An exciting new approach to therapeutic sound...
I’m driving home after an intensive weekend of in-person classes, with The British Academy of Sound Therapy - BAST. Almost all my closest friends are having the time of their lives at a music festival, including my husband. I’m exhausted, battling a little FOMO and have a long drive ahead of me…
Yet still, I feel absolutely amazing! Positive, excited, inspired, buzzing and full of possibility!
I’d just spent the whole weekend playing with my voice and all sorts of beautiful instruments gathered from around the world… earthy, tribal drums, warm Tibetan bowls, pretty chimes, shakers, rain sticks, crystal bowls, bells and more!
We played rhythm games, vocal games, silly movement games that made us laugh! We improvised, created beautiful soundscapes, unique tone poems… turned visual art into sound and sound into visual art.
I’m studying for a Professional Diploma in Group Sound and Voice Arts Therapy. This exciting new discipline aims to improve health and wellbeing by engaging in creative and therapeutic music activities, using sound and the voice.
Unlike a sound bath, where people lie down and passively receive, these sessions are interactive! Working as a small group of between 6 to 10 people, we play with the instruments and our voices, as part of a creative process that moves our mind, body and emotion.
Some sessions are focused on the use of sound and music to improve health and wellbeing and others focus more on sound and music as an art form, as well as for creativity and fun.
No musical skill or experience necessary! This is not about how it sounds, so much as how it FEELS! All of the instruments are accessible and easy to play.
There are so many benefits to health and well-being that can be achieved with therapeutic sound and music, including reduced stress, anxiety, muscle tension and physical pain, as well as an increased sense of well-being and positive mood, relaxation, deep breathing, enjoyment, expression and sharing something beautiful!
Our voice is the essence of us – the instrument through which we convey emotions, express ourselves and connect with others. Sound is a form of expression without words.
I am very pleased to be hosting my Sound and Voice Arts case study groups at The Blackheath Conservatoire! This venue is a buzzing creative hub, filled with music and soaked in musical history. I feel honoured to launch my new group therapy practice in this beautiful venue.
I have already announced the first few dates! Space is very limited, and slots are being booked up - just a few places left. More dates to be announced in the new year.
I personally have experienced so much creativity, fun, pleasure, joy, play, growth and healing whilst studying this diploma, and can’t wait to share it with the world!