Lake Austin Spa Resort's Healing Sounds of Music Program Promotes Wellness through Sound Therapy

Austin, Texas (Apr. 22, 2009) - In the "Live Music Capital of the World" of Austin, Texas, music fills the souls of musicians and artists throughout this eclectic city. Guests of Lake Austin Spa Resort can capture the spirit of the song and find their voice, write lyrics, receive vocal coaching, learn the mental and emotional health benefits of music therapy and of course enjoy local live music during the very first "Healing Sounds of Music" program June 10-14, 2009. This music vacation, and the others set for September and November, will include workshops with some of Austin's finest artists and musicians:

Thursday, June 11, 2009
Sangria & Salsa Tasting and Live Performance with Special Guest: Jean Synodinos
A fearless and exuberant performing songwriter, Jean Synodinos has a voice that has been hailed as a veritable force of nature. Critics have called it "big-league," "blues smoky and rich" and "show-stopping" and she performs in complete defiance of the sixth grade music teacher who told her to do anything with herself but sing.

Friday, June 12, 2009
Lyric Writing Workshop with Special Guest: Jean Synodinos
Great songs are the soundtracks of our lives; a great lyric can drop us to our knees or convince us we can move mountains. In this workshop, Jean will teach essential songwriting techniques practiced by some of the most skilled lyricists of the last fifty years.

Connecting Music with Emotion through Nia Dance
Nia is a body-mind-spirit program incorporating cardiovascular wellness through kinesthetic dance/movement patterns. Masterful at guiding people to move, our workshop teachers specialize in providing a transformative movement experience.

Finding Your Voice with Special Guest: Hillary Hight Daw
Learn the personal empowerment that comes from releasing your true speaking/singing voice. Everyone has a powerful, beautiful voice waiting to be released and in this singing workshop, guests will receive an introduction into the joys and health benefits of vocal expression.

Italian Wine Tasting and Live Italian Aria Performance with Hillary Hight Daw
Singer and actress Hillary Hight Daw has performed in opera, theater, commercials, television and film. She is currently Visiting Scholar in Voice and Opera at San Francisco State University. Her recent musical appearances range from the soprano soloist in Beethoven's Ninth Symphony to an appearance on Law and Order, SVU.

Saturday, June 13, 2009
Using Music Therapeutically to Affect Change with Special Guest Music Therapist -Susan Bednar-Haynes, MA MT-BC
Music has been a source of spiritual and mental healing since the beginning of time. Clinical research has demonstrated that many therapeutic benefits are experienced when music is used, along with other modalities, such as guided imagery and diaphragmatic breathing. In this program, guests will experience the benefits, applications, tools and techniques that lead to healing and life changing experiences when music is used therapeutically.

Nationally known, Certified Music Therapist and Author, Susan Bednar-Haynes,
MA, MT-BC (Master of Arts, Music Therapist, Board-Certified) offers unique opportunities for personal growth through music therapy.

Nia Dance -The Ultimate Nia Experience! Music, Movement, Magic with Julie Wylie
Julie Wylie is a Certified Nia Green Belt who attended the University of New Mexico on an academic honors scholarship studying business, accounting and dance.

The Healing Power of Sound with Jan Blevins
The use of sound therapy dates back thousands of years and is gaining considerable attention. Jan Blevins, sound pioneer, teaches the healing benefits of music, tones and instruments. Guests will learn how sound therapy is used to treat a wide range of challenges physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, including the treatment of stress and chronic pain. In this participatory program, she will guide guests through a sound meditation using Tibetan Singing Bowls.

Drumming Workshop: Rhythm is the Soul of Life with Special Guest: Sherry Gringas
Drumming is a very powerful way to connect to our own hearts and spirits while connecting and honoring the hearts of all those in our circle and in our world. Come learn the language and vocabulary of the drum, hand technique, a West African rhythm and song, as well as our own spontaneous in-the-moment music piece we create together. Listen to the Sounds of the Drums.

Jazz/Folk Fusion Performance- Sapphire & Jeremy Bell
Sapphire Bell doesn't get caught up in labels, but loves to share her love of music. Sapphire spent most of her years in Tucson, Arizona and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. She won the Tucson Area Music Award for best solo musician. Sapphire currently performs her original music in Austin, Texas with saxophonist & husband Jeremy Bell.

Sunday, June 14, 2009
Voice Lessons-Personal Complimentary Vocal Coaching with Hillary Hight Daw
Receive personalized individual vocal coaching from acclaimed singer and teacher, Hillary Hight Daw. Whatever your level of experience, Hillary will help you learn to speak and/or sing with strength and confidence in this vocal workshop.

ABOUT LAKE AUSTIN SPA RESORT
Nestled along the shores of scenic Lake Austin in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, Lake Austin Spa Resort offers guests the sanctuary of a world-class spa and the warmth of a best friend's lake house. Lake Austin Spa Resort offers all-inclusive vacation packages, which include accommodations in one of 40 charming lakeside guest rooms, three gourmet meals daily, indoor and outdoor fitness activities and classes, and a selection of spa and body treatments.

The resort has received numerous awards from prestigious national travel and spa magazines since its multi-million dollar renovation and expansion in 2004. Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Allure, the Zagat Survey, Health, Garden Design, SpaFinder Lifestyle, Spa Magazine and American Airlines' Celebrated Living magazine have recently honored Lake Austin Spa Resort as one of the best in the country and in the world.

For additional information and reservations, call 800-847-5637, or visit www.lakeaustin.com.