In the latest MysitcMag interview, Guy Beider, a renowned sound healing practitioner and founder of Sound Medicine Academy, shares the profound journey that led him into the field of sound healing. From a life-altering experience with a singing bowl to a personal tragedy that deepened his connection to sound, Guy’s story is a testament to the transformative power of sound and its ability to heal and uplift.
Can you share a few details about your professional journey and how you got into the field of Sound Healing?
My journey into Sound Healing began unexpectedly in 2007 when I first encountered the mesmerizing sound of a singing bowl. The sound was unlike anything I had ever experienced; it felt as though it was squeezing my heart, yet simultaneously, it filled me with an overwhelming sense of well-being, as if blessed by a higher intelligence. This experience led me to purchase a singing bowl for my wife and me, even though we had no idea how to use it beyond simply striking it and listening to its resonant tones.
The singing bowl quickly became a cherished part of our daily lives, sitting prominently on a decorative cushion in our living room. We couldn’t pass by it without picking up the stick and playing it for a few moments. It became a beloved member of our small family, subtly influencing the atmosphere in our home. Despite life’s ups and downs, the sound of the bowl had a remarkable ability to bring peace and calm into our environment.
During this period, I was deeply immersed in meditation and exploring the influence of sound on mental, emotional, and physical health. I was searching for a form of art that resonated with me, something that would allow me to combine my interest in sound with a therapeutic purpose. The field of “sound healing” intrigued me, but much of the information I found on the internet and in books made me skeptical. With a background in mechanical engineering, I questioned many of the claims, such as the idea that singing bowls were made from seven metals, including mercury and lead. These doubts led me to conduct my own experiments with singing bowls, and over time, the knowledge I sought began to reveal itself through my instruments.
However, my life took a tragic turn when my wife died in a plane crash in Nepal on her 30th birthday. The emotional trauma was indescribable, and for a long time, I couldn’t bear to even look at the singing bowls that had once brought us so much joy. But as time passed, I found myself drawn back to the sound bowl that we used to play together. It was during this time that I experienced a profound moment of healing. As I listened to the melancholic tones of the bowl, I suddenly became aware of a subtle overtone—a sound of pure joy that I had never noticed before. This realization shifted something deep within me, and I began to understand that happiness is indeed a choice.
Overcoming my grief, I eventually traveled to Nepal and Tibet, seeking closure and new beginnings. In Nepal, I spent weeks testing thousands of bowls, learning more than I ever could have imagined. I made my first major purchase of 56 exceptional singing bowls, which became the foundation of my practice. In Tibet, I encountered an old monk who shared with me the most profound teaching related to singing bowls. He simply told me to “listen.” This lesson deepened my understanding of sound and silence, inspiring me to become an even better listener—not just to my clients, but to myself and the universe.
Since then, the Himalayan singing bowls have brought countless lessons, new friendships, and new love into my life. I now facilitate sound meditation events regularly and approach each one with the same excitement and reverence as the first. My passion for sound healing has grown into a lifelong commitment, and I now share this knowledge through my Sound Medicine Academy, helping others find their own path in the world of sound wellness.
For me, sound healing is not just about techniques or instruments – it’s about listening deeply, embracing the silence between thoughts, and reconnecting with the universal love that is always present. Since 2010, I’ve conducted hundreds of sound journeys for diverse audiences, including children, elders, music festivals, yoga studios, martial arts schools, rehabilitation centers, AA groups, politicians, and celebrities. I’ve been blessed to witness and document real miracles happening to my audience. Through this work, I have found my purpose in life.
What are the benefits of sound healing?
Sound healing offers numerous benefits by addressing fragmentation in the body and mind, expanding spatial awareness, and reducing stress through relaxation and captivation. Sound naturally unifies, harmonizing body vibrations and focusing the mind. This unification reduces fragmentation, often at the root of physical and psychological issues, leading to improved overall health.
Modern life often confines our spatial awareness, leading to tension and disconnection. Sound healing, especially through sound baths, expands this awareness by engaging us with three-dimensional sound environments, helping to reconnect us with our surroundings and fostering a sense of grounding.
Certain sounds and sonic patterns naturally induce deep relaxation, counteracting stress—a major contributor to illness. Additionally, captivating sounds can lead the mind into a meditative state, interrupting stress-inducing thought patterns and promoting inner peace. In summary, sound healing offers a holistic approach to well-being by unifying the body and mind, expanding spatial awareness, and reducing stress through relaxation and meditation.
What different Sound Healing courses do you offer, and how are they structured?
The Sound Healing courses that my academy is offering are meticulously structured to provide a comprehensive, fact-based education that equips students with both the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to become proficient sound healing practitioners. We start with the physics of sound. This critical foundation, often overlooked by other programs, ensures that our students have a deep understanding of how sound works at a fundamental level. Building on this, we dive into music theory. Understanding acoustics and music principles is essential for avoiding misinformation and improper healing practices. For example, we critically examine popular yet scientifically questionable practices like Solfeggio Frequencies and Chakra Sound Healing.
With a strong theoretical foundation, we then focus on practical skills. Our students learn how to properly use sound healing instruments, such as Himalayan and crystal singing bowls, gongs, tuning forks, and more, with confidence and ethical integrity. Our courses also tackle and debunk common New Age myths, providing our students with a clear, science-based framework that empowers them to evaluate claims critically and choose their methods and instruments Wisely.
Our programs are designed for convenience—students can learn anywhere, anytime, and at their own pace. The curriculum is suitable for both beginners and intermediate students, though more experienced practitioners will also find valuable insights. To enhance the learning experience, we include a variety of visual and auditory materials, such as gifs, diagrams, audio files, and tutorial videos. These resources help our students understand complex concepts and develop their practical skills.
Our Sound Healing Training is designed to ignite both the heart and mind, helping our students become more skillful and sensitive sound healing artists.
What are the differences between teaching beginners and more advanced Practitioners?
We offer tailored options for both beginners and advanced sound healing practitioners, ensuring that each student receives the appropriate level of instruction. Our curriculum for beginners provides a comprehensive foundation and hands-on practice with sound healing instruments. This foundational knowledge is crucial for building a solid understanding of sound healing principles.
For advanced practitioners, we offer a more specialized program. However, even these courses begin with the basics. Often, experienced practitioners who have completed programs at other schools and are accustomed to specific protocols find that they need to relearn certain concepts. This is because our approach differs from many traditional schools, focusing more on scientific accuracy and practical application.
Teaching beginners can sometimes be easier because they come with a more open and flexible vision of what sound healing is, making them more receptive to new ideas and methods. In contrast, advanced practitioners may need to adjust their existing knowledge and practices to align with our more scientifically grounded approach.
To learn more about Guy’s work, you can visit bellsofbliss.com , www.soundmedicineacademy.com and www.privatesoundbathnyc.com
