FOUR WORKSHOPS (CLINICS) AVAILABLE

In addition to her music credentials (seven records, more than 90 performances), Lisa B holds bachelor's and master's degrees in English literature/creative writing and has received creative writing fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, Ucross Foundation, Headlands Center for the Arts, and others. Her books of poetry were published What Books Press and Wesleyan University Press, and her poems have appeared in more than 60 journals and anthologies.

In addition, she has a professional practice as a psychic reader, energy healer, and coach.

Lisa B draws on all this information as a workshop/clinic leader and teacher. She has taught creative writing classes and the workshops/clinics described below at university, city, community, and K-12 schools and programs as well as privately. 

All information is available through private coaching as well.

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THE MUSIC OF POETRY

Working with our attention on the sound of our words returns a spirit of play and discovery to our writing. Even while writing free verse, we can call on a range of musical techniques to both enrich our poems and help us access content that we are not yet conscious of.

In this workshop, we will first read poems that put musical form and elements at the forefront. We will review tools such as rhyme, alliteration, assonance, syllabic stresses, and enjambment. Then we will turn to playing with these techniques and others (such as listening to a poem in a language you don’t know and “translating” it, and writing while listening to music) to produce work that is freer and perhaps more revelatory — with a more direct connection to the muse. Includes sharing and discussing the new work we have generated.

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MIND-BODY-SPIRIT TOOLS FOR PERFORMERS, POETRY READERS, AND SPEAKERS! 

* Reconnect with your initial enthusiasm about being a poet, performer, or creator 
* Release invalidation and judgment from your creative, performance, and career activities 
* Learn how to own your body and personal energy space when you appear publicly 
* Handle nerves and anxiety 
* Re-envision what success means to you 
* Plan and execute short- and long-term steps in your career 

Specific tools we will learn and practice: 
* Grounding 
* Centering yourself in the "driver's seat" 
* Protecting your personal space 
* Harnessing the information in your seven major chakras 
* Envisioning and manifesting specific outcomes you want 
* Keeping your energy flowing 
* Finding your enthusiasm 

Past participants had this to say about the mind-body-spirit tools information: 

"The information presented helped me to connect with my spirit and improved my confidence. I would recommend this workshop to all singers and performers." - M.G. 

"The workshop covered a wide range of topics and techniques that I can apply to my singing. The information was understandable from every level, beginning to advanced, and adaptable." - J.B. 

"I really enjoyed the combination of energy and vocal work." - C.R. 

"What a wonderful workshop today! What I appreciated most was that it was not your typical workshop — exercises, sing a song. It truly was a complete overview — mind, body, and spirit." - O.J. 

"The workshop was amazing. I really enjoyed the guided meditations and learning about the chakras. Still thinking about it all!" - J.T. 

"Great start to discovering the artist in myself." - T.H. 

"Thanks for reconnecting me to my spirit self. I forgot the little girl who just loves to sing." 

"I thoroughly enjoyed it and greatly appreciate the marrying of technique and spiritual/emotional awareness." - L.W.

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NEW!   MIND-BODY-SPIRIT TOOLS FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES 

Lisa is a type 1 diabetic of more than three decades, and works with diabetics of all kinds to teach mind-body-spirit tools to improve well-being. Inquire for more information!

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IMAGINING AND PLANNING YOUR FIRST TRIBUTE PERFORMANCE OR RECORDING PROJECT  

Most singers and musicians were first inspired by the music of someone else. This workshop will help you shape a project (recital or recording) presenting the music of another musical artist. 

Whether you’re drawn to Sarah Vaughan or Adele, Rodgers & Hammerstein or “Hamilton,” Miles Davis or Marvin Gaye, through a tribute project you can pay homage, find inspiration, stretch your musical vision and abilities, and create a frame for new work. 

Get your feet wet through this fun workshop. First Lisa B will present some seminal tribute projects. Then she will help you shape a project of your own: explore your attraction to a particular artist; sketch out your vision of mood, era, and songs; and start to define instrumentation, arrangements, and tasks. 

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Selected Workshops (Clinics) and Classes

"A Creative Life/Mind-Body-Spirit Tools" Workshop: Campolindo High School, Moraga, Calif., Winter 2019 

"Imagining Your First Tribute Project" Workshop: JazzSchool/California Jazz Conservatory, Berkeley, Summer 2018 

"The Complete Singer: Spiritual, Practical, and Technical Tools to Help You Realize Your Musical Dreams (aka Mind-Body-Spirit Tools for Singers)" Workshop: co-taught with Daria: Blue Bear School of Music, San Francisco, Feb. 2015; GuitarWorks, Novato, Calif., August 2014; and Lisa's Home Music Studio, Oakland, Calif., May 2014 

"The Singer's Life: Where to Start (and How to Keep Going)" Workshop:  Jazzschool, Berkeley, Calif., October 2011 

Poetry Writing Teacher: Anna Yates Elementary School, Emeryville, Calif., 2nd/3rd/4th Grades, Fall 2007 - Spring 2015 

Poetry Writing Workshop: Mercy Housing After-School Program, Peanut Butter and Jamm Music Session for Kids, Spring 2010 

Poetry Writing & Performance with Musicians Workshop: Allendale Recreation Center, Oakland, Calif., Kids Ages 6 - 12 (including Final Performance w/ Paul van Wageningen, drums, and Aaron Shaul, bass), Summer 2008 

"Vocal & Energetic Techniques for Self-Healing & Finding Your Creative Path," Workshop: Blue Bear School of Music, San Francisco, Workshop for Adults, co-taught w/ Vicki Burns, January 2008

Program and Outreach Coordinator: Jewish Community Library, San Francisco, 2003-2004 

Guest Poet: Skyline Community College, San Francisco State University, Galileo High School (San Francisco), Soquel High School (Santa Cruz County) 

Workshop Leader/Poet & Performer: Foothill College Writers Conference, Summer 1995, 1991,1990 

Associate Director of The Poetry Center and Lecturer in Creative Writing: San Francisco State University - Two-year term, Fall 1989 - Spring 1991

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