.png){kind=logo}
Join the Sound Science Practitioner Training
Next training starts February 2027
This training is for yoga and meditation practitioners, clinicians, psychologists and those who would like to deepen their understanding of sound, science and mantra.
Through examining the latest scientific research, guided practices and developing your own research questions in your passion project, you will develop a unique sound practice as well as build the knowledge and confidence to share these approaches with others.
MODULES
How the training works
We meet live via Zoom, with a maximum of 10 participants so there is plenty of space for questions, discussion and individual support.
The training includes 28 contact hours:
-
2 × private, one-hour mentoring sessions with me, before and after the group training.
-
10 × two-hour live teaching sessions, bringing together science and practice.
-
3 × two-hour presentation sessions, where you will share your research Passion Project and learn from each other.
Opening mentoring - First week of February 2027
We begin with a private session to explore your experience, what you would like to gain from the training and we build an individualised sound practice for the duration of the course, so that you can embody the knowledge in your personal practice.
Live group sessions - 10 February–5 May 2027
We have live group sessions weekly from weeks 2 - 14 of the course.
These are on Wednesdays, 5:30–7:30 pm AEST (Brisbane time), and you can explore some of the topics that we will cover in the details outlined in Module 1 and 2.
These live sessions also provide you with opportunities to share sound practices with the group and get feedback. This is also where you will present your passion project to the group in the last 3 weeks.
Closing mentoring - Following the last group session
We finish with a private session to reflect on your learning and explore how you would like to apply it.
*Note, that all of our group sessions are recorded in case you miss one, would like to revisit material, or if you prefer to follow the program in your own time.
Certificate and CPD
You will receive a certificate documenting your completed training hours.
The course may contribute towards your CPD requirements with your professional body.
Curriculum
Module 1. Science of Sound
Explore the psychology and neuroscience of sound meditation, chanting and mantra.
What does research tell us about how sound practices influence our minds, brains and bodies? We’ll explore the evidence relating to:
-
The nervous system and stress
-
Anxiety, depression and PTSD
-
Breathing and sleep
-
Social connection
-
Altered states of consciousness
-
Neuroscience of sound practices
Drawing on my past 11 years as a scientist, I will help you understand the findings, recognise their limitations and consider what they mean for your practice and the people you support.
Module 2. From Science to Practice
Deepen your own practice and develop the confidence to guide others.
Learn to use your own voice for sound meditation and support others to do the same.
Through guided practice, discussion and facilitation, you will explore how to:
-
Develop your own sound meditation practice.
-
Guide others with clear instructions.
-
Adapt practices to the people and settings you work with.
-
Apply research thoughtfully, within your professional scope.
These are techniques you and the people you support can keep “in your pocket” for whenever you need them.
Module 3. Passion Project
Put your learning into practice by exploring a question that matters to you!
At the beginning of the training, you will choose a topic that reflects your interests or the people you want to support. With guidance, you will examine the research and present what you discover to the group.
You will learn how to:
-
Develop a focused research question.
-
Understand the scientific method and quantitative and qualitative approaches.
-
Find, read and critically evaluate scientific research.
-
Recognise the limitations of studies and distinguish evidence from unsupported claims.
-
Present your findings clearly and consider their practical application.
These research skills will help you keep finding, interpreting and applying new research long after the training ends.
MEET
GEMMA
I am a psychological scientist, with a PhD in the psychology of chanting from Macquarie University.
For the past 11 years, I have been investigating how chanting influences our brain, minds and bodies, including its relationship with stress, mental health, social connection and altered states of consciousness.
My interest began with the impact sound meditation had on my own life. That experience led me to ask questions and eventually to build a research career exploring them.
I created this training to bring together what I have learned through science, teaching and personal practice. My goal is to see these sound practices recognised in mainstream medicine, healthcare and industry settings.
By sharing what I have learned by examining this topic every day for the past 15 years, I believe this will give you more tools for yourself and your clients.
I am looking forward to knowing your interests in sound and your specific needs in your practice to support you in making this learning meaningful for you and the people you work with.
Dr Gemma Perry
Some more details on Gemma's background
Dr Oscar Segurado, MD, PhD
President and Founder,
NEO Chi Institute
Gemma’s vast knowledge and experience with yoga and meditation and ability to communicate science to any audience, in written or oral forms, make Gemma a wonderful contributor to this exciting new field of research. Gemma has a rare ability to engage an audience in both a friendly yet professional manner and grounds abstract spirituality in science with ease. This is a unique combination, much needed in today's world.
Dr Tanisha Jowsey
Associate Professor of Medical Education and Professionalism
I've attended multiple courses, highly recommend. Gemma is a renowned chanting psychology researcher and yoga teacher. I love knowing I'm getting evidence-based support for my physical and psychological wellbeing through her courses. Plus, it's such a welcoming space that Gemma fosters. Superb.
Jan Gillies
Founder of Inspire,
Dementia Friendly Choir
I enjoy Gemma's genuine, refreshingly disarming approach to teaching and guiding the practice of chanting. While her approach is grounded in evidence-based research and sound theory, the online sessions are joyous, relaxing and warmly engaging in a way that invites me to practise and embody chanting in my own time.
Testimonials
Investment for the training
These waitlist payment options are only available to you on the waitlist, and will be available until 20 November 2026.
Pay in full by 20 November - AUD $2,200
Save $400 on the standard upfront price of $2,600.
Deposit and three instalments - AUD $2,400 total
Save $200 on the standard price of $2,600.
Pay a $600 deposit by 20 November to secure your place and waitlist price, followed by three payments of $600 in December, January and February.
* NOTE: This training may be tax deductible if it relates to your current work or business.
Money Back Guarantee
I want you to feel confident in your decision to join so I have put a money back guarantee in place.
Have your first mentoring session, experience your first group session. Then if you decide the training is not for you, simply let me know within 48 hours and I will refund your payment in full and cancel any remaining instalments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a teacher or health professional?
No. Although the training is open to yoga and meditation teachers, therapists, and clinicians, it is also open to anyone who wants to deepen their own understanding of sound practices and the science behind them. You can join for personal exploration or to develop skills relevant to your existing work.
Do I need research experience?
No prior research experience is needed. You will be guided step by step through developing a question, finding and understanding research, and sharing what you discover.
Is this an instrument-based sound therapy training?
The focus is on using your own voice for sound meditation, chanting and mantra, and learning to guide others to participate themselves. You won’t need to purchase any instruments, although I will use instruments for practices during the course (tanpura; shruti box; harmonium; drum), and you are also welcome to use them when you share sound practices with us. However, this is not necessary, and we will also be exploring silent practices, which may be what you choose to share.
What if I can’t attend a live session?
Group sessions will be recorded so you can catch up or revisit the material. Live attendance is encouraged wherever possible so you can participate in practices, discussions and questions, but there will also be bonus office hour sessions at various times to suit different time zones.
What time zone are the sessions in?
Live group sessions run on Wednesdays, 5:30–7:30 pm AEST, which is Brisbane time (UTC+10). Please check the corresponding time in your location, particularly if you observe daylight saving.
What is the Passion Project?
Your Passion Project is an opportunity to explore a question that interests you. With guidance throughout, you will investigate existing research and present what you learn to the group. It is an exploration of published research, rather than a requirement to conduct your own study.
What individual support will I receive?
You will have two private, one-hour mentoring sessions with Gemma, one before the group training begins and one after it finishes. With only 10 participants, there will also be space for questions during classes, alongside bonus office hours for support with practices and your passion project.
What are the completion requirements?
To receive your Sound Science Practitioner Training Certificate of Completion, you will be expected to:
-
Participate in the training sessions (this could be via the recordings if you choose).
-
Lead a sound-based practice and receive constructive feedback. If you are unable to attend live sessions for this, you are welcome to submit a video recording for this component.
-
Complete and present your research Passion Project. As above, if you cannot attend, you can submit this project as a video.
-
Attend your two private mentoring sessions.
All group sessions will be recorded so you can revisit the material or catch up on missed sessions.
Will I recieve a certificate?
You will receive a certificate of completion for the Sound Science Practitioner Training, documenting your completed training hours.
This independently developed training draws on my PhD in the psychology of chanting, 11 years of research experience, and background teaching yoga and meditation. The course helps you critically evaluate the evidence for sound-based practices and consider how to integrate appropriate techniques into your clinical work, within your professional scope and competence.
* For psychologists, this supports the Psychology Board of Australia’s emphasis on evidence-based practice, informed professional judgement and maintaining appropriate knowledge and skills.
Can I use this training in my professional work?
The training is designed to help you understand, guide and adapt sound practices within your existing professional scope. It does not provide a qualification to practise as a clinician or therapist.
Can I claim CPD hours?
The training may contribute towards your continuing professional development requirements with your professional body.
How do I know if the training is right for me?
If you are unsure whether the training suits your experience, interests or work, please get in touch. I am happy to answer your questions before you decide.
What if I enrol and decide the training is not for me?
We have a money back guarantee if you decide that this training is not for you. You can experience your first mentoring session and your first group session. Then if you decide the training is not for you, simply let me know within 48 hours of the first group session, and I will refund your payment in full and cancel any remaining instalments.
What if I need to cancel my enrolment before the trainig begins?
As places are limited to 10 participants, please consider your availability carefully before enrolling.
If you withdraw before the training begins, refunds are not automatically provided for a change of mind. Any refund will be assessed according to the timing of your cancellation, reasonable costs or losses incurred, and whether your place can be filled.
Of course, I am a compassionate human and if unexpected circumstances beyond your control arise, please get in touch and we will see what reasonable arrangement we can make. And remember, you are also covered by our money back guarantee, so you can experience the training and make sure it is right for you.