Katie Down and Jessica Caplan, long-time collaborators and co-teachers for Sound School introduce students to basic theoretical understanding of sound and music in healing practices. Students will learn what the standard and recognized practices and instruments are in sound work and holistic practices using sound and music. Students will learn how to integrate their voice, rhythm, movement, Deep Listening methods, and specific instruments. 

We will impart the importance of understanding the cultural and historical contexts of instruments introduced, as well as the ethical use and whether or not to incorporate traditional, indigenous instruments in sound and other healing practices. We will introduce gentle therapeutic touch and the parameters and ethics of holding therapeutic space for another, when to use touch and when not to, the combination of instruments and sounds to facilitate shifts in consciousness and brainwave states, and the use of our voices to open, connect, and express for optimal wellbeing.

Instruments introduced include Middle Eastern frame drums, West African djembes, shakers, claves, bells, and other small percussion from different traditions, Biosonic tuning forks, Monolina monochords, hand pans, shruti boxes, crystal and metal singing bowls, gongs, and voice.

One of the main threads that connects all the concepts and techniques shared, is the idea of the musical drone as the basis for working in sound - how the musical drone facilitates conscious, psychological, emotional, and physiological shifts, as well as a sense of safety, connection, and grounding. We will work with recognized instruments and techniques in sound healing practices, music therapy, holistic practices and the facilitation of sound baths so that students will come away with a basic understanding of using sound in their personal practice.

 Students are also encouraged to bring in their personal instruments if they have anything they are drawn to using in sound work.

We recommend that students with no prior experience using sound, take Level 1 with us and integrate some of the lessons learned in their personal work, with friends and family for at least 6 months and wait to bring their learning into public venues until after they complete Level 2, a 5-day intensive with Jessica, Katie and guest teachers that will take place in 2025.

Sound School is an experiential, engaging, fun, and welcoming place for creativity, curiosity and compassion. All are welcome!