Voices of the Heart
Santa Cruz, California
Hi, I’m Laura Sera and I’m passionately committed to the life-affirming power of singing with others. The deep safety, joy, and love I found at the very first Song Village in 2016 demolished the walls around my heart and shone a radiantly clear light upon my knowledge of my true self and my purpose on this earth. I didn’t know we could gather in a circle without sheet music, without formality, free to sing an off note, to miss a beat or a word, to stumble and grow all while being held in total acceptance and love. The eye contact, the smiles, the harmonies and the hugs captured my soul.
When we are seen and heard in our truest voice, known for who we are as an energetic being rather than by the words and details we speak to define ourselves, deep transformation becomes not only possible, but easy.
In 2019 I knew it was time to give the love and joy I was receiving back to others who may not have discovered this magic yet, so I founded Voices of the Heart and created multiple monthly opportunities to share the healing and transformation.
I’ve led more than 180 Voices of the Heart song circles, and now I’m passing the power of this work on in a new way by helping Heather Houston train more women to be song leaders. I teach in both her online and live Song Leader Training programs. I also facilitate at the Sisters in Harmony Summer Retreat, Song Village, and other community singing gatherings. I’m a soloist and section leader in multiple choirs in Santa Cruz, as well as a composer of both choral music and community singing songs. And I’m a student of music at Cabrillo College because I just can’t dive deep enough! There’s so much more to learn, so much beauty to discover.
Come sing with me and you’ll 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 each other and with our precious selves, entering a sacred space from which we 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. You will definitely receive love and joy in community!
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., at a private home on the Westside of Santa Cruz.
Get in touch! [email protected]
Our next series begins in Fall 2026
Join my mailing list HERE to be notified when registration opens
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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
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 our local Santa Cruz community. Our recent Black Friday hikes (the day after Thanksgiving) have raised over $800 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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Our next hike will be for the Summer Solstice
Join my mailing list HERE to be notified when registration opens
UPCOMING EVENTS:
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. Parts tracks are available, email me!
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I’ll Carry You is a sweet round to sing to anyone in need of care, in need of knowing they’re not alone, in need of knowing someone is holding them in their heart.
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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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I call I Am…, an “affirmation zipper” because, while the recorded words are “I am loved,” you may sing (zip in!) many possible phrases here: I am held, I am safe, I can trust, etc. Sing what you need!
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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