Clear Vision: Clear Voice

This month features the work of Ruth Gerson, an inspiring woman I met recently during one of her Living Room Concerts. Not only is Ruth an outstanding musician and voice coach, she is a devout student and advocate of people in violent conditions. Her current project, Deceived, is a gorgeous compilation dedicated to serving those in situations of domestic violence by raising awareness, inspiring hope, teaching the importance of using one's voice to get help, and raising much needed funds for organizations that serve victims of domestic violence. I became further inspired when I read an interview she did with Ann Powers. Give it a read -- you'll see what I mean! In this interview Ruth and Ann discuss the violent lyrics of the songs featured in Ruth's latest album. At the crux of this project is a vital and healing piece of wisdom. Ruth states, "Expression is the means by which the brain can process rage. Without expression, the stress induced by human rage plays out in violence." She goes on to say, "I think the whole world pays for the murder of every face. That's why it makes sense to talk about it and why we all have a responsibility in working towards understanding it, with an ultimate goal of living in peace." Ruth is standing up for people without a voice while helping many more to find their voice and use it in a way that is powerful and can ultimately ameliorate the rampant conditions of violence in their lives and within society at large.

Ruth and I continued the conversation.

LP: Ruth, your music and passionate presence speaks volumes. I witnessed this first-hand when I saw you perform. And then there's your work as a voice coach, the Singing Belt, your stance against domestic violence and all the contributions you channel toward anti-domestic violence organizations. The way you've woven your study of violence throughout your work is beautifully inspiring.

What is it that inspires you to inspire others in this way?

RG: I am very influenced by the people who reached out to me a child and mentored me early on in my life. Teachers, counselors, my grandparents. Also, by the artists who would have no idea of their effect--Emmanuel Levinas, Franz Rosenzweig, Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens. There are songs, movies and books that I can point to which I believe not only guided and inspired me, but may have saved my life--Harold and Maude, It's A Wonderful Life, The Plague by Camus. I have found strength, understanding, and a way out of difficult places from listening to a song over and over, or reading the same chapters, staying with a painting, watching a movie fifty times.

LP: I'm wondering about your vision for the work you do in the world. Tell me about your vision.

RG: I wish that I could respond that I have a vision. I think that is something to aspire to. I hope for a global movement to understand domestic violence and violence against children, and I believe that the roots of violence stem from infancy. A vision of global peace cannot begin until there is peace in the home. Levinas says that "contact is gentleness and responsibility." Nature is a repetition of patterns, as well as a layering of them.

LP: Is there anything else you'd like my readers to know?

RG: I'd like readers to know that if they have any questions or comments, to feel free to reach me at mail@ruthgerson.com. A great question/comment can be very helpful and I will try to answer on my blog, or if it's directly related to voice work, then on the Singingbelt website. Also, that if they would either like to host a living room concert for fun or for a charity, such as AVON Foundation, Sanctuary For Families, Shalom-Bayit, The Family Violence Prevention Fund or another organization, they can email booking@ruthgerson.com. This is a quick quote from the host of a living room concert I did [recently] for the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Center in Davis - I thought it would be nice to share it:

"Last night Ruth performed a concert at our house to raise money for a local shelter.  I can't thank Ruth enough for how much she touched our lives and the 50 people who attended.  The shelter's director commented that no one had ever done something like this for them.  Our friends were raving about Ruth--her music, her energy, her generous spirit.  Over and over people thanked us for including them in this event and introducing them to Ruth.  If you haven't done a living room concert with her yet, you haven't lived!" ~Sarah Zimmerman

Ruth Gerson is currently living and working in the San Francisco Bay area, doing Living Room Concerts, vocal coaching and using everything she's got to express her vision loud and clear! I've gained new perspective about the importance of self-expression, especially as it relates to perpetuating peace in the world. I'm even thinking about signing up for some vocal coaching. Thanks, Ruth! You rock!! What does Ruth Gerson's work inspire in you? Please take a minute and let me know by leaving a comment.