ABOUT Songs for Tree
Songs for Tree is an ode to our planet's endangered old-growth forests, specifically the last standing old-growth trees on Vancouver Island, Canada. The instructions and musical scores in this collection suggest ways in which we might find, rediscover, or deepen our connectedness with the natural world through deep listening, play, imagination, and reflection. By attuning our own rhythms and tones to those of the more-than-human world, we might gain a better appreciation and understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things.
Most of the activities do not require any musical skills or previous musical experience and are intended to be played outdoors. These can be part of your own personal practice while out in nature, played with friends, applied in teaching practices with people of all ages, or presented as performances and workshops.
Songs for Tree is an ode to our planet's endangered old-growth forests, specifically the last standing old-growth trees on Vancouver Island, Canada. The instructions and musical scores in this collection suggest ways in which we might find, rediscover, or deepen our connectedness with the natural world through deep listening, play, imagination, and reflection. By attuning our own rhythms and tones to those of the more-than-human world, we might gain a better appreciation and understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things.
Most of the activities do not require any musical skills or previous musical experience and are intended to be played outdoors. These can be part of your own personal practice while out in nature, played with friends, applied in teaching practices with people of all ages, or presented as performances and workshops.
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Photo gallery
Hand pressed wood prints
While writing Songs for Tree, I was inspired to create a score using tree rings as the musical staff. As a result, I began making these hand pressed prints from slices of wood as a way to preserve the story of the tree. You can view more in my store.
While writing Songs for Tree, I was inspired to create a score using tree rings as the musical staff. As a result, I began making these hand pressed prints from slices of wood as a way to preserve the story of the tree. You can view more in my store.
Ways to take action to protect old-growth forests
- Support an organization with a donation.
- Sign a petition to show your support or opposition of a policy or initiative.
- Call or send a message to your representatives and government officials (at all levels) to express your support or opposition to a proposed or existing policy.
- Visit an old-growth forest. Take photographs and share on social media.
- Speak up about the issues you are passionate about – start conversations with friends, family, and community members.
- Attend town halls and panel discussions when environmental issues are on table.
- Create works of art that draw attention to environmental issues.
- Do your own research – listen to podcasts, read the news, books, and websites that discuss the issues from various perspectives. Double check facts and try to gain understanding of the pros and cons of policies and initiatives.
- Attend rallies and peaceful protests.
- Attend events hosted by local organizations to learn more about a specific topic.
- Volunteer your time with a local environmental organization.
- Vote strategically for a candidate that supports your values.
- Be a good role model and practice what you preach.
- Be a steward of the environment.
- Use social media to share stories, issues, and positive initiatives.
- Spend time in nature.
- Hug a tree.
I acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts