Music for People Spring Seminar
«Transformation of Musical Expression»
April 10 - 15, 2026
Seminar House Herzberg Asp ob Aarau SWITZERLAND
With Mary Knysh and Alexander Merz
support for further training Anna Eichenberger
course language: english/german
«Transformation of Musical Expression»
The power of the four elements «Air», «Earth», «Fire», and «Water» leads us to a new level of musical expression and collaborative music-making.
Besides harmonies and rhythms, music is also characterized by its energy. We usually perceive this rather subconsciously, but it can be crucial in how a piece of music affects us.
Depending on the element and energy, a melody or rhythm can take on a completely different meaning and power. We sing and dance, play our instruments, and in doing so, we feel and internalize the different qualities in the interplay of the elements.
For all instruments and voice. Previous musical knowledge is welcome, but not required! Piano and various percussion and sound instruments are available on site.
The course is led by Mary Knysh and Alexander Merz. Both are experienced Music for People instructors from the very beginning and have been intensively involved for years in exploring how musical improvisation can be lived, taught, and shared:
Mary Knysh (USA)
For many years, she co-led the Music for People trainings in Switzerland with David Darling and is a member of the teaching team in the USA and
Europe. She is a music educator, motivational trainer, MfP lecturer, and multi-instrumentalist (percussion, flute, guitar, and voice). She collaborates with various groups in the fields
of business, healthcare, and education. www.rhythmicconnections.com
Alexander Merz (D)
"Music, as an intuitive path, can certainly be humorous!" Extensive experience with the method and philosophy of Music for People. Music studies in Detmold and Düsseldorf. Since 1995, solo trombonist of the Bochum Symphony Orchestra. Orchestral work, freelance projects, DJ projects.
The basic content of the Music for People seminars:
- Developing your own musical expression
- Free play with instrument and voice
- Making music together free from the constraints of sheet music
- Melody, rhythm, harmony
- Communicate musically
- Listen actively
- Sound and silence
- Music and movement
- Learning skills for leading groups
As part of the seminars, the further training “MLP” Musicianship and Leadership Program can be completed, which enables people to teach the
forms of Music for People and to lead improvisation groups. The seminars are an important part of further training, but can also be attended independently. Individual sequences in the
seminars are led by training participants.
Support for further training:
Anna Eichenberger (CH)
Training and further education in dance and singing. In addition to leading MfP seminars since 2018, Anna is responsible for coordinating the Musicianship and Leadership Program. Own courses and music projects, member of the "Gong Improvisation Orchestra." 2024: Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in «Music Geragogy»
Detailed Information:
Course moderators: Mary Knysh and Alexander Merz
Course times: Friday April 10th, 6:00pm to Wednesday April 15th, 1:30pm.
Course fees: sfr 795.- / Members MfPE sfr 745.-
Please reserve your own room:
Herzberg: room rates and reservation (Fr 360.- to 750.- full board)
Contact:
Herzberg Haus für Bildung und Begegnung
5025 Asp ob Aarau
Tel: +41 62 878 16 46
Fax: +41 62 878 11 76
Email: [email protected]
For further questions: [email protected] / +41 77 468 42 88