Hazel Walker is a Soundwork Practitioner, accomplished Jazz Vocalist/Musician, Vocal Coach, and CRA certified Reiki Therapist. She has a studio in the Toronto area that offers private and group soundwork sessions, Reiki treatments and voice lessons. She also works with other Soundwork Practitioners taking soundwork out to conferences, corporate environments and assisting those communities wanting to set up sound circles.

Hazel is a support volunteer with the Dorothy Ley Hospice and a member of the “Sound, Breath and Energy” Group who offer support to those with life-threatening illnesses. She assists colleague Kathleen Gillis in bringing “Soundwork” to patients at the Toronto Grace Hospital.

She has studied extensively with Gary Diggins, Toronto Sound Source, where she was introduced to many world instruments and the concept of “sound work as soul work”. Hazel is currently furthering her studies in psycho-spiritual counseling at Life Space under the direction of Dr. Barbara Forest.

A native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Hazel is an accomplished jazz artist with a vast performance experience derived from live theatre, radio and television appearances and concerts in venues across North America and Asia.

Locally, Hazel has created a following from performances in noted Toronto jazz venues like the Montreal Bistro, the Rex Jazz Bar as well as her live concert and broadcast on the CJRT ‘Sound Of Toronto’ Jazz Series.

“In this age of exhibitionist ‘diva’ singers, it’s wonderful to hear Hazel Walker, a vocalist who actually treats a song with respect,” says Toronto Jazz broadcaster/writer Ted O’Reilly. “She sings in tune, understands the lyrics, works with first-rank musicians and makes a deep connection with the listener.”

Hazel’s first recording, I Have Dreamed, may have been long in coming but her years of steady work in the music industry has made her an accomplished artist and ensured that the wait was well worth it. Her latest release, On This Quiet Night, is a collaboration with pianist/arranger Graham Howes who wrote and sings the title track. This newly released album offers a wonderful collection of Christmas carols and seasonal favourites.

Although Hazel still performs, her focus is mainly on the holistic aspects of clients who will benefit from Soundwork, Reiki and other complimentary modalities.