Transformative Talks: The Psychology of Singing

Join soprano, scientist, seeker Heidi Moss and performance psychologist Dr. Jon Skidmore as we discuss the ways our brains function when we sing. Learn how you can harness the brain's immense processing power to sing more efficiently and effectively, and how to overcome the many pitfalls and hurdles that our minds set in our paths.

Heidi Moss, noted for her “rich and radiant soprano” (Edward Oriz, Sacramento Bee) has performed nationally and internationally in both opera and concert repertoire. A champion of new music, she helped spearhead the performance of numerous song premieres by renowned composers.

In addition to her musical life, Heidi holds advanced degrees in biology. Her research on telomeres at Rockefeller University lead to prestigious publications, including a landmark paper in Cell. Heidi teaches vocal physiology at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and is interested in the neuroscience of singing ever since she came down with a rare facial paralysis in 2007. Her publications and lectures, focused on the intersection of science and singing, have been presented in journals, at universities, and at international conferences. She is the wife of composer/pianist Kurt Erickson and, in addition to their musical collaborations, they proudly parent four children together.

www.heidimosserickson.com

Dr. Jon Skidmore is a licensed psychologist, performance coach, singer, educator, researcher and author. He believes that the path to peak performance starts between the ears, not in the practice room. For decades he has been helping performers from around the world, find freedom on stage and in life. He believes that everyone is a performer and as a performer you have gifts to give, stories to tell and songs to sing. His work is about teaching performers the tools and skills to powerfully share their gifts.

In March 2020 he co-authored Conquer Anxiety: How to overcome anxiety and optimize your performance. He is on the faculty of the Brigham Young University School of Music and teaches The Psychology of Music Performance. He has a private psychological practice in Orem, Utah.

www.jonskidmore.com