Final Free Class Ends with a Bang!

This afternoon we had our final toning, chanting and drumming class at Healing Music Academy. There were six of us and we learned how to tone, chant and drum in a way that was fun, healing, and easy! Listen to the excerpt below and you'll get a little taste of what we did today!

Penultimate Class in Toning and Chanting Has a Blast

This afternoon, was the next-to-last free toning, chanting and drumming at Healing Music Academy. We really had a wonderful time and actually got around to doing toning, chanting, and drumming in addition to some lively discussions on music with autistic children, music with surgery, and music with preemies and pregnancy. Sure wish that YOU could have been there. Is it on your calendar for next Saturday afternoon? The final class will be from 2-4 at our classroom, 2518 Frankfort Avenue. Hope to see you there!

Toning, Chanting, and Drumming Class focuses on new technique

Do you know what "skeletal humming" is? Well neither did the students who attended my free class today, but they do now! Skeletal humming is a technique I learned when studying with Dr. Alfred Tomatis. It is a process whereby you actually turn your own spine into a human tuning fork by vibrating first your teeth, then your jaw, then your skull and then down your spine. It is quite an amazing process and is done for the purpose of "charging your brain"!

We have two more free classes left; please try to make it there if you can!

Mind-Body Healing with Vocal Toning

This afternoon we had our fourth free toning and chanting group at Healing Music Enterprises in Louisville, Kentucky. The group was very eager to understand all the many things that toning can do for an individual. We reviewed the five different primary vowel sounds, the three postures, and the three pitch ranges. We also reviewed the difference between toning with eyes open and eyes closed. The power of toning continues to amaze me. Within two minutes of moderate toning on an "OOOHHHH" or "AAAHHH" we all agreed the we were as calm and relaxed as if we had taken 5 mg. of valium! Toning is powerful. It is the best way that I know of to catapult yourself directly into the present and out of the past or future.



If you live in the Louisville area you are cordially invited to our final four classes which will be every Saturday in June from 2-4 PM. No experience is necessary. Bring a drum if you have one. If you don't, I have several. Just let me know that you're coming please! Hope to see you there!

The Power of Toning for Vibrational Healing

I've been doing a lot more toning recently and am powerfully aware of what a mind-altering experience it is. For example, in our last toning group I asked everyone to just do some slow, deep breathing for two minutes. I set my watch in front of me and we all did slow, deep breathing for two minutes...those two minutes moved soooooooooo slowly and we all agreed we were thinking about how much time had elapsed, primarily. Then I asked the group to add a tone to that slow deep breathing for another two minutes. We did that and could not believe how fast the time elapsed! Why is that? I believe that when you tone like that, your mind and body absolutely disappear and you are in an altered and healing state of mind and being. What do you think?

Second Class Learns Skeletal Humming

Well, our second free toning, chanting, and drumming class was today and we all had a great time! We did lots of toning today and even ventured in to some skeletal humming. The class proved to be naturals for skeletal humming and the room was buzzing with vibration!

One of our members brought in her beautiful, huge crystal singing bowl and played it for us and again, the room was alive with vibration. We all commented that the bowl seem to take on a life of its own.

Our next class will be MAY 19TH. Look forward to seeing you then! Feel free to invite a friend (or two) if you'd like but do let me know in case I need to reserve a bigger room. Remember to go to the blogs or www.babyboomerarticles.com and enjoy some Google ads!

See you in three weeks. Feel free to post your comments and questions on the toning and chanting blog: www.toningandchanting.blogspot.com.

Keep the music flowing!

Toning and Chanting Classes Begin

Yesterday we started he first in a series of FR*EE classes at Healing Music Enterprises in Louisville, KY. I think it went very well and we covered the introduction to toning, chanting, drumming and music healing. The group at this first class was exceptionally musical and the toning was absolutely beautiful. The drumming and chanting were pretty good too and because I felt they could handle it, I gave them a hefty assigment to report on next Saturday!

The class will meet on April 28th from 2-4 and then again May 19-end of June. If you're still wanting to join the class, let me know so I'll have enough chairs and handouts! Hope to see you there next week!

Weekly toning & chanting group beginning in Louisville, KY

In preparation for opening the National Speakers Association conference in San Diego this July, I've decided to offer a weekly toning, chanting, drumming and music healing group on a weekly basis. I would like to invite all my friends, neighbors and other aquaintances a chance to meet weekly for two hours and learn about toning, chanting, drumming and music healing techniques.

If you, or anyone you know, is interested in this, please email me immediately at chantdoc@healingmusicenterprises.com and let me know whether Saturday or Sunday afternoon from 2-4 PM would be better for you. Location will be somewhere in the Crescent Hill/Highlands area. Donations to Healing Music Enterprises will be accepted but there will be no charge. I'd like to start this week-end April 14/15.

Space is limited so please get back to me as soon as possible!

Clear the cobwebs: Spring Cleaning with Vocal Toning

Did you know that you tone at some point most every day? "No I don't!" you say, but you really do! For example, I just finished a fabulous dessert of mango sorbet with raspberries and whipped cream. Now that was one delicious dessert and you can rest assured that I was going on and on with my "UMMMMMs" and "ahhhhhhhhhhs" and "OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOs." I was expressing a wide range of pleasure with long vowel sounds, repeated at different pitch levels and held for various lengths of time. Was I doing it to practice my toning? Of course not. I was just expressing my pleasure at eating this delicious dessert.

Think of all the ways you express yourself with long, vowel sounds: seeing a newborn baby:aaaaaawwwwwwwww; seeing mouse run across your kitchen floor: eeeeeeeeekkkkkkkkkkk! Sitting down after standing on your feet for a long time: oooooooohhhhhhhhhhh. When you make these long vowel sounds you oxygenate your body and charge your brain. It's good for you and we do it spontaneously many times a day.

Now, think about doing it intentionally! You can order my CD toning program or sign up for my course! Do it today. You'll feel better and you'll feel happier!

I'm going outon a limb here

As you know, I was in Las Vegas this past week-end for a family wedding. I'm not really a fan of Las Vegas but we did have a great view from our hotel room. That's about all I can say. Im going out on a limb to say that I heard many people in the casino chanting the old casino chant "please, please, please" and "come on, come on snake eyes." Do these chants work? Well, they must do something for the folks that are repeating them over and over and over. Chant has to do with putting people into a "zone" and when one is gambling, I suppose they need to go to that zone to feel they are doing their best to align with Lady Luck. I don't know, what do you think?

Toning with Your Valentine

Many people simply do not realize the power of vibration in a romantic relationship. Of course there is a little device that uses the a variant of the word vibration (blush) but did you know that you can make your partner feel really good just with tone and sound vibrations? Try toning on each other's necks, backs, chests and anywhere else that inspiration suggests. You'll probably be pleasantly surprised!

Sound Healing for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and the air is full of different expressions of love! People talk about "good vibrations" but it's true, we can feel good vibrations coming from people, from songs, from gifts. Everything that exists is made of molecules and atoms and since molecules and atoms are constantly moving around, everything is actually vibrating...even though we can't see it. The way those vibrations are felt or perceived by you has a lot to do with the intent of the person, the song, the reasons the gift was given.

Vibrations can be healing, they can also be damaging. This year let's all send out positive, loving, healing vibrations.

Can you feel the good vibrations?

I think we all know that music makes us feel better. And better than listening passively to music, is actually makeing the music yourself. Singing, humming, whistling, playing an instrument or dancing to music. They all make us feel better. Why? Well, there are lots of reasons from brain chemicals being released to the vibrations that massage our bodies from the inside out! Next time to listen to some favorite music or make it yourself, put your hands on your forehead, your cheeks, the back of your head or arms and legs. Can you feel the good vibrations?? I'll bet you can!

What about the chanting at the Bowl Games?

What is your definition of chant? Many people think automatically of Buddhist chant, Gregorian chant, or Native American chant. But guess what, the "cheers" that fans chant at sports events are also a type of chant. They fit the definition: "chant is a positive statement repeated over ad over in a rhythmic fashion for the purpose of raising energy for a group or an individual." Can you imagine going to a sporting event that didn't have cheerleaders and fans jumping up and screaming and yelling to encourage the players to play their best and win one for their team? Can you imagine how boring it would be without a pep band? Think about it! It's yet another form of vibrational healing.

Well, did you experience vibrational healing today?

Today was Christmas around the world! Yesterday, there were concerts of gorgeous music of all kinds. At my church, in addition to a beautiful choir, we had a choir of brass instruments, a violinist (my daughter!) and lots of drums! I was sitting very close to the tympani and the congas and it was fantastic! I could feel the vibrations from everything as we sang "O Come All Ye Faithful" and other great Christmas hymns. At the conclusion of the service, I felt re-energized and as vibrantly alive as I've ever felt! How about you??

Vibro-acoustic therapy

As you may know, I was in Boston this time last week, doing a presentation for Indian Hill Music School. Someone in the audience asked about vibro-acoustic therapy and it's use for hearing impaired people. Vibroacoustic therapy is powerful because these folks can participate in drumming and any sort of performance where they can feel the vibrations and thus the rhythmic power of music. Evelyn Glennie is a phenomenally talented musician (percussionist) who was born deaf. She performs all over the world both solo and with orchestra and has had numerous compositions written for her. When I heard her in Louisville several years ago she played barefoot but in total concert attire. It was one of the most powerful musical experiences I have ever had.

If you know or work with people who are hearing impaired please let them know about the power of vibroacoustic therapy!

Toning and Chanting with Hypnotherapists

A few week-ends ago I did a presentation for a delightful conference of hypnotherapists. Their theme for the week-end was sound healing I participated in the first two days of workshops and sessions. They were all really excited about the power of tone and chant to lead people into an altered state that is safe and helpful. Toning and chanting are ancient methods of healing that anyone can learn and begin to utilize immediately. Want me to come to your town or city? Just contact me through my website www.HealingMusicEnterprises.com and we'll set it up! See you soon?

Todays' Drumming Workshop

Today at Healing Music Enterprises we had an awesome drumming workshop with guest music healer, Phyllis Free. We had a room full of people in the seminar room and many were first-timers at a drumming event. The drumming and rattling reached a fever pitch several times and many students reported great releases of sadness, anger, fear and other unwanted emotions.

When we added toning to that formula, the students reported feeling as though they were in a place of peace, tranquility and serenity. Several students said they felt empowered, harmonized, and as though they were having fun for the first time in a long while.

For those who live in the Louisville area, stay tuned for info about upcoming Drum Circles. You'll be glad you did!

Drumming for Vibrational Healing

Have you ever participated in a drum circle? It is really a lot of fun and frequently has healing benefits. Playing a hand drum is something that anyone can do and when you have an experienced facilitator you feel energized and empowered at the conclusion. Next Sunday, November 5th, I will be hosting a drum circle facilitated by Phyllis Free. The drum circle is free but will be limited to 20 people. We will also be videotaping this drum circle in order to put it on my website as an instructional video. If you're interested in learning how to drum for health, wellness, and fun, call 419-1698! Thanks!

What is Chant Anyway?

People ask me on a regular basis what chant really is. Not to be confusing or evasive, but chant is actually many different things. Generally speaking, chant is a spoken or sung melody that is usually fairly short, usually rhythmic and usually repetitive. The words are usually affirming a belief system, such as in Gregorian, Buddhist, or Native American chant. Chant can also be spoken as in sports cheers. They are often repeated over and over. Think of the Atlanta Braves or the FSU Seminoles. They chant what they believe to be Indian-sounding chant and they do it over and over.

Whatever chant people do, they feel more connected as a result and they feel more committed to a common cause whether that be winning a football game or committing to be a better person. If you want to learn some easy chants, you can get my program on toning and chanting in CD, tape, or MP3 download format. Check it out!