honoring
 


Introduction

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Application

The Composer

Origins

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Sing It Forward

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spiral



Michael developed intuitive, spontaneous singing as a practice of being in the naked moment, given expression in a double-album 'Sanctuary', released in 1990.

In the wake of his father's death in 1993, Michael developed SongCare, serving hospice in the Pacific Northwest from 1993-1996. A grant from Franciscan Homecare supported the creation and recording of intuitive songs for people whose life expectancy was less than six months.

From silence into song, he created and recorded hundreds of spontaneous compositions for those making their transition, giving the recording to the families as a tribute and remembrance of their loved one.

This opportunity led to working with hospice and healthcare staff nationwide, at the same time revealing a common, universal tendency towards self-acceptance and reconciliation with one's deep self, or in relationship with the Divine, however conceived, simply by being seen, loved, and honored.

This understanding led to the inspiration for
Graceful Passages: A Companion for Living and Dying (New World Library, 2000), created together with Emmy-award winning composer Gary Malkin, as well as co-writing Music at the End of Life in Dr. Christina Puchalski's Oxford Press compendium, A Time for Listening and Caring.

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I am so impressed with the combination of your musical skills and intuitive insights. The songs captured the essence of the moment and clearly aided our work in articulating a mission statement that reflected the deepest concerns for each of us. Thank you so much
for your gift to each of us
and to the Foundation.

N.S., participant




In your songs
and your playing
you expressed the warmth,
intimacy and shared love 
we were all feeling,
yet weren't quite able
to express.

It had been a difficult day,
and the healing that occurred
that night is still having effects.

I really appreciate having the CD to listen to. It came out so clear and beautiful. I think you have a special gift that could help many groups come back to their core,
to realize the significance
of their mission.

-M.W.
SongCircle participant
I so thoroughly enjoyed the Song Circle!  The experience last night was beyond description and was moving on so many different levels.

It truly was magical to watch Michael create a song portrait.

The fact that he could spontaneously compose such wonderful songs was amazing in itself– but then seeing and feeling the impact of those songs on both myself and the others around me was incredibly profound.  I was deeply touched!  

I went home last night and had the deepest and most peaceful sleep I can remember in a long time. I awoke this morning feeling rested, rejuvenated, and just at peace with the world.

J.B., SongCircle Participant, Indianapolis, IN


Like an alchemical
transmission of healing light, resulting in a profound shift
in the collective energy.

Before, we had been struggling with hurt feelings, unspoken discontent, misunderstandings, and alienation; after, the original connection to ourselves and our work was restored, we felt more of our unity behind the surface differences, even an intimate communion.

You served as a kind of midwife for the final draft of our mission statement. You were a kind of magician whose soulful music and empathic presence
turned dark and divisive energy into luminous and connected awareness while demonstrating a model of deep listening, especially to the subtle movements of the soul,
its secret longings,
within and behind the words each of us spoke.
I know I speak for everyone on the board when I say the evening was an incalculable blessing for all of us.

Toby Symington,
Executive Director
Lloyd Symington Foundation


Thank you so very much for 'my song'. And also for the songs of everyone else in the circle. For while my song seemed to fit, and was good encouragement/ advice, each song sent something to me, with two being deeply moving. So I recommend this for anyone seeking insight and encouragement. Plus your music can be enjoyed just for fun!


-Brad Ehmke,
SongCircle participant



"His unvarnished humanity and profoundly musical soul
truly make a difference to those in Michael's presence.
I highly recommend the power of his work to support anyone, including patients and staff in all kinds of health-care settings."

-Anna Fiasca, Music Thanatologist




As understanding increases of the power and intelligence in being present with each now moment, and of the strength of our collective spirit, it is only natural to use music as a pathway into the present.

Experiencing the radiance of your own presence as it is gently revealed in the words and music, your essential self witnessed in silent gratitude by others, it can be easier to remember what is most important and meaningful in this life.

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