The Heart of Sound in India

This past year, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to India for the first time, diving deep into the study of Indian classical music, bhajans, and mantras. It was such a powerful and eye-opening experience. I’ve spent years studying and teaching Vedic mantras and classical music, but stepping into the actual birthplace of these traditions was on a whole other level. India has always been a source of inspiration for me, but being there—feeling the energy of the land, the people, and the music—brought everything I’ve learned and taught into a new light.

Walking through the temples dedicated to the deities we honor in our chants was profound. You could feel the weight of centuries of devotion in the air. There’s a palpable reverence in these spaces, and witnessing firsthand how music and spirituality are seamlessly woven into everyday life was incredibly moving. The devotion in the chants, the rituals, the ceremonies—it’s something you have to experience to truly understand. Being in these sacred spaces helped me realize, on a much deeper level, why these traditions have resonated with me for so long.

A lot of what I took in during my time in India is reflected in the Devotional Voice course at Divasonic Music Academy. It’s the course I always recommend for anyone wanting to expand their vocal practices, especially if you’re interested in vocal meditation and chanting. It’s such a foundational course for connecting more deeply with your voice and the spiritual power of sound. My experience in India only reinforced how important this work is, and I honestly can’t recommend it enough for anyone starting their journey with sound healing or devotional music.

But my time in India wasn’t just about music. I had the chance to explore Ayurvedic practices, visit temples across different religious traditions, and see how spirituality is truly woven into everyday life. India’s diversity, particularly in religious practice, is remarkable. Hinduism is one of the dominant religions, and seeing how these deities and practices are integrated into daily life gave me a profound respect for the cultural roots of the chants and mantras I’ve studied for so long.

One of the most exciting things I discovered while I was there was the growing curiosity in sound healing. More and more musicians and scholars are exploring how Raga music—an essential part of Indian classical music—can be used as a healing tool. What fascinated me the most was how this ancient tradition is now being combined with Western sound healing practices. It’s creating this global conversation around the use of sound as a tool for transformation. India has been a pioneer in using sound and music as healing arts for centuries, and it remains a vital place for anyone interested in discovering the deeper potential of sound.

There’s no substitute for being in the culture where these traditions began. Whether you’re chanting in a sacred temple or learning directly from master musicians, being in India deepens your connection to the music and the traditions we hold so dear. That’s why I’m so excited to be returning in 2025 for another immersive retreat in Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga and meditation, from February 24 to March 3.

What You Can Expect at the Retreat:

This retreat offers an incredible opportunity to dive deeper into Kirtans, Bhajans, Chants, and musical improvisation while studying Indian classical music. We’ll be surrounded by the peaceful energy of the holy Ganges River and immersed in the sacred atmosphere of Rishikesh. One of the highlights of this retreat is participating in Shivaratri, one of India’s most important devotional holidays, dedicated to Shiva, the god of transformation and destruction. Celebrating Shivaratri in the very place where these practices originated will be a deeply awe-inspiring experience. It’s a night-long celebration filled with music, chanting, and devotion—a powerful time to honor Shiva’s energy and reflect on the cycles of transformation in our own lives.

But Shivaratri is more than just a festival—it’s a moment to reflect on the cyclical nature of creation and destruction, which is such a metaphor for our personal growth. Just as Shiva is revered for his role in transforming and regenerating the universe, this retreat offers you the chance to shed old layers and step into a new chapter of your creative and spiritual journey.

You’ll also have the chance to study with master Indian classical musicians, who will share their incredible knowledge of music as a healing tool. Combined with the spiritual setting of Rishikesh, their teachings will offer you an experience of sound that is deeply personal and profoundly healing.

I’m thrilled to be heading back to India, and I would love for you to join me for this transformative week of music, culture, and self-discovery. This retreat isn’t just a trip—it’s an invitation to explore the deeper dimensions of your creativity and spirit. Imagine yourself in the birthplace of sound healing, devotional music, and yoga, where every moment is a chance to connect with the sacred energy of India. Whether you’re looking to deepen your music practice, explore the healing power of sound, or simply reconnect with yourself in a meaningful way, this journey is designed to support your growth and transformation.

The India Music and Wellness Retreat is your opportunity to learn from master musicians, celebrate the transformative festival of Shivaratri, and immerse yourself in the rich spiritual traditions that have shaped so much of what we practice at Divasonic. Standing on the sacred banks of the Ganges, feeling the energy of ancient chants, you’ll rediscover the limitless power of your voice and spirit.

This is a rare chance to experience sound healing and music in the place where these traditions began. With limited spaces available, this unique retreat fills up fast! I invite you to secure your spot and join me for this unforgettable week of music, meditation, and personal transformation.

Ready to dive deeper into your creative and spiritual journey?
Click Here to reserve your spot and step into this life-changing experience in Rishikesh from February 24 to March 3, 2025.

And if you’re eager to start exploring the power of your voice now, check out the Devotional Voice course. It’s the perfect way to begin your journey into vocal meditation, chanting, and sound healing, and it will give you a solid foundation before you join us in India.

I can’t wait to share this sacred journey with you!