About
Dr. Gemma Perry
Dedicated to the field of mantra meditation research, and how it’s positive outcomes can impact society, Gemma scientifically investigates the effects of chanting mantras on emotional and cognitive processes. She completed her Honours, Masters of Research and PhD in the psychology of chanting at Macquarie University.
Gemma is a qualified yoga teacher, who has been practicing and studying yoga psychology and philosophy for over 10 years. She has explored various meditation techniques throughout the world and believes chanting mantras is particularly suited to the modern lifestyle and can be used as a tool to heal and discover our full human potential. Gemma has dedicated much of her study, both formally and informally, to exploring this ancient method of heightening states of awareness and promoting health and wellbeing. She regularly visits her teacher in India, deepening her own practice and exploring ways to share meditation to make it appropriate and accessible to the modern day lifestyle.
Gemma is a passionate and engaging communicator and is currently focused on sharing meditation practices and research through international science conferences, yoga festivals, charity events and workshops.
Research
Perry, G., Polito, V., Thompson, W.F. (2023)
Exploring the Physiological and Psychological Effects of Group Chanting in Australia: Reduced Stress, Cortisol and Enhanced Social Connection. Journal of Religion and Health, 1-23.
Perry, G., Polito, V & Thompson, W. F. (2016). Chanting Meditation Improves Mood
and Social Cohesion, “Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Music Perception and Cognition” [324], July 5-9, 2016, San Francisco
Projects in Development
Post Doctoral Research at Bond University, Gold Coast
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Researching the effects of chanting on breathing and communication with SingWell Canada
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Neurophysiological Correlates of Mantra Meditation
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Working with Professor Bill Thompson, Dr Oliver Baumann and Lee Wolff on investigating the impact of mantra on neurophysiological and psychological processes
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Universality and Diversity of Music Engagement around the World
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Working with Yamaha to research various types of music engagement around the world
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Inspire! Dementia Friendly Choir on the Gold Coast
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Working with Dementia Australia and community organisations to build and maintain a dementia friendly community - complete with chanting warm ups!
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Mindful MQ
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Developing digital meditation resources for the Macquarie University Health and Well-Being App
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Gemma on Researchgate
Past Presentations
See Media page for media interviews
Society of Music PerceptionConference, Banff,
July 2024
Chanting for breathing disorders
AAG Conference, Gold Coast,
November 2023
Chanting program for optimal breathing
Australia Music & Psychology Society, Sydney,
August 2022
Media Skills for Researchers
Mind and Life Conference, online
November 2020
International Yoga Day, Indian Cultural Centre - Sydney, June 2018
The Science of Mantra
Yoga Australia Conference - Melbourne,
16-18 March 2018
Science of Consciousness Conference-Tucson, Arizona
April 2016
Perry, G., Polito, V & Thompson, W. F. (2016). Chanting Meditation Improves Mood and Social Cohesion
Mind Body Spirit Festival – Sydney, Australia
October 2016
The Science of Mantra Meditation
A Sound Life Music Facilitator Training Day- Sydney
8 April 2017
Music as Medicine
Experimental Psychology Conference – Shoal Bay
19-22 April 2017
Perry, G., Polito, V & Thompson, W. F. (2016)
Chanting Meditation Improves Mood and Social Cohesion
Nada Yoga Retreat (Mangrove Yoga)- Mangrove Creek
23 April 2017
The Science of Mantra Meditation
Past Workshops
Corporate Workshops 2019-current
Meditation
Yoga
Sound Medicine Workshops 2021
Science and Psychology of Mantra
Yoga Therapy Teacher Training Workshops 2019-2021
Research Skills for Yoga Therapists
Yoga for Mental Health
Yoga for Depression
Shri Yoga Studio - Brisbane, QLD, June 2018
Mantra Medicine
NRG Yoga and Mindfulness Training - Sunshine Coast, QLD, June 2018
Music Mind and Movement
Yoga Australia Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Newcastle, NSW May 2018
Mantra and Chanting Workshop
Yoga Australia Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Glenbrook, NSW November 2017
Mantra Meditation: The Science of Sound
Kihei Yoga Studio - Maui, Hawaii, December 2016
Mantra Meditation Workshop
LOVE.
TRUST.
