Kinesonics is the union of movement and music to create a communal experience of physical and sensory exploration
Our Mission
We believe that movement and music are inextricably tied and that one influences the other. Our goal is to explore this connection and to encourage others to do the same in order to engage more deeply with their bodies, their minds, their senses, their communities, and their environments.
About Kinesonics
Kinesonics originated in summer 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic as a virtual collaboration between yoga instructor Karissa Wiemer and musician Justin Peters. Through yoga classes presented with live musical scoring, the duo sought to provide a place for their friends and families to tend to their physical and mental wellbeing while also allowing the two to get back to teaching and performing - activities the pandemic had put on hold. They quickly came to realize a synergy in their partnership and a shared understanding of the link between movement and music. Through Kinesonics, they guide others through an exploration of this link while continuing to make space for physical and mental health.
Kinesonics classes are open to all ages, all bodies, and all degrees of ability. Movement and mindfulness drive Karissa’s instruction, as she provides room for beginners to explore and for veterans to expand their practices. Justin underpins the classes with rich, atmospheric soundscapes. Kinesonics is unique in that the music and the instruction are dependent on one another - an exhale inspires a chord; a melody influences a vinyasa. Kinesonics is a dialogue between the physical and the sonic, and we invite you to join the conversation.
Who we are
Karissa Wiemer
Karissa Wiemer is a 200-hour certified yoga instructor and body practitioner. With a Ph.D. in embodiment studies and over a decade of yoga practice, Karissa brings to her classes a deep scholarly knowledge of cultural and historical experiences of bodies in motion as well as a deep personal knowledge of the power of intentional movement. An orator by training, Karissa guides students in a collaborative practice focused on self-love, self-reflection, and self-empowerment.
Karissa's class welcomes students of all levels and abilities, offers strength and flexibility training in the pursuit of life-long functional movement, and uses meditation as a tool for ongoing self-discovery.
Justin Peters
Justin Peters is a drummer, percussionist, composer, producer, and songwriter based in Chicago. With deep knowledge in a vast array of musical styles, he has become recognized as a remarkably reliable artist and collaborator.
In 2015 Justin received his Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Since, he has collaborated with artists such as Eighth Blackbird, Third Coast Percussion, Nico Muhly, and Nadia Sirota. He has appeared at numerous mainstay venues across Chicago, including Lincoln Hall, the Metro, Orchestra Hall, and the Pitchfork Festival. He performs and records regularly with many groups in Chicago and abroad, including Family of Geniuses and Villekulla.
His debut solo album Kinesthetics was released independently in February of 2022.
Upcoming Events
Check back soon!
Contact us
kinesonics@gmail.com