Ahimsa School of Sound Healing Chicago

Foundations in Vibration

Instructor: Jay Taylor

Description: Every religion, spiritual practice, and indigenous group utilizes some form of sound frequency to unite people in ceremony, celebration, and healing.  No matter where you travel, you’ll find a rich culture of music and instruments that can often be traced back for thousands of years.  We see gongs, singing bowls, didgeridoos, rattles, drums, bells, chimes, and the human voice.  There are also decades of scientific research showing how powerfully meditation, in it’s various forms, impacts our overall physical, mental, and physiological state.

Foundations in Vibration is a crystal bowl and meditation training for people who want to take control of their own well-being and be of service to others. 

The course will take place over two days from 12:30-4:30pm with an optional extension session focusing on meditation facilitation from 5:30-8:30pm on the last day.

Session #1 - May 4th from 12:30-4:30pm 

• Engage in scientific experiments with Cymatics (the science of frequency interaction) and frequency fields; Analyze experiment outcomes; Discuss how our findings align with new technologies and their implications for the field of sound healing.

• Learn crystal singing bowl technique and methodology; Discuss basic elements of musical awareness; Develop your ear through targeted listening.

Session #2 May 25th from 12:30-4:30pm

• Discuss altered states of consciousness, binaural beats, and brainwave entrainment; Explore how instruments and frequency can impact brainwave states.

• Explore the science behind intention: Design intentions for specific purposes, Pair intention with sound frequency.

• Deepen confidence in bowl technique; Learn new techniques; Play with others to explore bowl interactions.

Session #3 (optional add on) May 25th from 5:30-8:30pm (after a short dinner break)

• Discuss the roles and responsibilities of a facilitator; Clarify the expectations and roles of participants.

• Learn how to share this work with others and manage expectations; Discuss the talking points used to convey the benefits and purpose of sound meditation; Address common misconceptions.

• Share insight into how to structure a sound meditation session; Explore how to integrate various instruments (rattles, drums, chimes, tongue drum, flute) into a meditation experience.

• Design your own meditation introduction and receive feedback.

• Explore the singing bowls and a variety of other instruments that we have on hand.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned musician or meditator, you’ll leave this training feeling confident in the use of crystal bowls for the purposes of meditation. It’s also one of the most affordable sound training programs of this depth being offered anywhere.

Dive into the world of frequency, meditation, and crystal bowls and learn how to utilize these techniques to create inner peace and physical and emotional health in your life (and in the lives of others).

The instructor, Jay Taylor, has facilitated nearly 2,000 sound meditation experiences in the Chicagoland area, and is the director and co-founder of the Ahimsa School of Sound Healing. Previous to his work in sound, Jay had a 10-year teaching career working with students with special needs.

“If I had to trace my decision to become a meditation facilitator to one event, it’s the time I was monitoring 1st grade recess and two kids ran into each other.  One of the boys was screaming, and I ran up to him and asked if I could play him my tuning fork.  With his permission I brought the fork to his ear, and he instantly stopped screaming and became calm.  A moment later he was back to playing.  The power of sound to change lives, shift perspectives, and unite people became very clear in that moment. It’s for that reason that I created this course and have dedicated my life to sharing the power of sound with as many people as possible.” — Jay Taylor

Requirements: To participate in the course you must have access to a Crystal Singing Bowl. If you choose to purchase a bowl through the Ahimsa School of Sound Healing you will receive 10% off your first purchase as a student. Set up a bowl appointment here.

Upcoming Course Locations/Times: 

• Ahimsa Yoga Studio EVANSTON

  • This course meets on May 4th from 12:30-4:30pm AND May 25th from 12:30-4:30pm. The price is $325 for non-members ($250 for Ahimsa members). The optional extension session meets on May 25th from 5:30-8:30pm (after an hour dinner break). The total price for all 3 sessions is $450 for non-members ($325 for members)

Foundations in Expression

Instructor: Mehtab Kirtan

Description: No matter your profession, how you spend your free time, or what your daily responsibilities are, there are many opportunities for self-expression every day. When it comes to expression many people think about creating something tangible like a poem or painting, but expression comes in many forms such as the way you speak or the innate rhythms of the body.

Foundations in Expression is a vocal, percussion, and meditation course for those ready to unlock their expressive freedom and creative potential.  And it’s gonna be a whole lot of fun!

This two day course is open to all regardless of musical background, perceived musical talent, or experience in meditation.  

Session #1 - June 15th from 12:30-4:30pm 

• Explore the power of speaking style, group toning, and vocal harmonization.

• Discuss percussion fundamentals and build confidence through clapping exercises and the development of rhythmic harmony.

Session #2 June 22nd from 12:30-4:30pm

• A discussion on the origins and accessibility of creativity

• Immersive singing with a harmonium 

• The healing power of the voice

• Improvisational structure  

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned musician or meditator, this training will significantly enhance your self-confidence and expressivity.  Open the vast expanse of your mind, heart, and voice as you learn to reliably tune into your limitless creativity.  Experience the significant mental, physical, and emotional healing that expression can bring, and collaborate with a group of like minded participants creating new connections and building community.

The instructor, Mehtab Kirtan, who holds a Master’s Degree in Music Composition, has been instructing music for over a decade, instilling a lifelong passion for music in countless students. He is also an active composer and performer, and accompanies myriad groups ranging from Bengali folk to Doom-funk. He regularly facilitates sound meditations, and instructs kundalini yoga classes part-time.