Monkey Mind Art Studio and Gallery Offers New Sound Therapy Classes

Instructor Muriel Reymond will be bringing new classes and workshops to Monkey Mind Art Studio and Gallery this fall. Reymond is a certified Soul Voice practitioner, who received her training in Europe. Sound therapy involves repurposing the basic sounds that we make when releasing emotions and expressing ourselves.

Reymond's classes focus on breath because sound comes naturally from our breathing, she explains. She then helps participants explore sound, often incorporating a simple song for each session. Song co-creation develops as group members listen to themselves and to one another and then respond with sound. One of the things Reymond loves best about this meditative, yet interactive, approach to self-awareness is the fact that from the silence of listening comes sound.

"You can always feel the silence within," she says, "but it's a nice way to connect with people and realize when we are sounding or singing together that we are all one voice. It's relaxing but it brings you new energy."

Ongoing classes this fall include a women's sound circle on Thursday mornings from 10-11 a.m. which incorporates breath techniques, sound therapy and song co-creation, as well as a children's Thursday afternoon class called "Mandalas and Sound," which will incorporate art and other meditation techniques as students explore the geometry of sound. The children's class is open to students kindergarten through 6th grade and meets from 4:30-5:30 p.m. No vocal experience is required for any of the classes or workshops, Reymond shares.

Reymond will also lead a monthly "Sound Bath and Meditation" workshop where participants can relax and rejuvenate while they are bathed with vocal sounds and engage in simple yet transformational vocal exercises. The next Sound Bath will be Sunday, September 23, from 4:30-5:45 p.m. at the studio. The cost is $20 for the 75-minute session. Hour classes are $15/session and drop-ins are welcome. Participants may wish to bring a yoga mat and water bottle for the adult classes and workshops.

For more information on Reymond, visit her website at www.voiceandbodyblossom.com.

Monkey Mind Art Studio and Gallery is located at 3 W. Nebraska Street in charming, downtown Frankfort. The gallery is typically open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday with additional hours by appointment or when classes are in session. Please call ahead if not during business hours, 815.464.8818. For more information and a full class schedule, visit www.monkeymindartstudio.com.