Todd Werner
After many years in musical hibernation Todd got the push in 1998 to start writing again and offering his music for other people. Todd states, "My music has been such a personal and sacred thing for me, I knew I wanted to perform and write songs that had meaning or purpose..." He quickly began writing songs for both adults and children and started his own record label called "Songs for the Soul Records".
Music for children: Being a parent and a Social Worker for many years Todd knew that music was and is an exciting and powerful learning tool. Todd decided to incorporate his passion for music with his interest in encouraging non-violent solutions and helping children see their potential and true capacity. Todd quickly began to find his niche in offering elementary school music assemblies. Todd states, "Having the opportunity to not only share my music, but to share important lessons and messages along the way is an incredible honor and joy that is hard to express....I am grateful for every opportunity that my music can find its way into a child's life..." At this point, Todd's music has been used in schools and agencies throughout the world. Todd has heard about and has given permission for his music to be used in schools in South Africa, Australia, England, Canada, and many parts of the United States.
Todd was awarded the 2002 National Sunshine Peace Award in Wilmington North Carolina for his work in the field of domestic violence and violence prevention. Todd is the co-founder and co-executive director of a non-profit counseling agency in Wausau, WI called, "Peaceful Solutions Counseling, Inc." www.PeacefulSolutions.org
Adult Music: Todd has recently completed an adult CD called "Now and Then" that was mostly done in Nashville with studio musicians. Todd goes on to say, "I am certainly proud of "Now and Then". It really is filled with a sound that speaks to me and with songs that I love. I tried to be very honest with the songs that I've written for this CD. As most song writers know, it is often a challenge to put your heart completely out there for the world to see...." That CD includes a variety of songs that were his favorite ones that he has written over the years and a lot of recent ones. Like most musicians, it is hard for Todd to describe what category his music should be in. Todd says, "It all depends on the song and what mood I'm in...and how the song comes to me...some of them certainly have a country feel, while others are more easy listening. There are so many styles of music that are available I would not want to be tied down to one exact sound or style. However, I think every listener can hear my musical influences in my life by listening to most of my music. You will hear a little John Denver and James Taylor. I've learned to accept the comparisons and know that if people need to have a musical reference point that is not bad company to be in..."
Todd's other adult musical offerings are varied. For example, In 2002 he completed "Sacred Space". This CD is a guided visualization CD narrated by his friend Sarah Stinson followed by 35 minutes of peaceful instrumental music. "This Round Little World" CD is a folksey sounding recording.
In these last few years Todd has heard many stories of how people have used his music in ways that have surprised, amazed and humbled him. Todd says " I never feel that I can take full credit for the songs that I write. Most of the songs come to me in a way that makes me feel that I'm simply taking notes or dictation....like all of us, the creative process is allowing ourselves to be open and willing to listen to the divine gentle whispers that surround all of us.
Some ways that people have used this music in special ways:
* Incorporated in a variety teaching materials in South Africa, Canada, and England, and many school districts in the United States.
* Healing Ceremonies
* Workshops
* By Guidance Counselors/School Social Workers
* Day Cares and Sunday Schools
* Morning announcements at Elementary Schools
* Funerals
* Baptisms
* Weddings
* Church Services
* Videos
* Introduction to certain radio programs
Todd and Sarah's collabortive CD "Sacred Space" has been used in:
* Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit
* AODA groups
* Meditation Groups
* Battered Women's Shelters