Weaving sound, holding space

A heart centred sound practitioner training; an experiential journey over 18 months as a small, intimate group

I think of this training like an apprenticeship; a practical and in depth course of study with experienced craftspeople of sound. A deep personal journey for those who feel called to be of service in their communities as a sound therapist. Watching, listening, learning from your own experiences and insights as you find your authentic way and unique voice within creating sacred sound and holding sacred space. A training which flows from the heart, respecting the ancient mystery and tradition of sound healing while being grounded in modern research and knowledge.

Intuitive working, expert guidance

In this exploration of sound you will be held and supported as part of a small community (max 10 students) by me (Ali). My journey with sound was sparked by mantra in 2009 in India and I have been offering healing sound for groups and individuals since 2012. I have trained with many of the leading voices of our times: Don Conreaux, Sheila Whitaker, Sarah Gregg, John Stuart Reid, Tone of Life (Tom and Abby), The College of Sound Healing, Acutonics Integrated Medicine as well as singing bowl masters in Nepal.

These great teachings have been integrated into my own intuitive way of working, building a one to one sound therapy practise and retreat business in Cornwall (Resonant Being). I also bring to the sound over 20 years of dedicated study and practise within the yoga traditions. For the last 5 years I have been mentoring sound practitioners, teaching sound immersion weekends and offering private trainings. In March 2025 the first ‘Weaving sound, holding space’ training was born! Cecilia and Tess (two experienced sound therapists who have been mentored by me) provide teaching support and we also receive inspiration from guest teachers and musicians.

I am a member of the College of Sound Healing and Resonant Being is a registered training school with the Complementary Medical Association (CMA); all trainings are accredited by the CMA, which gives you assurance around the standard of teaching and assessment. Whilst training and once certificated you will be able to gain professional insurance through the CMA and other reputable providers.

How the course flows

Over the first year you will dive deep into playing and holding space; working with groups, ceremonial sound and one to one sound therapy.

We will meet for 8 x 3 day training retreats in Cornwall to learn about healing instruments like gongs, singing bowls (crystal/ metal), flutes, drum, lyre, sistrum, rainstick, Shruti box and more. And of course working with our own voice and the sounds of nature, out on the land. The emphasis here is on intuitive weaving of sound and developing your capacity for holding space.

We will have 3 x ‘at home’ (via zoom) weekends to explore the benefits of sound therapy and the latest studies on sound medicine; to discuss ways we can hold and create space; to learn how to authentically build and market your practise.

All course content is delivered live, supported by a manual, practise recordings and sharing circles.

We will help you to establish a connection with deep listening/ silence through personal meditation. You will be expected to have a high level of self responsibility around your own self care/practise and developing a connection with your own instruments between sessions, as well as regularly attending sound events. You will have a chance to participate in an all night gong puja and join a drum birthing weekend (extra cost). Completing pieces of written work and case studies as we go will help you embody the learning.

The next six months allow you to integrate and gain one to one support as you begin to practice.

We will take two months to integrate and then there will be 4 x 75 mins one to one mentoring sessions to support you as you begin to share this work. The length and breadth of this programme is designed to support you personally and professionally and to help you integrate well.

You can also take this training for personal deepening only.

Summary of the training:

8 x in person training retreats (All day Friday, Saturday and Sunday)

3 x online training weekends (10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday)

1 x all night gong puja ceremony

4 x 75 minutes one to one mentoring sessions

2 x opportunities to assist at my sound events

Investment:

Regular places £3,150

Early bird til 21st Sept 2026 £3,000

Supported places £2,650 (please apply)

FAQs

Who is this sound training for?

Anyone who wishes to be of service as a sound therapist, sound healer or facilitator of sacred sound. No prior training is required but you will need to be familiar with attending sound baths/ journeys and one to one sound healing/ therapy. If you are new to my work with sound, please be in touch to arrange a call. If you have any ongoing physical or mental health challenges please contact me to discuss your needs.

What will I be able to do after the course?

The course is designed to give you the confidence and techniques to hold space for group sound events and one to one sound healing/ therapy. You will be able to join the CMA and gain insurance for your work (and for your case studies during the course). The mentoring sessions will support you in starting up and running a practise while balancing your own self care.

What instruments do I need to buy?

You will need to invest in some instruments by March so that you can practise between sessions. From May you will be required to practise on others. A gong, drum and some singing bowls will be central to what we learn. I recommend that you take time to build a collection of instruments and accessories that suit the way you wish to work. We will explore many different instruments over the course and we can supply singing bowls from Nepal. There are many groups for second hand sound healing tools especially gongs. Please bear in mind that there is often a waiting list for new gongs.

Where is the training held, where do I stay?

We will be at Roselidden Farm near Helston, Cornwall for all in person weekends. There are many airbnbs nearby and you can also stay at the travel lodge which is less than 5 mins drive. There is plenty of parking and a kitchen at the venue. Lunches are provided. You will need a laptop, internet connection and a quiet space to attend the at home sessions.

Do I have to attend all sessions live?

100% attendance is required for the in person and online weekends. If you have issues with any of the dates please be in touch before booking.

Can I attend without going for certification?

This training will no doubt be a deep personal journey. Even if you begin with no intention to practise as a sound therapist, feelings can change with time and many people feel the calling to share evolves the more they experience. Participating in case studies and assignments are a way of letting the learning sink in on a different level so we recommend you plan to be involved in all elements of the course.

Terms and conditions

• A £500 non refundable deposit is payable by BACS upon booking, to confirm your place.

• The deposit is non refundable in any circumstances.

• The final payment is due by BACS 6 weeks before the course begins (payment plans available up til 6 weeks prior to start date).

• In exceptional circumstances, if you drop out before the course starts, we will advertise your space. We cannot guarantee to fill your space for such a long running programme. If we do fill your space, the deposit is non refundable, but the final payment will be returned less a £75 admin fee and any discounts offered in order to fill your space.

• If you drop out after the course begins, no refunds will be given and any outstanding payments are due immediately.

• All ‘in person’ sessions (3 day training retreats) take place near Helston, Cornwall. You are responsible for your own travel and accommodation. Online sessions will take place via zoom and you will need to have access to a suitable device and decent internet connection.

• All in person and online sessions must be attended to ensure you receive your certification. We ask that you discuss any possible attendance issues well in advance of the course starting. In exceptional circumstances we will arrange for you to catch up the hours at a future course or on a one to one basis (at extra cost to you).

• All case studies and assignments must be completed in order to receive certification.

• To undertake this journey we ask you to be in sound mental health and to discuss any specific physical health or mobility needs when applying.