Keys to Harmony by Hugh Smiley
Over the years I have enjoyed applying my knowledge and experience as a psychotherapist and teacher to a healing journey through music. This synergy can help students of the piano and voice develop creativity, freedom and harmony, not only in their music but also in daily life and relationships.
Integrating the practice of mindfulness into the learning process, areas of the brain which have been semi-dormant are invited into full participation in a dialogue among our parts – outer (body) and inner (emotions, mind, soul). Then another level of ‘authentic dialogue’ – between pianist & piano, singer & voice – is explored. ‘Deep listening’ is absolutely necessary for both artist and wayfarer in the path of personal healing and transformation.
The vibrational resonance that emerges helps connect the dots, creating a coherent narrative. This provides a reliable and stable state of mind from which we can feel confident to improvise and venture forth into expanded paradigms of perception and expression. As conditioning and limiting belief systems (attitudes) shift to more nourishing and supportive ones, so does the ability and relationship with the instrument. So there is a cross-fertilization, a harmonic relationship (to use a musical term) between the mutually-enhancing music and personal growth. It’s liberating and exhilarating!
ARCT (Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto) at age 17, a small claim to fame is that I was awarded the same Viggo Kihl scholar-ship won by Glenn Gould some years earlier. With a classical background, I now enjoy jazz, flamenco and ‘world music’ idioms. Occasionally I compose short piano works in my own style and sing flamenco with the 