Kelly Bair’s journey into sound healing began with a deep love for music and an intuitive understanding of its emotional impact. From childhood, she experienced firsthand how sound could shift her mood and bring comfort. Her fascination grew through exposure to global music trends, Gregorian chanting, and immersive experiences in Hawai’i, ultimately leading her to the profound practice of sound bathing.
Today, Kelly blends science and spirituality to create deeply transformative sound healing sessions, guiding participants toward relaxation, connection, and inner harmony.
In this interview for Mystic Mag, she shares her insights on the power of sound, the influence of nature, and practical ways to incorporate sound healing into daily life.
What led you to discover sound healing, and how did it become your passion?
I have always been fascinated by sound and the way it affected me.
From an early age, I had a deep love for music and intuitively gravitated to it when I was feeling down, angry or upset as a means to change the way I felt. I learned early on that singing my favorite songs would help me feel better. I didn’t understand resonance at the time, but I just knew this practice helped me.
In the late 80’s, 90’s I became more interested in the global music scene and at that time Gregorian chanting had made its way to the pop music scene in the US. Being introduced to chanting in that way was a turning point for me.
The sound of the chanting was so mesmerizing and soothing and is what sparked my desire to explore chanting and toning further.
I later lived in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawai’i and regularly attended a Jodo Shinshu temple. It was there that I first had the opportunity to participate and practice chanting and truly feel the transformative effect it was having on my body and mind.
From there I finally discovered sound bathing and all it took was one sound bath for me to know this is what I wanted to do for others.
How do you design your sound healing sessions to create a deeply relaxing and transformative experience for participants?
I am an absolute Science nerd and am truly fascinated with the science behind sound healing and the positive effects it can bring. My approach to sound healing is to utilize the science of vibration with the musicality of the instruments to take my participants on a journey.
A core theme of all of my sessions is to help us remember that we are all interconnected; with each other, the earth, and the universe.
I like to choose locations that are serene and peaceful, my favorite is utilizing space in nature when possible, to create a richer experience for all. Mother Nature adds such beautiful elements of sound, smell, and feel to the experience! When indoors, I used lighting and other elements to help set a serene and cozy atmosphere.
All of my experiences, whether private or group are created to guide my participants on this journey with each step from beginning to end designed to invoke the feeling or experience desired.
What are some of the most profound benefits people have experienced from your sound baths?
Feedback I have gotten from my participants is feeling a deep state of relaxation, emotional and stress release, a quieting of the mind they had not experienced before, feeling lighter and blissful afterward, and one of the best compliments is that they had a great nap!
How does the natural beauty of Niagara-on-the-Lake influence the atmosphere and energy of your healing sessions?
NOTL is this unique little micro-climate here in southern Ontario. We are just 30 minutes from Niagara Falls which on its own is a magical and powerful natural wonder, while also being flanked by the Niagara Escarpment. This buffers us from a lot of harsh weather in the region and offers lovely hiking trails.
There is a beautiful serene energy that compliments and often directly influences, my sound healing sessions. I feel so fortunate to live and practice sound healing in such a lush and naturally gorgeous area.
What advice do you have for someone new to sound healing who wants to incorporate it into their wellness routine?
Seek out a few experiences to see what speaks to you and what you enjoy. Try going to few different sound baths to see if there is a style you enjoy more than another.
For home practice, you can try listen to a recording of chanting/toning online while you meditate or simply are relaxing, and then try chanting/humming along and see how that feels in your body. When you find the method that works for you it becomes easier to incorporate into your wellness routine. You won’t regret it!
