Education/Certifications: Certified music therapist counselling therapist (BMT, RCT, MTA), Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology (MA the study of music and culture), Yoga teacher 500 ERYT, Reiki practitioner
Immediate family whom you live with (partner, child, pets): Partner Jean Francois, baby Raphael and kitty Pema
Highlight/s of your career: Recording in India. Playing and singing with Shimshai. Touring with Dave Stringer (kirtan artist). Playing spirit fests in Bali, Australia and Hawaii.
Fun fact about you: I lived like a nomad for 4 years as I travelled the world. Literally lived out of my MEC rucksack.
Do you have hobbies/interests outside of music: I love dancing though I don’t do it much these days. Ceiligh dancing was a favourite of mine when I was in university. I also love visual art though again haven’t really done much with that. Travelling to new towns to feel the vibe is fun.
When did your music start and where: In utero? I was lucky to grow up in a family that sang and loved music. My mom sang in community theatre – she was pregnant with me when she was Wendy in Peter Pan. We also sang and played as a family in church and her brothers were entertainers. My granny also played piano and sang for all kinds of events back in the day. My first instrument was a violin which I started at 4 years old. We still have that tiny violin. I only studied for a year or so but I wish I’d continued!
What instrument is your favourite to play and why: Ohhhh that’s a tough one. I guess I would have to say my new Ibanez hollow body becase it has an old soul and its lived a life (I got it second hand and its neck was cracked). It sounds good acoustic as well as plugged in.
What do you like most about playing music: Oh boy. So much. Getting to create beauty and art out of different situations and life experiences, even difficult and painful ones. Sometimes these can make for the most expressive and touching music. I also love expressing myself in music. I find it easier to improvise with music than with talking or words! I also love how it makes people feel and that I can help people feel better
Describe your favourite venue for performing: House concerts! They are intimate, friendly, cozy, low key and real. I’m not separated from the audience by a stage and lights and I feel I can really interact, ‘talk’ with my audience and tell the story of the music. They bring people together and I love it when people sing along and I can actually hear them! I’m always game to play in new homes so hit me up if you’re interested 😉 Do you get performance anxiety: Yes …. and not always. So sometimes?! In yoga venues, usually I don’t but in bigger venues I often feel nervous and anxious to not make a ‘mistake’. LOL I don’t get nervous like I used to though. Actually, my stage fright used to be pretty severe. I used to literally shake when I had to do a solo on my oboe in high school band for example. Now I know more about how to harness the emotions and energy and use it. But yes, I still get nervous.
Do you follow a process or ritual before a performance: Not really. I do try to remind myself to enjoy myself because that’s key. If I’m not enjoying, what’s the point?! I also don’t eat big meals before singing because that can make singing harder.
Who are your musical inspirations: The Beatles. Shimshai. Sarah McLachlan. Ani Difranco. Niranjan Kaur. Snatam Kaur. Deva Premal. Tina Malia. U2. Coldplay. Pearl Jam.
What musician would you like to collaborate with: Any of the above? lol I love collaborating and am looking for an awesome collaborator!
Thoughts on the Yoga for Today community: What a welcoming lovely group of people! I feel embraced by the community and by Chris and all the people who help keep YFT running! I have so enjoyed offering soundbaths, kirtan and teaching at the studio. I also have a lot of respect for the quality of teachers that come through the studio and the number of senior teachers with depth practices offered there. We’re quite lucky to have the place as a hub in the greater Edmonton area.
I’m buying, where are we going for brunch: You’re also going to have to pick the place too because between baby and covid, I haven’t been out in 3 years! LOL. Unless we can go to the Yoga Barn in Bali?
Future plans include: Music: I released 2 albums of original songs during covid that have yet to be toured so I hope to do a Western Canadian tour and possibly a Quebec/Ontario tour… any beyond? Maybe to Costa Rica, Mexico, Hawaii (I have a few friends there). I’m also launching a couple of group programs in 2023 – a Shamanic immersion to help you Love your Body and Eat in Peace as well as a Sound Therapy Practitioner Training.
In recognition of Gerda’s years of dedication, and commitment to supporting and developing students and teachers through Yoga, the YfT Community has set up a Yoga Scholarship Program in Gerda’s Name.