, walk around, dance, meditate, research online, in books and in films, sit and sing in nature. I define this as “studio time” and you can see it allows for an ebb and flow of output and input, stillness and movement. What I produce is a combination of songs, spoken word, video and sound installations. This is very different from what I originally defined as a legit “songwriter”/”composer”. Yet, this is generally how I work.

But before I can conjure that kind of work I too often need puttering time. Puttering time is woven in and around my “studio time”. It is the time that my brain is thinking, digesting, processing, coming up with new ideas as well as developing musical ideas I have already started. I have systems and community for keeping me accountable to my artistic goals but I believe puttering is some of the most potent and magical problem solving time and it shouldn’t be written off. Dismissing puttering is yet another way Capitalist, white supremacist, patriarchy teaches professional, aspiring and hobby artists to deny their full selves (body, voice, heart, mind). To work hard (not smart), always be on call, deny your body’s needs for sleep, healthy food, healthy relationships, time off and movement. 

But I think the last year has highlighted many habits and systems which don’t best serve people, including art makers. So when does puttering enhance your mental clarity? How can you use it to transition from one activity to another? Everyday I take little moments to clear my piano, nightstand, water my plants and it helps me to be more fully present in the next thing I need to do. If you are wanting to set new definitions for what it means to be an Empowered Artist creating a sustainable and thriving life, then you are in the right place. To find out more about my offerings like next week’s monthly vocal warmup (just one way to maintain your vocal health and creativity) called Community Vocal Gym. I would love to see you!