The Sound of Freedom

The Sound of Freedom is a three-day spiritual workshop in voice, breath and sacred song, led by singer and songwriter Agni at PachaMama Eco Village & Retreat Center in Nicoya, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. It suits anyone drawn to singing as a path of self-discovery, whether you want to free your voice, release fear, or sing songs from many traditions in a group.

What to Expect

The workshop begins with the body. Attention goes to hearing and to breath, and to the silence that sits between musical notes. From there, participants find their voices in an organic way, through meditations and techniques meant to loosen the fears and limitations of the mind rather than to polish a performance.

Songs from a variety of traditions are learned and sung together, connecting the group with the elements of nature and Great Spirit. The theme running through the days is "Let it pass through": breath, voice and song as a way of releasing fear and deepening connection to self and spirit.

The schedule has a steady daily rhythm:

- Day 1: 2:00 to 5:30pm, then 8:15 to 9:30pm
- Day 2: 9:00am to 12:00pm, 3:00 to 5:00pm, then 8:15 to 9:30pm
- Day 3: 9:00am to 12:00pm, then 2:30 to 5:30pm

The first day opens in the afternoon with an evening session, the second is a full day of practice, and the third closes in the morning and afternoon.

About Agni

Agni is a singer, musician, songwriter, recording artist and actor. He studied acting in his native Argentina and worked in a variety of theaters there before bringing his voice to the work he now shares in workshops and song circles at PachaMama.

Past participants speak of the care he brings to holding a retreat. Musician Anna Eshwood describes private lessons with Agni as guidance for liberating and developing the voice, with techniques that go beyond vocal training to release unnecessary control and tension from the body. She also recalls a song she first heard in his song circles at PachaMama, which she later recorded.

The Setting

The workshop takes place at PachaMama Eco Village & Retreat Center, near Nicoya in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. Lodging can be added to the workshop as a bundled rate with five nights in an air-conditioned room. Other accommodation options are available when you reserve.

Before You Go

No prerequisite or level of singing or meditation experience is stated, so come with curiosity and a willingness to use your voice in a group. The workshop fee covers the three days of sessions, and lodging is an optional addition. A 13 percent Costa Rican value-added tax is added to the total, and accommodation beyond the air-conditioned room is arranged at the time of reservation.