🌿 Class 3 Reflection — Playing Techniques & Tuning In

1️⃣ Biggest Takeaway(s):

There were many valuable insights shared during this third lesson, but my biggest takeaways were (1) working with the 5th as a complementary note and (2) the explanation of the sound event categories.

(1) Using the 5th Complementary Note:

While I’m already familiar with using the 5th and understand its importance, the way this was discussed really helped it "click" for me on a deeper level. Your guidance around simply counting up—counting five for the 5th or three for the 3rd—along with applying this within chord work, helped solidify the concept in a very practical way.

Learning how to quickly identify the 3rd or 5th felt especially helpful. For example, when thinking through chord progressions, counting up to the 5th (A–B–C–D–E–F–G) made it much easier to orient myself musically. If starting with D, the 5th naturally lands on A. This method made the process feel more intuitive and accessible.

(2) Sound Event Categories:

The explanation of the different sound event categories was very helpful in clarifying intention and structure:

Guided Meditation — with or without imagery (for example, ocean imagery); taking people to a place or guiding them through an intention (trust)
Sound Meditation — silence with sound, no guidance
Sound Bath — more casual, relaxation-focused
Sound Journey — deeper and more intentional, guiding participants through multiple layers of experience

This distinction felt very supportive in understanding how intention shapes the overall experience.

Additional topics that stood out as important takeaways:

Root soul frequency and root soul chord frequency — discovering your own
Active versus passive playing — noting that individuals experiencing depression may benefit from more active sound
Room and sound awareness, and how bowls respond not only to the space but also to the energy of the practitioner and participants
Being mindful of sound projection and proximity, especially when playing near or around others
The idea that sound can guide us into deep silence
Silence and space are just as important as sound!
Understanding that thoughts arising during a session are normal and often part of stress release
Guided meditation examples — it would be wonderful to have a few written examples available, especially for those just starting out

2️⃣ Experiment with Technique Variations: What technique felt most natural? (Tapping, Singing, Double Tapping with various combinations)

I’ve been playing crystal singing bowls and experimenting with various techniques and mallets for several years, so I feel very comfortable being creative with them. That said, I’ve really enjoyed focusing more intentionally on playing chords while working with your set lists. This approach has felt especially grounding for me.

When I was first learning to play years ago, I tended to focus on one technique at a time and only introduced a new one once I felt comfortable with the previous. The same applied to when I was experimenting with different mallets (Suede, Silicone, Marimba, etc). Returning to this layered, intentional approach through chord-based playing has been both familiar and refreshing.

3️⃣ Continue Daily Practice: Notice How Your Internal State Affects the Sound

There is a noticeable difference between how I felt when I first began playing crystal singing bowls years ago and how I feel today. Back then, my approach felt more mechanical or structured. Now, playing feels very natural and intuitive.

When I play for myself, it’s easy for my mind to relax and drop into a deep, meditative state while playing. It truly feels like meditation through the bowls — a beautiful and grounding experience.

Bottom Line:

This was another excellent class. Thank you for providing the transcribed class notes! Knowing those are available allows me to stay fully present during the lesson without worrying about taking notes, and I find them incredibly helpful for later review. I definitely recommend continuing this practice moving forward.

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