Voices of the Heart
Santa Cruz, California
Laura Sera is passionately committed to the healing and transformative power of singing — it has beautifully awakened and expanded her life and her greatest wish is for it to awaken and expand your life, too!
Laura has lead more than 140 Voices of the Heart song circles since 2020. She’s a facilitator at Song Village and at Heather Houston’s Sisters in Harmony summer retreat and other community singing events. She’s a soloist and section leader for the mixed-voice choir Pacific Voices and she adores singing in Heather’s acappela women’s choir, Yala Lati, where she also serves as a section leader. Recently, Yala Lati performed her original song, Garnet and Gold. (Video below!)
Laura’s original songs restore our connection to ourselves, to each other, to nature, and to love. She enjoys composing everything from simple chants to tight harmonies and playful rhythms.
She has an MFA in creative writing and a BA in documentary film, and is deeply experienced in holding safe space for others to explore their voices and discover the true agency they have within their own narrative unfolding.
With Laura you will feel deeply heard, safely held, and always welcome, exactly as you are.
Laura’s singing circles are deeply nourishing for my soul, and uplifting for my spirit! I’m able to show up as I am, in raw tenderness or in joy, and find myself held in sisterhood, my voice welcomed and brought to life by the circle of community and care that you create. Thank you from my heart! — Caraway
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“Your gift of song and the sisterhood you’re creating is amazing. Last night I sang to my students in savasana for the first time! I’m going to do that more. The circle you’ve created has lifted my spirits and helped us all grow together. For me it’s even better than a women’s support group because we get to support and talk but mostly share song and open our hearts together. You have changed my life so much for the better. Thank you.” — Elena
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Voices of the Heart: 6-Week Series
A sacred circle of sisterhood and song!
Who would you be, if you let go of all doubt and opened your voice and your creativity to their fullest expression? Do you long to be in community, and to uncover the truths of your own heart? Through song and vocal meditation we drop into presence with our precious selves, entering a sacred space from which we’ll engage in a simple writing exercise to illuminate the hidden beauty within our lives. You may receive answers to questions you’ve long held close, or you may receive a poem or a song, or perhaps a story or a drawing.
There’s love and laughter and so much fun!
We sing songs that bring us together in delicious harmony, uplift us, and set us free! When our voices unite week after week we forge connections that are deep and enduring. Every heart is held and healed.
And when we come together to hold each other in creative space, remarkable gifts manifest — your gifts, that are meant to be shared with the world! If this entices you, come! If this scares you, come! Lean in! By the end of our time together, you’ll have created lasting friendships and a work of art!
No prior singing or writing experience required! All voices are welcome! This is a deeply safe and supportive environment.
We meet on Mondays from 7-8:30 p.m., outdoors on the Westside of Santa Cruz.
Get in touch! [email protected]
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“I recently came across a journal entry from a time in your circle, and I was in awe of the clarity and wisdom that came through me. I found I had permission to go into deep, almost trance-like states during the writing times. I love that you do that.” — Theresa
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Voices of the Heart: Hike & Sing for the Land!
A gathering for ALL AGES AND GENDERS
We come together at significant times of the year to honor the land and its original peoples with song, weaving our hearts and voices into the web of life that holds us. Join us for a joyful celebration of community, connection, gratitude, and reverence! All humans welcome!
These events are fundraisers for organizations that deeply support the Santa Cruz community. On Black Friday 2023 we raised over $300 for the Amah Mutsun Land Trust, turning a day focused on buying things extracted from the Earth into a celebration and offering for those who tend to her.
Hikes are moderate, typically 1-1.5 miles each way, at a casual pace. We circle and sing for one hour before hiking back, or staying to picnic and explore further!
Meet new friends and discover new places!
We sing in easy to follow call-and-repeat style. No prior experience required, all voices are welcome!
We hike on special occasions, including Solstices, Equinoxes, and Black Friday, typically on a Saturday or Sunday at 10 a.m., at various places of spectacular beauty in Santa Cruz.
Get in touch! [email protected]
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
http://laura-sera.eventbrite.com
NEW MONDAY SERIES begins October 28th!
HIKE & SING for the LAND
November 29th at 10am
(an alternative to Black Friday shopping!)
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Click here to join Laura’s mailing list and receive updates about her events!
Laura’s Music:
I write a variety of songs to share in my circles, from simple chants to multi-part harmonies and layers. Click through to follow me on SoundCloud, where you can find more info about these songs, including lyrics.
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Starting Now is the first song I wrote! A simple and inspiring layer song that came to me in a dream after Song Village.
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With Trust the Dawn, things got a lot more complex! This song can be sung in circle by using only the first three lyric parts.
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Only This Moment is a powerful meditation. You can sing the first melody as a chant, with your own timing, allowing your heart to set the tempo. Or you can keep it in rhythm and add the harmonies.
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Yala Lati Women’s Choir performs Garnet and Gold
Singing With Laura: Testimonials
Laura leading at Heather Houston’s Sisters in Harmony Retreat
Photos of Laura credit: Sharon McCarthy
Natural Bridges photo credit: Scott Davenport