Below is a sample itinerary for the Play In Person: Bowls, Gongs, and More. The exact order is subject to change without notice.
Day 1
Introduction to Sound Bath Instruments
Get familiar with commonly used sound bath instruments, including crystal singing bowls, gongs, drums, rain makers, chimes, and wave drums.
Sound and the Nervous System
Learn how sound can affect the nervous system and why that matters for anyone playing sound bath instruments for wellness.
How Different Instruments Affect the Listener
Not all instruments produce the same effect. Go deeper into how instrument selection can affect the listener's experience.
How Playing Style Shapes the Results You Achieve
The way you play matters. We cover the differences among instrument playing styles and how playing style is one of the biggest determinants of the results achieved in any sound-based experience.
Frequency, Notes, Octaves, and Basic Music Theory
A practical introduction to sound science: how frequency, pitch, overtones, and octaves work, and what the research actually supports about how sound affects the body.
How Crystal Bowls Affect the Body
Crystal bowls can have both positive and negative effects on the body depending on how they're played. Learn what those effects are and how to get the most out of your playing.
Crystal Bowls: Types and Differences
Not all crystal bowls are equal. Learn the differences between types, what those differences mean in practice, and what to listen for.
Crystal Bowl Playing Techniques: Learn and Practice
Hands-on practice playing crystal bowls. You'll also learn the basics of combining bowls musically.
Day 2
Receive a Sound Bath
Experience a gong & bowl sound bath played using many of the techniques taught in the workshop.
Gong Listening Exploration
Develop your ear by listening to a range of gongs. You'll learn to identify differences in tone, quality, and character that matter when playing or buying a gong.
How Gongs Affect the Body
Learn why gongs are essential to therapeutic sound work, how they help induce and sustain the hypnagogic state, and what makes their sound distinct from other sound bath instruments.
Gong Types
Go into the differences in gongs including types, materials, and makers and how to select one that fits for your goals.
Gong Playing Techniques: Learn and Practice
Learn and practice proprietary gong playing techniques and be guided through practice drills taught only in person.
How Drums Affect the Body
Understand how drum tempo and rhythm affect the body and brain.
Drumming: Learn and Practice
Learn and practice various rhythms and tempos on shamanic style drums.
Supportive Sound Bath Instruments
Explore and play a variety of supporting instruments that are played in sound baths, including chimes, rain maker, and wave drum.
Instrument Purchasing Guidance (optional)
Stay for one-on-one buying advice on the instruments we carry. Listen to gongs, get help selecting a bowl set, and get recommendations on mallets and stands. Workshop participants receive special discounts.