This past June 2008, Gary showed me how to play the didgeridoo into recording devices, how to create world beat rhythms, and how to use my voice in imaginative ways. I said jokingly, “Wouldn’t this be great to record the didgeridoo and invite Trefor Randall to add in his Buddhist chants and vocables. We could call this Monk Funk Music.”

Gary offered his studio and developed bed tracks that were rooted in urban dance music. Together we created a unique project which, as a working title, we called The Monk Funk Project. (Later this became Birth Stories.) I was birthing my music. I had never imagined in my entire life that being a performer and playing music was an option for me. Yet, through following the creative energy, we created a CD that is radically different from mainstream music. It offers people a sonic journey for dancing, healing, and meditating, all with a compelling vibe. Within 4 months, from start to finish, we generated not only imaginative audio tracks but also an artistic package encompassing both Jewish and Buddhist song titles plus a dedication to our circles of support.

Now came the big day. Trefor and I were committed to a CD release party and faced with the proposition of performing our material live on November 30th, 2008. Yes, I had learned the skill of improvisation on the didgeridoo and was able to access a wide range of voices and vocals. Yes, my discoveries had helped me to open up and find novel ways to play the didgeridoo. But still, performing presented new challenges.

My strength is as a visual and kinesthetic learner. In performance settings, I required social cues because I have difficulty picking up matters such as musical entrances, what tempo to play, or what pitch to contribute. Part of this is due to my lack of knowledge in musical protocols and partly this stems from a lack of experience in how to perform in front of a crowd. At the end of the day, by focusing on one task in one moment, I was able to relax, succeed, and enjoy the CD release event.

Finally, I believe that healing is possible on many levels and that the arts can be used to raise consciousness and build community, a place where all voices are heard and not discriminated based upon class/culture/race/diversity. My passion now is to share how meaningful the didgeridoo has been for a person with a learning disability and how this instrument has accompanied me on a healing journey.