Making and listening to sound can help us recover a sense of place, safety and our inner and collective voices, as sound expands in circles, in all possible directions and allows us to connect with past, present and future. Additionally, singing can regulate our breathing, and activate the parasympathetic nervous system and the vagus nerve. These bodily changes can return us to a feeling of safety and calm the fight or flight response. 

‘Circling Voices’ is a singing workshop I have developed throughout the last 2 years, based on my Master’s Dissertation from SOAS, University of London (Distinction, fully funded Chevening Scholarship by UK's FCDO), called ‘Singing as a tool for social healing and peacebuilding; Analyzing the case of the Red de Cantadoras del Pacífico Sur, Colombia’. 

In this workshop, we learn my song "Santa Mar" and explore the findings of my research through a series of collective vocal and listening exercises on the six main ways in which singing can be a tool for social healing: circularity, multi-directionality, multi-temporality, recovery of a sense of place, safety, and voice. These exercises will enable participants to experience through their bodies, the power of their voice to heal themselves and others around them.

"Santa Mar" is a song inspired in the tradicional Afro-Colombian rhythm of currulao and born from the process with the women from the Red de Cantadoras del Pacífico Sur. It's inspired in these women's resilience and power, and its dedicated to them. I had the immense privilege of singing it with them and released it in my latest album "A Flor De Piel". 

The theoretical framework of this research is based on the theories ‘Healing is Aural’ by John Paul Lederach and Angela Jill Lederach, and ‘The Body Keeps the Score’ by Bessel Van Der Kolk, found in the books: ‘When Blood and Bones Cry Out: Journeys Through the Soundscape of Healing and Reconciliation' by the Lederach's and ‘The Body Keeps The Score’ by Van Der Kolk.

Recently delivered at: Latinx Takeover at the V&A Museum and Spitalfields Music as winner of the Trainee Music Leader Scheme. 

Organisations that have hosted Circling Voices include the V&A Museum, Spitalfields Music, SOAS, La Linea Festival, and UCL.

What participants say: 

"I just wanted to take a moment to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the incredible singing workshop you shared with us. It was truly a priceless gift to our community. Your gentle way of engaging and encouraging everyone was so impressive—people felt truly seen, supported, and uplifted.

The conversation that followed provided a safe space for honest and intimate reflection, far beyond what we expected. You created an environment where people felt comfortable opening up, and we’re all better for having shared that time with you.

Thank you, Maria, for bringing such love and wisdom into our space. We are so grateful for you!

Con mucho amor y gratitud!"

Photos by: Genevieve Reeves at Latinx Takeover - V&A East Museum, September 2024 -  London, UK