Today we’d like to introduce you to Sita Rose.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sita. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
Growing up in a musical home where arts were highly valued, I understood at a young age how music can transform and heal. As a result, I pursued a degree in music therapy and vocal performance at the University of Iowa. Upon graduating, I moved to San Diego to complete my clinical internship. Throughout the stress of internship, I found respite in practicing yoga and was deeply drawn to the practice.
A few years later, I took a month-long voyage to India with the non-profit I was working for. My heart was opened by the opportunity to work with the people there and share the spiritual language of music. I was fortunate to bring back my first harmonium. This classical Indian instrument is often used for chanting and devotional music. Upon returning from India in 2012, I embarked on my first yoga teacher training.
Through this experience, I was introduced to Kirtan, a traditional chanting practice. I felt at home using my voice to express and process deep emotions. Throughout music school, I had often felt like an outsider. My voice didn’t quite fit into a ‘box,’ and I experienced external critique and internal judgment. I felt disconnected, and chanting gave me the space to explore my own creative expression.
After trying on many professional hats and wanting to satiate my hunger for knowledge, I enrolled in prenatal/postnatal yoga training and music therapy assisted childbirth courses. I noticed a lack of support in the community for moms experiencing postpartum. There was also a lack of access to music therapy for everyday wellness. I began to build my own business and co-founded Seed & Song. Seed & Song infuses music therapy strategies into yoga curriculums that support the motherhood journey.
In addition to Seed & Song, I operate my own private practice rooted in inspiring others to open their voice, embrace their creativity, and connect to their power. I perform under the name Sita Rose, offering live music for yoga classes, retreats, festivals, and ceremonies. I have been fortunate beyond belief for my work to be supported by an amazing community that also values the healing and transformational benefits of music.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Obstacles I encounter often stem from pioneering a new field. Music therapy and yoga are interchangeable in ancient practice. However, I’ve created a business blending the two in a way that hasn’t been done before. I am grateful to my mentors and business coaches for their help, but most of what I have learned about being an entrepreneur has been through trial and error.
My business plan constantly readjusts and evolves along with me. There is no instruction manual to follow when building this business, which has been both inspiring and challenging. Sometimes I am my own biggest challenge. I have confronted countless limiting beliefs and developed tools to get out of my own way. I have learned this type of discipline. Each day is a choice to show up and commit to my mission.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Seed & Song – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
People hire me to provide live music for yoga classes, festivals, workshops, retreats, ritual-based ceremonies, concerts, and more. My music is centered around ancient world traditions and Irish folk/bluegrass. I create music for the Soul.
My latest album, ‘In Essence’ was released in May 2018. ‘In Essence’ takes the listener on a journey through the seven major Chakra energy centers in the body. I facilitate ‘Unleash Your Voice’ workshops, and I’m developing an online program for women entitled ‘Voice of the Creatrix.’
This program is designed to help women embody their personal vocal power and actualize their creative potential through tantra practices. I offer private lessons and curate the session to the individuals’ desires. People often come to me to learn how to play the harmonium, open their voice, and experience Bhakti yoga.
Seed & Song:
Co-founded with my business partner, Melissa Kushnaryov, together we harness the benefits of music to enhance neurological development in early childhood. We do this by creating yoga curriculums that are infused with mindful music therapy-based songs.
Parents hire us to bring the gift of interactive music and movement to their children’s birthday parties. Greater San Diego communities hire us to provide experiences for family-friendly events, meetups, and more. We also train other yoga teachers on how to use our curriculum.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Let’s just say I am thrilled for the future. I have plans to expand both businesses by reaching people on a national level. I plan to expand my reach by offering online vocal empowerment and tantra courses for women.
I also plan to tour this year and facilitate workshops in other cities. I plan to offer location-based retreats in the next couple of years. There are a few other creative plans that I cannot divulge just yet, so stay tuned.
Similarly, Seed & Song will soon offer an online training platform for yoga teachers to develop their skills as a mom & baby teacher. Our curriculum is scheduled to launch later this year to be available for families and educators to utilize with their little ones.
Contact Info:
- Website: sitarose.com, seedandsong.com
- Phone: 619-992-4344
- Email: sitarosemusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sitarose_yoga/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sitarosemusic/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/seedandsong/
Image Credit:
Darci Fontenot (flickr.com/people/dfont/), Jordan Guzzardo (jordanguzzardo.com)
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
