August 8, 2014–The human voice is a demanding instrument. Handling it requires precision and skill. But for composer and musician Silvia Nakkach, it’s more than a tool to make pretty sounds. She sees it as a gateway to spiritual growth.
Nakkach’s musical philosophies are influenced by both Western and Eastern traditions. She was born in Argentina and attended Mills College before meeting the person who would become her teacher for more than 30 years: Ali Akbar Khan, a great maestro of Indian classical music.
Her own music has an ethereal, haunting quality that can transport listeners beyond everyday reality. She teaches students what she calls “Yoga of the Voice” in classes at the California Institute of Integral Studies, and at the Vox Mundi Project, an international school that she founded. Her book, Free Your Voice, lays out her philosophy, along with original exercises for opening the voice.
Nakkach teaches students that instruments like the tamboura can help them be in tune.
In this story produced by KALW’s Judy Silber, we hear from Nakkach about how it’s possible to spiritually awaken through the voice.
NAKKACH: When I hear someone on the phone and I even don’t know that person, I can figure out how is the state of mind of that person because I hear the voice through the phone.
The Spiritual Edge is a project of KALW and the Templeton Religion Trust. We’d love to hear your suggestions about what we should be covering. Leave us a comment or call the KALW tipline at (415) 264-7106
