Training

In this introspective piece by Feeltone Trainer Joule L'Adara, the transformative power of sound and monochord practice is explored as a profound method for navigating challenging times. Beginning 2020 with optimism, Joule's world turned inward with the onset of the pandemic, leading to an enhanced sensory experience and deeper internal life amidst isolation. The importance of daily practices, particularly movement, sound, and voice, became paramount, serving not just as routines but as essential tools for mental and emotional survival.

Joule discusses the necessity of acknowledging the body's alarm signals during real danger and the benefits of engaging directly with these signals for true comfort and action. The piece also touches on the Iso Principle from music therapy, which suggests meeting a person's current emotional state with matching sound rhythms, then gradually moving them to a more relaxed state. Joule describes using the monochord to express a range of emotions vigorously before transitioning to more soothing, meditative playing, illustrating a process of emotional release and calming that mirrors this principle.

A guided 15-minute monochord practice is offered, starting with 5 minutes of expressive, passionate play, followed by 5 minutes of transitioning to steady, calming rhythms, and concluding with 5 minutes of silent meditation. This practice is recommended daily for coping with stress and difficulty, underscoring the monochord's role as a therapeutic instrument for emotional expression and healing.

The feeltone Monochords, including the Monolina and Monolini, are designed to harmonize with the body through sound massage sessions, featuring a convex shape that comfortably floats atop any body size or shape. For therapeutic use, placing the monochord directly on the torso in a supine position maximizes vibration absorption, enhancing relaxation and well-being through gentle, continuous strumming. The versatility of placement extends to the lower body, back, and even the bottoms of the feet, catering to various client comfort levels and intensifying the experience of sound vibration.

In sound massage, the Monolina and Monolini not only serve as instruments of deep relaxation but also as tools for personal meditation, encouraging a balanced exchange of active playing and passive listening. The choice between the Monolina and Monolini depends on the desired use; the Monolina offers melodic versatility with its 34 strings and additional bridges, ideal for therapeutic and musical play, while the Monolini, with 21 strings, provides a more portable option for focused drone sound massage.

Each tuning option, from the higher, overtone-rich A and C to the lower, deeply vibrating G, F, and D, offers a unique sensory experience, with the D tuning delivering the most profound bass vibrations. Based in California, We Play Well Together is committed to supporting therapists, musicians, and enthusiasts across the country through consultations, a 30-minute personal Zoom setup, repair services, and a vibrant Monochord community with monthly meetups and training opportunities, ensuring a fulfilling journey into the world of overtones and sound healing.