How does one think of the voice in sacred music and healing? How does it heal? What is it healing? Does it carry intention? Does it engender a sense of connection? How can we know anything about this amazing yet common, ubiquitous thing we call the voice?

The Voice in modern, Western culture is largely a solo voice. While, in many other cultures -- Caribbean, most African, etc. -- whomever has a voice is considered a singer. Singing is mostly a communal activity.

It is no surprise with the extreme focus on the individual beginning with Secular Humanism in the 17th century that the voice has become a vehicle to affirm and amplify the individual.

Note that contemplative music (music to hold space for reflection and "going inward") is a part of community music. We'll need to look into this idea more in our class.

Today, the feeling of being voiceless, i.e. powerless, is almost ubiquitous. Music is a way in which contemporary humans literally make their voice heard.

But, why use singing? Why is our voice so crucial? And what is it we are trying to express?

Think of the big human questions: Do I exist? Why do I exist? What is the nature of my existence?

These are "existential" and "ontological" questions.

In other cultures beyond the contemporary Euro-North American West, the voice plays a key part in "healing."

First Nations Pow Wow Singing (Loud Eagle Singers)

https://youtu.be/QecB8xqZlS0

Mbuti Pygmy molimo songs:

https://youtu.be/3zdazJ0X1nc

Gregorian Chant as Healing:
The Cistercian Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz: Gregorian Chant-- In Paradisum (from Latin mass)

https://youtu.be/XcP2YW5mhPg?list=PLcZbhzmvr7-FXSbIEWB89WH6T7cj72bsq

Stephen Mithen. The Singing Neanderthals

Mimesis - Imitation: There is power in mimesis and the imitation of nature sounds plays a huge part in shaminism as well as other healing vocal practices.

Toning, Chanting, and Singing are a progression from simple to complex vocalizations that are expressly human. Each is remarkably flexible and rich with in both sounds/timbre and organization.

Posit: Could the progression from vocal utterances to organized songs be a refinement of the healing aspect of the vocal form? That is, have we been creating better and better forms for healing through vocal music?

Perhaps the song itself is a healing medium!

Does the voice actually heal anything? I mean, is it the
*sound
*timbre
*language
*intention
*something else

Let's try this experiment, pausing to reflect on each portion

Hum and utter (no text)
Tone (pitch added)
Chant (pitch + Om)
Sing (patterned pitch + text)

We experience voice in so many ways. It delivers a wealth of experiences and sensations to us. It is probably no surprise that the voice is the most prominent feature in sacred healing musics.

Instead of simply talking or singing today, can you be aware of your experiences with the voice?

Assignment:
Blog this (assignment part 1) and use youTube or other recorded medium to listen to a healing vocalization. Blog, link, and be prepared to share.