Las Curaciones Vagus - translates to ‘Vagus Nerve Healing’

‘I am so passionate about understanding the vagus nerve (main component of the parasympathetic nervous system) and the interplay between stress and regulation. I am intrigued by the potential wellbeing benefits that can be gained through singing and playing music.’

Background:

Many years ago, I had a hunch and set out on a path to seek answers. This led me to learn from leading Australian voice tutors, graduate from Australia’s leading Universities, studied neuroscience and mental health and; became a professional musician.

For me, music and singing began as a young child when I started writing music, creatively learning the piano before moving onto learning classical music, music appreciation, performing in choirs, musical theatre and branching out as a solo singer/songwriter after leaving high school.

Whilst completing my Undergraduate studies, however, I began studying colour theory, sound therapy, yoga, spiritualism, quantum physics, environmentalism, music history, animal communication studies and natural ecology.

During my University Honours year I studied Music Research in Education and received High Distinction. I was awarded the Monash University Silver Jubilee scholarship for my work in Arts Education and I focused on ‘creativity’ in music and visual arts.

Back in the day of CDs, and Walkmans, there was no opportunity to upload music on digital platforms and you had to convince a venue to book you as a live artist to be heard. I worked really hard by songwriting for hours on end and developing my song craft.

I had a piano but no digital keyboard so couldn’t play unless there was a piano at the venue! At times, I played on University and school pianos out of hours. I lived in a regional area without any social connections to the music industry so I had to travel long distances to perform my music.

Jemma is a musician, visual artist, mother, Masters level Certified Registered Counsellor (PACFA) & Educator (BEd Hons)

In 2004, I was fortunate enough to study the Estill Voice Technique with Helen Tiller and gain entrance into Actor’s Studio at National Theatre, acting at Ballarat Academy of Performing Arts and numerous masterclasses and tuition with leading Australian practitioners in voice and acting.

Later, I was interviewed live on air on small Melbourne radio stations and played some original songs. I got a gig as a radio host that supported young musicians on White Horse radio and co-produced some of the shows. I got gig residencies at wineries, was invited to play at special functions, charity events and supported well known artists.

In 2008, with the help of Stardust Management I recorded a 4 track EP, it was a step in the right direction but didn’t fully capture the production I wanted and I searched for a new recording studio. For the next few years I stepped away from pursuing my music dreams and circled back to it by teaching music to children.

I was sub contracted by Catholic and Anglican schools with already successful music programs to teach private singing and piano lessons and before long I was at full capacity. I continued to develop my supportive and confidence building pedagogy. I also taught adult learners starting out in music for the first time.

Upon moving to Queensland, I was invited to sing at some events that included the Mary Valley Arts Festival opening and was a finalist in the Passport to Airlie music festival performing at King’s Tavern in Caloundra. I also began facilitating therapeutic music circles for women through my counselling work.

In 2025, I have re-imagined my singing and piano teaching for children and adults drawing from my many years of study, live performances, theory, creative expression that considers the ‘whole person’ as a learner.

In 2024 and 2025 something interesting happened and I was invited to attend the CoLab Equity Summit in Noosa (with scholarship) propelling me to further question how equitable social and cultural capital fits within economic and systemic structures.

In 2024 I studied directly with Dr Stephen Porges and other educators at the Polyvagal Institute which solidified to me, the importance of studying the vagus nerve and singing for wellbeing.