Deep Space Sound Immersion and Practitioner Training
April 02 - April 04, 2027
John Minks
Billy Pinkerton
https://menla.org/retreat/deep-space-sound-immersion-and-practitioner-training/
The Deep Space Sound Immersion and Practitioner Training Retreat is an immersive weekend designed for sound practitioners, facilitators, musicians, and dedicated students who want to deepen both their personal practice and facilitation skills. Blending practitioner training with opportunities to receive and restore, this retreat offers a unique balance of learning, practice, and transformation. Throughout the weekend, you will explore the art and science of sound through hands-on training, guided practice sessions, immersive sound baths, breathwork, meditation, group discussion, and time for reflection and integration. Our primary focus will be the gong, exploring playing techniques, harmonics, musicality, intention, and the art of crafting meaningful sound experiences. We will also incorporate instruments such as the shruti box, singing bowls, ocean drum, didgeridoo and handpan, with an emphasis on combining instruments to create rich, cohesive soundscapes. Drawing from over 20 years of combined experience as musicians and sound practitioners, John and Billy will share the techniques, tools, technology, and insights that have shaped their own practice. This is a collaborative learning environment with plenty of opportunities to ask questions, receive individualized guidance, and gain confidence through hands-on experience. Equally important is the opportunity to receive. Each day includes immersive sound journey’s, breathwork, and meditation sessions designed to restore your nervous system, deepen your connection to sound, relax and do your own inner work. Dedicated time for rest and integration ensures that learning is embodied and deeply understood. Whether you are already offering sound baths, looking to refine your facilitation skills, or seeking to deepen your relationship with sound as a healing modality, this retreat provides a supportive environment for growth, exploration, and authentic connection. This is more than a training and more than a retreat. It is an immersive experience designed to help practitioners expand their skills, refine their artistry, deepen their practice, and reconnect with the purpose behind their work.
Schedule:
April 2
3 pm Arrival and Check-In
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Deep Space Opening Sound Journey
Welcome to the retreat!
Guided Meditation & Intention
Sound Bath led by John & Billy
Saturday, April 3
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 - 11:30 am Practitioner Training
The Art of Playing the Gong
Understanding your Tools
Instrument Selection and Sound Layering
Techniques, Transitions & Harmonies
Mindset, Breathing, Intuition
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
2:00 - 3:30 pm Hands-On Practice Session
Small Group Facilitation
Feedback & Coaching
3:30 - 5:30 pm Free Time (Spa, Nature Walks, Rest, Journaling, Integration)
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Deep Space Sound Immersion: Receive a restorative sound journey led by John & Billy.
Sunday, April 4
8 - 9 am Breakfast & Check-Out of Rooms
9:30 am - 12 pm Practitioner Training & Sound Journey
Refine your Skills with the Gong
Questions & Discussion
Deep Space Sound Journey
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch & Departure
*Please note this schedule is subject to change.
