Sound Journey Summer School 2024
August 15-18, 2024
With Special Guest Teachers Kimberly Joy Rieli and Parker Horsch
Are you wanting to learn how to lead your very own Sound Journeys and Sound Baths? Join us at our home in West Michigan for a weekend of deep learning, fun, and abundant nature and wildlife. In the Sound Journey Summer School, we will dive deep into the wide range of knowledge and experience we have gained in working with thousands of people while sharing our Sound Journeys worldwide for over a decade and over 1,000 events. We have crafted a series of training modules to help you build a solid foundation for exploring sound and sharing your passion with others.
We firmly believe that almost any instrument that you’re passionate about can be applied to a Sound Journey or a Sound Bath and shared with others, given the proper playing techniques and attention to the energy of your offering. We will work with instruments you already are familiar with, as well as have the ability to explore and get hands-on with instruments like the Handpan, Gong, Crystal Singing Bowls, World Percussion Instruments, Voice, and much more. This session is perfect for beginners and intermediate students looking to build a solid foundation for their offerings.
Our home is situated on about three acres of land on the Pentwater River. Accommodations are directly across the street at an incredible modern Log Cabin, situated on 8 acres of forested land. Within a short walk from our house, we have access to 70+ acres of private forest for nature hikes, and also hundreds of acres of state and national forest land. We are located a short drive from the Village of Pentwater, a quaint lakeside village on the shores of Lake Michigan. Nearby, we have miles of sand beaches, several state parks with hiking trails, beautiful rivers, and lots of nature. It's an idyllic place for a summer getaway.
About our Guest Teachers
We’re honored to be joined by our friends and special guest teachers, Kimberly Joy Rieli and Parker Horsch, for this second week of Sound Journey Summer School. Kimberly and Parker have both worked extensively with us as part of our Settle Into Stillness Ensemble, and are both accomplished artists with many years of musical background and training, as well as performance. They are both national and international artists with a vast amount of knowledge and experiencing in working with Sound Baths, Sound Journeys, and more!
Kimberly Joy Rieli
Kimberly Joy Rieli is the founder of Singing For Your Soul. She is an award-winning vocal empowerment coach, singer, and musician. Kimberly holds a B.A in music, Master’s in Vocal Performance, and is certified as a sound healer, yoga instructor, and Reiki practitioner.
For 20+ years she has offered sound healing, spiritual guidance, and holistic voice lessons. In 2020-22, she was #1 internationally on Google for holistic and spiritual voice coaching.
Using our voices well is so much more than learning to speak or sing well. It’s about finding our voices in every area of our lives, and literally learning to live in harmony. Kimberly has had the honor of assisting thousands of Singing For Your Soul clients from over 15 countries to discover and free their voices.
Parker Horsch
Parker Horsch is a multi-instrumentalist from Michigan. His passion for music and his admiration of cultural tradition from around the globe has helped him blend modern and traditional rhythms and melodies to develop his own unique style.
Parker has been studying percussion since 2005. During this time he began to explore music from all over the world and picked up playing the drum kit as well. He played in the jazz band, as well as a variety of other bands, with influences ranging from funk and hip hop to metal. At the age of 18, Parker’s musical influences broadened drastically and he became much more interested in hand percussion instruments from around the globe. After his formative years, Parker has continued to study with a number of musicians, facilitators, space holders, and healers. These experiences have contributed to the potency of his offerings and the depth of his musical exploration.
Join us August 15-18, 2024 for this year’s Sound Journey Summer School session with Special Guest Teachers Kimberly Joy Rieli and Parker Horsch!
This 4 day, 3 night experience includes 20+ hours of hands-on training and workshops, nutritious vegetarian meals with produce from our organic garden and neighboring farms, a Sound Journey with Settle Into Stillness, a long weekend of immersion in the nature and beauty of northwest Michigan, and so much more!
Prices start at $1,300 per person for dorm-style accommodations at Lazy Bear Lodge or glamping-style riverside camping on our land. A limited number of private rooms are available at the Lazy Bear Lodge for an additional cost.
Secure your space with a 50% non-refundable deposit. Final payment is due July 15, 2024. Cancellations prior July 15, 2024 are fully transferrable to a future Sound Journey Summer School. Cancellations after July 15, 2024 will forfeit your 50% deposit and your deposit will not be transferrable to a Sound Journey Summer School. This event will take place rain or shine, regardless of the weather.
Space is limited to keep group sizes small for a more intimate learning experience. Projected group size 10-15 students. Payment plans can be set up, if necessary. All retreat payments are non-refundable.
Curriculum:
We work with small group sizes so we can meet each student where they are at in their journey, and tailor our offering to the students needs. Before the weekend training, we will send out a short questionnaire that will help us to gain a better understanding of your musical experience and where you want to grow.
Training topics may include, but are not limited to:
Hands on training - Gongs, Crystal Singing Bowls, Himalayan Singing Bowls, Handpans, Didgeridoos, Flutes, World Percussion, Electronic Instruments, Voice, and more!
Instrument selection
Discussion of reference pitches - 432 Hz. vs. 440 Hz. and which is right for you.
Deep listening
Dynamics and volume
Sequencing
Energetic flow of a Sound Journey
Transitions
Setting the space
Composition and improvisation
Working with other musicians
Harmonic Foundations (Tone, Melody, Musical Scales, Consonance, Dissonance)
Vocal Embodiment and Healing with Kimberly Joy Rieli
Community Drumming and Rhythm Training Workshops with Parker Horsch
Creating an offering that is unique to you
Where to play and how to set up events
“This is a sonic wonderland that gets you into the moment, into the now. It gets you to connect to the very center of you, the vibratory center of you.”
— Mickey Hart
Why study with us?
Unlock the Power of Sound with Sound Journey Summer School
Experience matters. With over 13 years of dedicated work together, coupled with Jeremy's 15 years of expertise, we are well-equipped to guide you on a transformative journey. Together, we have led over 1,000 events and our vast knowledge and practical insights stem from real-world experiences that you can trust. In addition to this experience we share, you will get hands-on training with professional instruments from around the world.
Not only are we seasoned sound practitioners, but we also bring a wealth of experience as yoga students and teachers. We have combined extensive training and study in yoga and meditation, with our knowledge and experience of music to sculpt our Sound Journeys. This rich background enables us to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of sound and holistic practices.
Sound Journey Summer School was born from a desire to offer a more substantial learning experience. We were tired of witnessing superficial approaches to sound healing and witnessing friends and peers leaving expensive trainings with very little foundational knowledge from which they could grow and share their own offerings. We aim to teach you the art of sound with depth, precision, and care. Our goal is to nurture your creativity and expression while instilling essential skills for your exploration of sound.
From the moment you join us, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way. As you absorb our teachings and techniques, you will not only carry the knowledge with you but also the confidence to share your unique gifts with the world. Let us empower you to harness the true potential of sound, both within our sanctuary and beyond.
Who is this for?
This Sound Journey Summer School weekend is designed for beginner to intermediate level students. Whether you are a complete beginner, or you have been leading your own Sound Baths, Sound Healings, and Sound Journeys for some time now, you will take away new knowledge, skills, and experience from this weekend training. We also offer training weekends for advanced practitioners and if you would like to stay in touch about our advanced offerings, send us a message!
What will you take away from this experience?
After your weekend of study with us, you will have a strong foundation in the fundamentals of sound and music in the context of playing and/or leading Sound Journeys, Sound Baths, and Sound Healings. You will learn how to choose quality instrumentation that speaks to you, how to play those instruments by themselves and in combination with other instruments, fundamental musical concepts, as well as the confidence to share your newfound skills with others, whether for fun or in an organized Sound Journey private or group experience.
Certificate of Completion
There are currently no requirements for certification or licenses for Sound Journeys, Sound Baths, and Sound Healing. However, upon finishing this program, you will receive a certificate of completion to show you have invested the time and energy into your study with us.
Included:
Evening Sound Journey with Settle Into Stillness
Workshops taught by Nancy and Jeremy from Settle Into Stillness, as well as special guest teachers Kimberly Joy Rieli and Parker Horsch
Daily training modules and workshops to teach you the foundations of creating your own unique Sound Journeys
Guided Nature Hikes.
Time to rest and rejuvenate in beautiful natural surroundings. Read a book, journal, reflect, etc.
Healthy, plant-based meals with food from our organic gardens, free range chickens, and produce from neighboring farms, when available. (Dinner included Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Breakfast included Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Light snacks available for lunch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
Accommodations at the Lazy Bear Lodge, an incredible modern log cabin. Dorm Style and Private Rooms Available
Additional limited riverside “glamping” accommodations available (tent with mattress provided, access to showers and toilet). You may bring your own tent if you prefer.
We will conclude the weekend with a trip to the beach at Lake Michigan, a special scenic overlook, or a local State Park, as attendees prefer.
Abundant nature and wildlife
Evening fire circle, if desired
Not Included:
Transportation
Extra meals, drinks
Optional activities and other activities not included in the retreat itinerary
Additional transportation outside of the retreat itinerary
Optional Activities
Visit Ludington State Park with miles of hiking trails and beautiful sand beach shoreline. (30 minute drive)
Visit Charles Mears State Park to soak in the sun on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan (15 minute drive)
Explore the village of Pentwater and it’s many shops (15 minute drive)
Extend your trip and explore the beauty of northern Michigan. Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and so much more are within a 1.5-2 hour drive from our home.
Accommodations
Your weekend training will take place in several spots in the same location. Accommodations will be at the Lazy Bear Lodge, directly across the street from our home. Our beautiful riverside land and home, The Birds Nest, will be available throughout the weekend for workshops, to enjoy the serenity of the riverside location, meals, and other activities.
Lazy Bear Lodge
The Lazy Bear Lodge is situated directly across the street from our land and home. You can walk between the two locations. The Lazy Bear Lodge has a long driveway and, if you choose, you may also drive between the two and park at our home for activities. The Lazy Bear Lodge is a custom built log cabin style home, built in 2019. It is located on 8 acres of forested land, with well-manicured lawns and gardens, a huge wrap-around porch, and more. WiFi is available onsite, although we encourage you to unplug and enjoy your natural surroundings.
Private Master Suite with Private Bathroom
Private Room with Shared Bathroom
Dorm Style Rooms - Bunk or King Bed (Shared Bathroom)
The Birds’ Nest (Our Riverside Home)
The Birds’ Nest is the location of our home and organic gardens. It is situated on 3 acres of land beside a small river. It is quiet, secluded, and the perfect oasis to deepen your relationship to sound and vibration. We have two glamping sites available at The Birds’ Nest, for 1 or 2 people (A tent will be provided or bring your own. A mattress, bedding, and access to toilets and showers is provided). We also have one loft room available at The Birds’ Nest with a full bed for 1 or 2 people. WiFi is available onsite, although we encourage you to unplug and enjoy your natural surroundings.
Riverside Camping Accommodations (with access to house shower and toilet)
Testimonials
“Every. Single. CHAKRA. Enlivened, enlightened and encompassed by peace, tranquilly, and light… a new seed of SELF and DISCOVERY has been planted inside of me…I can feel it growing…
An honor to be PRESENT with such vibrant souls.”
~Brittany
“The healing power of intentional sound and the full body bliss that accompanies it never cease to amaze me. So grateful for the humans who share (and devotedly HONE) their gift of music. I encourage anyone seeing this to check out this group of humans and get yourself into their line of frequency.”
~Carrie
I highly recommend everyone to add at least one sound journey with these amazingly talented and beautiful humans to their Bucket List. We had the pleasure of hosting them this past weekend and it was so wonderful! They were amazing with set up and making sure everyone was at optimum comfort levels to take in all of the healing vibrations. The sounds of sweet music they make is amplified with their healing touch and is beyond moving. Such a Gift.
~Nicole (Yoga Studio Owner)
About Settle Into Stillness
Settle into Stillness unites the healing power of conscious relaxation with sacred sound. Settle Into Stillness was founded by Jeremy Arndt and Nancy Grzeszak, whose paths converged in 2011, igniting a shared passion for yoga and music that would ultimately blossom into a transformative journey around the globe. Their mutual desire to spread peace, serenity, and self-discovery led them to create the Sound Journey, a magical fusion of music and mindfulness. Their musical journey has taken them together to 20 countries and 5 continents. They continue to share their music worldwide, as a duo, as well as with their newly formed Settle Into Stillness Ensemble, featuring the additions of pedal harp, world percussion, and more. Click here to read our full bio.
Contact us.
Your journey begins with a spark of imagination and wonder, as well as the heartfelt call to dive deeper into your journey with sound. If you have any questions or would like to join us for the Sound Journey Summer School, send us a message! We are here to support you on your journey.