workshops.

World music record producer and Oscar-winning composer Yuval Ron shares sounds, music instruments, and stories from various cultures around the world. From the Talking drum of Africa to the trance rhythms of Morocco, to the mystical sounds of India, Israel, and Persia, this course involves the audience in dancing, music-making, and role-playing.

In addition to the historical background of the music, Yuval introduces the kids to concepts of compassion, oneness, social activism, care of the environment, and the responsibility to each other well- being. No music or dance experience is necessary. No need to bring any instruments - Yuval will provide a wide variety of instruments from his world music instruments collection.

Learn to Dance: Andalusian Moroccan Dance
Learn to Dance: Turkish Andalusian Folklore Dance
Learn to Dance: Israeli Folk Dances
Learn to Dance: Belly dance
Learn to Dance: Classical Indian Dance
Learn to Dance: Flamenco
Learn to Dance: African Dance

Songs and storytelling that invoke and inspire these four higher virtues

For this assembly we bring in 3 master musicians, one from Africa, one from Latin America, and the third is a musical director who emcees the assembly, presents the program and performs with the Africa and Latin American masters. We demonstrate and discuss the influence of African music on Latin American music, the unique elements of each tradition, the history that led to the development of the music traditions and the value, beauty and importance of both. Length of program is 45min. 1 hour of set up on stage and sound check is required before the performance.

A talk with live music exploring ways to teach unity and tolerance, using music as a platform for meeting people of different cultural or ethnic backgrounds and members of opposing groups. We offer 2 workshops: Armenian and Hispanic Music Traditions and Bridge Building; and African-American and Hispanic Music Traditions and Bridge Building.

COLLEGE LEVEL
Experience introspective and ecstatic practices of four ancient spiritual paths: Zen Buddhism, Kabbalistic Judaism, Early Contemplative Christianity, and Sufi-Islam. This unique experiential seminar will journey deep into sacred music chanting, movement, and spiritual mindfulness practices, drawing from the hidden wisdom of the traditions of the East. These practices result in heart-opening, increased compassion, deepening of inner explorations.

These practices have been shown scientifically to impact the structure and function of the brain in ways that enhance memory, cognition, and awareness. These practices also promote healing by lowering stress, anxiety, depression, and anger. We base the activities on Yuval Ron's work with master spiritual teachers of the East and neuroscientists of the West. Through this incredible journey to your inner world, you will have a rare perspective into the worlds of Zen Buddhist masters, mystic Sufi leaders, Kabbalistic Rabbis, leading neuroscientists, and scholars of mysticism of Christianity.

Workshop with Lakshmi Vijaya. The movements of the dance form flow into a seamless synthesis of grace, physical strength, and balance, besides emotive expression, enabling them to connect with the power of their own femininity and is healing, therapeutic and empowering. A young girl aware of her innate power, is then able to take charge of every aspect of her life - be it physical, emotional, social and financial wellbeing.

Series of workshops that introduce teens to the positive impact of music and dance on the brain and well-being. Using singing, dancing, clapping in poly rhythms, blues and hip hop songwriting, and discussions we give teens healthy, organic and accessible ways to reach a natural “high” that could lead them to avoid and heal from substance abuse.

Music mindfulness meditations practices that are designed to improve cognitive functioning while lowering stress, anxiety, irritability and depression. Experiencing live sound meditations often leads to the expansion of the mind nurturing inner peace. Such introspective self work has been proven in clinical trials to improve test scores, memory, and emotional regulation. With live music by Yuval Ron.

Three-part workshop series for building skills of inclusiveness and tolerance in schools that have experienced bullying, racial and ethnic tensions.

Using music, songwriting, and creative expression, these workshops help build student, teacher, and parent awareness on the benefits of social inclusiveness and tolerance that lead to peaceful interactions, resolution, and safe environments.

A lecture-demonstration on how sound was used as a medicine in biblical times by the Hebrews, in ancient India, and in the Ottoman Turkish empire. An analysis of the musical modes of the Mid East and some mention of the Indian ragas as powerful tools of the healers of the past.

A live music demonstration of how these modes modulate our feelings, emotions, and sense of light and darkness.