560 Railroad Community Artist and Vermont Studio Center alum Jessie Rothwell will host Heartstrings: How Music Pulls Us into our Stories and Ourselves, on two Thursday evenings, April 23rd and 30th, from 6-7:30pm, at Catamount Arts. The workshops are part of Rothwell’s community engagement events during her 560 Railroad Community Artist residency in St. Johnsbury

Explore the magic of music through listening, discussion, and writing. Sometimes music feels like sorcery in the moment. In a piece of music, melody, harmony, rhythm and timbre can become more than the sum of their parts. When lyrics combine with sounds, even more magic is generated.

What’s happening when music gives us goosebumps or songs make us cry? How do particular songs transport us, evoking certain settings or moments long past? Heartstrings with Jessie Rothwell invites curious community members to explore these questions through listening, writing, and discussion. Come and unpack how different areas of the brain respond to music and language, stimulating the parts of the brain responsible for memory and emotion.

The fee for Heartstrings, with Jessie Rothwell, at Catamount Arts, April 23rd and 30th, from 6-7:30pm, is $25. High school students and Catamount Arts members get a 10% discount. Contact Anne at 802-748-2600, extension 109, to inquire about financial assistance. Class size is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Visit www.catamountarts.org to secure a spot.