Shamanism is the oldest form of healing known to mankind. Shamans are intermediaries between the human world and the spirit world.

According to Shamanism the main cause of illness is 'soul loss'. When a person experiences a deep trauma or loss of a loved one, part of their spirit may leave them and they can become ill.

The shaman communicates with the spirit world to find out the cause of a person's illness. Most shamans work with helping spirits, these may be relatives who have passed on to the next world or the spirits of animals. Shamans also work with the power of the elements and with crystals.

Most shamans have a particular power animal that they work with. The power animal helps the shaman to find a person's spirit and bring it back to them. This form of healing is called 'Soul Retrieval'.

Shamans use sound in their work. This generally involves singing healing songs and drumming. Shamanic drumming has been scientifically proved to alter brain rhythms and take people into altered sates of consciousness. In this altered state of awareness people are more open to healing and transformation.

In this workshop you will learn about the Native American Medicine Wheel, the six directions and four elements. You will connect with your power animal and learn how to facilitate a soul retrieval healing.

Simon Heather   -   Workshops

Crystals form deep within the Earth and have the natural ability to amplify, store and transmit energy. They are used today in micro chips, quartz watches and also in lasers. Each crystal has a unique colour and structure and its energy will effect us differently. Due to their qualities they are a wonderful tool for healing.

In this workshop you will learn how to cleanse and energise crystals. Learn how to use crystals with coloured cotton fabrics, which is placed over the body. Learn about complementary colours, and how to use colour for treating different illnesses.

Sound can be used to scan the body to pick up blockages in the energy field. It can also be used to balance the chakras.

In this workshop you will learn how to combine crystals, colour and sound in a healing session. You will learn how to balance the chakras with sound and colour. Learn how to tone the chakras after placing a layout of crystals on a person.

In the workshop you will also experience a Crystal Bowls Meditation. Using crystals, sound and colour in combination will enhance any healing session.

June Dickerson   -   Workshops

The beat of the Sacred Drum pushes through intellect and emotions, connecting us to our inner world and to the spirits. It enhances our lives, enabling us to stretch out beyond ourselves and feel the pulse of the universe.

The drum helps us to drive away fear, anger and sadness and connects us with the heartbeat of Mother Earth. As we learn to use the drum in ceremony and to integrate drumming into our daily existence we shake off the illusions and become more grounded, centred and real.

Deep and lasting is the power of the drum in sacred work. When you experience Shamanic journeys, pray to the angels, ancestors and guides, the drum holds you firmly on the earth so that you pass through the veils between the worlds in safety.

In this workshops Steven will help you to understand the power of the drum in sacred work. You will learn about the effects of different drumming rhythms and how to drum for Shamanic journeys

Make Your Own Sacred Drum

"Make a drum, that is how you learn to heal with a drum"

Making your own drum for ceremony, prayer and healing is very different from buying a drum from a shop. Putting your energy, breath, prayer and intent into the making becomes a co-creative act and the end product is a manifested tool of healing and personal medicine. We will be using deer skin and wood from beech, ash and walnut trees.

Steven Ash   -   Workshops

Chants and mantras are usually sung in Sanskrit. Sanskrit is said to be the language of the Gods and is the oldest language known to man. Sanskrit mantras have a particularly powerful healing effect on the body and mind. When used repetitively they help us to enter a meditative state.

Sanskrit mantras stimulate the body's subtle energy field, raising the kundalini energy that lies at the base of the spine.

In this one-day workshop you will learn about the ancient science that lies behind mantra and prayers. You will learn about the Sanskrit language and its effects. You will practise simple pronunciation and learn some chants and mantras. You will also have time to experience the effects of chanting on your mind and body. Simple chants will be provided for ongoing practise.

Sheila Whittaker   -   Workshops
Simon Heather   -   Workshops

The Bon Shamans living in the Tibet were the first people to use Singing Bowls in their magical rituals. Himalayan Singing Bowls are known for their unusual sounds, which seem to hover in the air long after they are played.

According to metallurgical analysis, most Singing Bowls are made up of between five and nine metals. The most commonly used alloy is based on a combination of seven different metals; gold, silver, mercury, copper, iron, tin, and lead, each metal representing a different planet.

Some bowls may contain as many as nine metals. These bowls may also contain zinc, nickel or meteorite. The Tibetans hold meteorite in especially high esteem and call it the "sky metal" as it is found in the Himalayas, the abode of the gods.

The Tibetan Buddhist master, his holiness the 16th Gwalwa Karmapa said that the music produced by the Tibetan Bowls is the sound of the Void.

In a workshop you will learn a brief history of Himalayan Bowls, the different types of bowl, their origin and purpose. You will learn about the effect of the sound of the bowls on the body. You will learn different techniques to play the bowls and what to look for when purchasing bowls.

You will learn how to give a Singing Bowl treatment and you will receive a "Singing Bowl Bath".

Aidan McIntyre   -   Workshops

Khöömii is an amazing style of overtone/harmonic singing where one person sings two or more distinct pitches at the same time. It originates among the nomads of the central Asian plateau, particularly the Altai and Sayan mountain regions of Mongolia and Tuva.

The nomads of these parts have discovered how to sing melodies that arise from the universal overtone or harmonic series. Listen to your own overtones as you discover the unknown depths and heights of your own voice through these enchanting sounds.

Michael Ormiston and Candida Valentino are multi-instrumentalist specializing in Mongolian khöömii (Overtone) singing and have travelled to Mongolia many times. They have principally studied with Tserendaava, a master teacher from Chandman' district, Khovd Province, west Mongolia. Tserendaava and khöömiich Gereltsogt have blessed Michael and Candida to teach the basics of khöömii.

During the workshops you will learn the basic Mongolian practices which include - the "shahaltai" voice quality, palatal and lip Khöömii and voice positioning and resonance.

You will also learn Western (non traditional) Overtone Singing, the harmonic series, listening exercises to sensitise the hearing to the harmonic series and an understanding of melody using the harmonic series.

Michael Ormiston   -   Workshops

The gong produces the greatest resonance of any instrument. There are many types of gong and many different ways to play the gong. The sound each gong makes has a different effect on the body and mind.

During a 'Gong Bath' the recipient is literally bathed in the sounds of the gong. It is like a very deep and long lasting massage with sound. A gong bath is usually experienced lying down on the floor. The sound of the gong recharges the mind, body and spirit.

The sounds of the gong create a meditative state in which the mind becomes quiet and receptive for healing. The body takes in the sounds that it needs for healing and filters out those sounds that it does not need. After a gongbath the recipient usually feels very calm and relaxed.

Physical aches and pains often disappear after a gongbath. The sounds of the gong continue to do their work long after the gongbath has finished. Sound healing with the gong works on all levels - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

A one-day gong workshop is an introduction to the gong and its use in sound healing. The workshop covers; a brief history of the gong, types of gong, the effects of the gong, basic techniques for playing and how to give a gongbath.

The two-day gong workshop covers all the subjects above in more depth. It also includes more advanced playing techniques, building up sound and using other related instruments.

Sheila Whittaker   -   Workshops
Aidan McIntyre   -   Workshops
Don Conreaux   -   Workshops

Reconnecting deeply with nature can create a 'sense of belonging' and 'coming home' and sound can readily enhance and enrich this process.

In this residential retreat weekend at Primrose Earth Centre, we will work with the sounding traditions of indigenous peoples that lived close to nature and used sound to deepen this relationship. There will be an opportunity to use sound to connect with the spirits of the land, plants and trees.

There will be an exploration of the qualities of the elements: fire, water, earth and air. We will look at our relationship to the elements and the way they influence our lives.

Nature provides an ideal setting for releasing trauma, sickness and pain and we will show the ways that the voice can be used to heal in a natural setting.

The gardens at Primrose Earth Centre are beautiful and inspirational and there are many unique natural settings that have been created. The retreat will be held in the Sound Peace Chamber and in and around the beautiful gardens including the Peace Garden, the Four Element Gardens, the Emissary Wheel and beside a mountain stream.

The Primrose Earth Centre - Where the land touches the soul and the soul sings its way home.

Paul Benham   -   Workshops

Nád Yoga is the yoga of sound (Nád is also written as Naad or Nada). The ancient scriptures say that the faculty of listening is the most comprehensive and powerful of all the five senses. In the cycle of birth and death, it is the first one to appear and the last one to disappear. Nád Yoga uses sound, tone, rhythm, singing and listening in order to awaken the consciousness.

The archetype of the Nád Yogi is Guru Nanak, a spiritual rebel, poet and leader who found full enlightenment by singing the praises of the Creator, whom he found to permeate the whole creation.

The science of sound (Nád) has been applied by the great spiritual Masters to stimulate the natural self-healing powers of the human being. Nád Yoga is based on the science of Rág as prescribed in the sacred scripture Siri Guru Granth Sahib.

The word Rág (Râga, or Raag) is a Sanskrit word which means colour or mood. Rágs are the melodic modes used in Indian classical music. It is a series of five or more musical notes upon which a melody is made. In the Indian musical tradition rágs are associated with different times of the day, or with seasons.

The sixty rágs prescribed in the Siri Guru Granth Sahib have the capacity to guide the student to mastery of all states of the mind.

Nád Yoga helps to relax and rejuvenate the body, balance and pacify mind and soul, uplift and strengthen the spirit, heal depression and other stress related ailments.

In his workshops Professor Surinder Singh will guide you into the world of Nád Yoga based on traditional Sikh Music. You will learn about and experience the elevating and healing properties of Sikh rág music. You will learn how to sing rág and you will have the opportunity to listen to and to play sacred instruments.

Prof. Surinder Singh   -   Workshops

Tuning fork therapy is a gentle form of healing that works on the body and the energy field. The tuning forks that are used are specially designed to create a rich spectrum of harmonics. There are two types of tuning forks: plain and weighted.

The plain forks produce vibrations that work on the energy field around the body. These tuning forks allow the healer to create all the musical intervals. Listening to musical intervals has a balancing and healing effect on the body, mind and emotions.

The most commonly used musical interval is the fifth. The C and G tuning forks are used to create this interval. This interval balances the Yin and Yang energy in the body. It also balances the two sides of the brain. The C and G tuning forks are part of a set of eight tuning forks that create a wide range of musical intervals that can be used to move energy and balance the chakras.

Crystal Tuners are good for space clearing. Angel Tuners are used to connect with the angelic energies.

The weighted tuning forks produce physical vibrations that work on many levels. The primary focus is working on muscles, bones and soft tissue. These tuning forks help to release pain and tension held in the joints and muscles.

The weighted tuning forks can also be used on acupressure, reflexology and EFT points to great effect. The Om Tuner is wonderful for inducing a sate of deep relaxation and meditation.

On a one day Tuning Fork Workshop you will find out how to use the different types of tuning forks. You will find out how to use the tuning forks for self-healing and for healing others. All the different types of tuning forks will be available for you to use and purchase.

Keith Oddy   -   Workshops

Soundwork in Schools covers many different ways to use sound in a school environment.

In a Soundwork workshop you will be given a starter 'toolkit' of creative ideas for sound workshops. You will learn how to set up the learning space, how to shape a sound workshop and how to manage the group.

You learn about marketing, how much to charge for your services and the responsibilities regarding Public Liability Insurance and CRB checks.

On a workshop you will learn songs and how to sing them in the way that children will be able to learn. You will learn how to blend improvised chants, songs from around the world, creative artwork and dance as well as the sounds of simple instruments.

Participants will be able to take away handouts and digital recordings of the songs they have learned over the weekend.

Feedback from the last course - participants found it helpful and inspirational. Everyone who attended felt better equipped to take their sound work forward in their area.

Chrys Blanchard   -   Workshops

Crystal bowls are made of 99% quartz crystal. There are three main types of crystal bowl; opaque bowls, optically clear bowls and practitioner bowls that are held and used directly over a person during a sound healing session.

The human body is crystalline in its make up. The bones contain crystals as do the blood and tissue salts. There is therefore a resonance between the crystals in the body and the crystal bowls.

During a crystal bowl healing session a variety of bowls are used. The large bowls are deeper in resonance while the clear bowls produce higher frequency sounds. The sounds of the crystal bowls promote a gentle healing on many levels: mind, body and spirit.

In this workshop you will learn how to choose a crystal bowl and how to care for it. You will learn how to use the crystal bowls during a sound healing session.

Find out what the differences are between crystal bowls and Himalayan bowls. During the workshop you will get plenty of hands on experience playing the bowls. In the workshop you will also experience a Crystal Bowls Meditation.

June Dickerson   -   Workshops

The aim of this workshop is for you to expresses yourself through art using sound as a starting point. A workshop involves making sound as a group and also listening to sounds. The sounds used may be instrumental or vocal.

There are several ways to do this: creating an image that expresses the effect that the sound has on you either emotionally or physically. Alternately the sounds may create visual images in your mind that can also be expressed. The emphasis is on creating images spontaneously without too much conscious thought. This can help you to understand your inner world.

Sounds touch everyone very deeply. Producing art that is based upon this experience can be a very moving process. It can allow feelings or images to arise from our unconscious.

The workshop will give you the chance to play with both art and sound. Linda aims to provide a safe space for individuals explore the relationship between imagery and sound, and this is a personal and very illuminating journey.

Linda Davies-Holmes   -   Workshops

'Let Your Soul Sing !' is an introduction to voice-work using the Naked Voice methodology, inspired by Chloe Goodchild. It offers experiences which help to identify and let go of the ego, leading to a place of self-acceptance, non-judgement, and a deep connection with the oneness of which we are all a part. It is a wonderfully creative and nurturing process, enabling us all to deepen our confidence in using our voices, as well as informing our way of being.

The one-day workshop is for singers and non-singers alike. Rhiannon will introduce simple exercises and activities which can be practised at home to help increase your energy vibration and sense of well-being. The workshops will -

  • Introduce sacred chants
  • Promote healing through meditative, gentle movements (Shintaido) with sound
  • Introduce the Indian modes
  • Help you to find your own sound
  • Help you to develop deeper listening skills and an enhanced awareness of self
  • Will encourage creativity, individuality and spontaneity

It is advisable to be on a spiritual or therapeutic path before experiencing this work.

Rhiannon runs these workshops in the Greater Manchester area, or at conferences, but is happy to travel if an event can be organised. Please contact her if you are interested or have any questions.

Rhiannon Gill Becque   -   Workshops

Angels and Sound will be a pure spiritual day connecting with the Divine Angelic Realm to produce divine healing sounds that will enable you to enhance your healing abilities.

Angels are with us constantly and they love to sing and sound and love it when we use sound and music to enhance our lives. They Sing With Joy when we acknowledge them!

On this day we will learn how to connect with the Angels, through meditation also using various wonderful exercises.

Information will be given on different Angels who assist with healing different chakras, connecting with these Angels that will be sounding through us for the highest balance and harmony of these chakras. Tuning in and connecting with the group Angel that will be with us and assisting us through the day.

This day will include exercises for self healing, group healing, distant healing and earth healing. Come and join myself and the Angels on this wonderful day to produce wonderful Divine Healing Sound!

Gill Evans   -   Workshops

The harmonium is an Indian instrument that is used as an accompaniment to chanting Sanskrit mantras. It is a keyboard instrument like a miniature organ which works with the use of bellows. These keep the air circulating through the banks of reeds inside.

The harmonium can be played to create a tune or a continuous drone sound. The drone is particularly suited to accompany chanting or raga singing.

In traditional Indian chanting the harmonium is accompanied by the tablas (Indian drums), which create a rhythm. The combined sound of voices chanting accompanied by harmonium and tabla creates a tremendous feeling of spiritual upliftment.

The one-day harmonium workshop is open to people who wish to accompany their chanting with an instrument, whether musically trained or not. Appropriate tuition will be provided whatever your level.

In Harmonium Level One you will learn about the types of harmonium and how they work. You will learn basic techniques for playing the harmonium. Instruments will be provided and simple music will be given to you for your ongoing practise afterwards.

Harmonium Level Two is for those who have done Level One or have some basic knowledge and wish to take their playing a stage further. More advanced techniques will be covered, including chords and drones and more difficult chants will be learned. Simple music will be given for your ongoing practise.

Sheila Whittaker   -   Workshops

Raag is the ancient system of classical Indian Music, which can trace its roots back five thousand years. It combines the healing vowel sounds of ancient Sanskrit with particular groups of notes, sung in particular ways, which reflect the changes in the universe around us. This includes changes throughout the day and the changing seasons.

By singing Raag we attune ourselves to the natural laws of sound, which are dynamic and life promoting. Raag means 'colour' and it is as if we are painting a picture of the natural world when we sing Raag. It is beautiful, sacred and one of the most truthful forms of music that I have come across. "The nearest thing to God" however we define that! The study of Raag brings a profound sense of connection and an appreciation of the mystery of life.

In these workshops we will cover the basics of Raag, working in particular with Raag Yaman. We will cover: general singing and toning tips, singing with drones, the Sanskrit syllables of Sagam and their healing effect, the structure of Raag, Alaap, creating soundscapes and applying the energy of Raag to sound healing.

Participants will gain a better understanding of Raag and the healing and transformative power of the music. Raag informs and enriches any form of sound healing work.

Danu Fox   -   Workshops

'Intuitive Sound Healing' uses voice, music, musical instruments, movement and visualisation.

Christine draws on her Celtic background to teach her workshops.

'Intuitive Sound Healing' enables the participant to sense what sound their body needs to balance itself. People find the sounds by going within and connecting to their hearts.

The sound healing may involve singing songs, making sounds or speaking words. The sounds that we need to make may be the sounds of nature, the wind or the sea.

Christine uses 'Intuitive Sound Healing' to help people find deep inner peace and better health.

Christine Cleobury   -   Workshops

Soundscape is a body of work, which is exploring the idea of bringing healing sound into public spaces, usually hospitals. It takes the form of a workshop weekend which culminates in a Soundscape Event on the Sunday afternoon. As a Sound Healing Practice is it aimed at those who would like to use their voices. It is particularly relevant for those who are comfortable with their voices and have already done some simple sounding i.e. toning the chakra sounds. However there is plenty of opportunity to develop your voice if you haven't had much experience before. Instrumentalists are also welcome.

In this event vocal sounds combine with the music of gongs, Tibetan singing bowls and other unusual instruments to create an atmospheric spectacle of delight for people to see and hear The event will not take the form of a usual concert, but will be more like visiting and art gallery or museum. Rather than 'performing' the participants are in a gentle meditative like state when creating the sounds, as they have been working together as a group throughout the weekend to reach this point.

Soundscape offers a deep listening space where anybody can come and experience the effect of profound resonance. The public, staff and patients are invited to wander quietly through the space and spend as little or longs as they wish there.

During the weekend workshop participants will be using their voices to sing chakra sounds, pure tones and over tones as a group. They will also experiment with making sounds on singing bowls, bells, small temple gongs and other simple instruments and learn to play these for the Soundscape. Together we will create a sequence of sounds that can be performed as a cycle for the event.

We will also be considering the visual aspect and the use of the space, which will be beautifully decorated. We will move into different satellite groups to sing various tones and move into different parts of the space to create different effects with the sound. We wear our own clothes with a colour theme - blues, going into turquoise, purple, and greens - a watery colour theme.

We also offer sound baths or 'sound transfusions' as part of the Soundscape. This has proved to be a very important part of the work. The image of someone lying on a treatment couch which is covered in beautiful silks, surrounded by human beings singing soft and gentle voice into their body is deeply moving.

"It is my intention to provide a piece of art that bears witness to the tenderness and compassion that human beings extend to each other in their efforts to provide comfort and support" - Chrys Blanchard

Chrys Blanchard   -   Workshops

The Aboriginal people of Australia are the first known culture to heal with sound. Their 'yidaki' (modern name, didgeridoo) has been used as a healing tool for at least 40,000 years. The Aborigines healed broken bones, muscle tears and illnesses of every kind using the didgeridoo.

Recent scientific research has shown how low frequency sound can help to heal bone fractures and repair torn muscles and ligaments.

The deep vibrations created by the didgeridoo have a healing effect on the body. The sounds increase the blood supply to areas of the body that need healing.

The didgeridoo also slows brainwaves to 'alpha' and 'theta'; this creates a feeling of relaxation and trance like states. The deep relaxation created by the sound of the didgeridoo helps to relieve pain and heal painful emotions.

Studies carried out with people with chronic back problems found that they could actually move their limbs after previously being totally paralysed following a series of healing session's with the didgeridoo.

People find that the when they hear the sound of the didgeridoo they feel like they are back in the womb and describe their experience as being warm, safe and secure.

Workshops / concerts cover the history of the didgeridoo, the origins of didgeridoo healing and how the didgeridoo is played. Participants will receive a didgeridoo healing and share their experiences. Bring blankets and pillows.

Chris Thorn   -   Workshops

Singing is medicine for the soul. Every voice is unique, and song can provide a vehicle to express our individual sound, our feelings, our whole self. At the same time it can furnish us with a wonderful focus to still the mind and to allow the vibrations of our combined sounds and harmonies to nourish and enrich the spirit.

Song Meditation combines the essential tools of singing and vocal production with gentle mindfulness. It is designed to encourage a joyful stillness and an appreciation of the warm companionship and healing experience of group singing.

You will learn how to develop more effective breathing, practise mindful listening and learn gentle yet effective vocal techniques and ways of increasing the resonance, richness and range of your voice. You will learn to appreciate and enjoy using your voice without automatically switching on your inner critic.

You will have the opportunity to learn chants, simple songs, accessible but beautiful rounds, sing in harmony and allow the song and the harmony that the group produces to become a focus of meditation.

It is not important whether you think you can or can't sing. Song Meditation provides an empathic and supportive group context where you can explore and enjoy the healing miracle that is your voice.

Trixi Field   -   Workshops