Lana Ryder, SoundWise Founding Director & Senior Instructor

All the years of training, education and experience in both the allopathic and holistic fields along with much personal growth have culminated to bring me to this place where I can best serve my clients and students by offering a more comprehensive approach to facilitating healing, well-being, teaching and spiritual growth.  My experience in healing music ministry began nearly 50 years ago, using my voice as primary instrument. My introduction to the world of using sound therapeutically began when I attended workshops by Mitch Gaynor, MD, in 1999 when I was clinical coordinator of massage and body therapies at WellSpan's Center for Mind Body Health in York, Pa. practicing as a massage therapist, reiki master/teacher and other energy therapies.  Dr. Gaynor, then chief of oncology at Strang Cancer Center(Cornell Univ.) shared how using metal and crystal singing bowls improved the well-being of his patients. From there I went on to study with some of the best  sound teachers globally including Mitch Nur and Alexandre Tannous(both PhD ethnomusicologists), and many others both virtually and in-person over the past twenty-five years of which I have dedicated to continuing education in the vast field of sound healing with the most educated and experienced teachers possible.   My focus is to introduce people to sound healing in truth, wisdom, and integrity that they may practice and understand it as both an art and a science and allowing for the metaphysical and esoteric aspects. 

For me personally it is an integral part of my spiritual path and of my key belief that God is Love, whatever our path may be.  Through years of working with countless clients using sound therapy intuitively and integratively, this is also how my ReikiSound™, ReikiVoice™, Soundwise Voice™, and Sonic Massage™ classes and curriculum were created.  My manual "Introduction to the Fundamentals of the Art and Science of Sound Healing" is the culmination of my work and experience of all the years I have been a facilitator of sound healing.  This course is not only a good foundation for anyone wanting to learn more about therapeutic sound but is also the prerequisite class for the school now entering the fourth year. The curriculum has been taught for nearly twenty years to small groups and private students. 

Years of teaching the business curriculum at area massage schools also came from my years of education and practice in the business, public relations and media marketing world.  This led me to create "A Sound Business™ class, after being regularly contacted by former business class students and colleagues for business coaching over the past 28 years.  Other holistic practitioners have taken this class and found it to be helpful and inspiring for developing their particular practice.  

After teaching at various venues throughout the east, and mentoring students privately through my sound healing curriculum, the day came when the vision of having a local sound school came to fruition organically. The official inaugural class graduated in 2022, and the school enrollment nearly tripled for 2023-2024. I am honored to be called Sound Mama or Grandmother of Sound by students and former students.  If following my path and doing what I am here to do at this time on earth changes someone's life for the better, then it is because of the power of Love. I share Love through sound, voice and music, and teaching others to do the same for such a time as this. When choosing where to learn, ask what their experience is and how many they have seen individually, not only group sessions.  Experience is just as important as your instructors' education.   Do they have any medical training and experience? Are they trauma- informed? Do their values align with yours and your goals? There are some excellent schools and classes in sound therapy.  May you be guided to the one that is the best fit for both of you. 

Coming from an ancestry filled with healers and musicians, I was motivated to begin studying voice at an early age with Margaret Moul Carli, Sandra Stouffer, Larry Carey and others which prepared me for work as featured soloist, choir director, worship director and concert artist throughout the mid-East United States.  At one point I put all that aside for a few years to concentrate more on studying and practicing hands-on healing 30 years ago. I picked it up again when I began studying how to use the voice in ways that would help motivate others on their healing journey.  I now use my voice with numerous indigenous instruments in energy and sound therapy practice to bring balance, well-being and peace for individuals, groups and in public events. I enjoy encouraging others to use their own voice along with sound healing instruments such as singing bowls, gongs, chimes, frame drum, polychord and numerous other acoustical instruments for transformation for self and others. Taking piano, clarinet and guitar lessons earlier in life contributed to developing my own musicality. I am continually learning, one of those eternal students of sound, consciousness and spirituality.  I believe we all can learn from one another. 

And, We Don't Know What We Don't Know! 

Lana's short Sound Therapy interview with Christian Kcomt, MD 

https://youtu.be/65z9t6ZT4Cs?si=nA9qUNlSfPGVIRvc

Holistic in every sense.  Individualized. Informed. Intuitive. Inclusive.

Providing you with a caring, professional session whether private sound therapy, group sound meditations, corporate events or a classroom environment.  My education is ongoing, and I continue to revise and add new content to both my healing modalities and classes. My background in the allopathic medical profession of 25 years combined with nearly thirty years as a holistic practitioner and instructor give you the benefits and wisdom of a seasoned practitioner and elder instructor.  I believe strongly in working collaboratively and in encouraging others to use their gifts and skills.  I encourage the sound community to work in collaboration, cooperation and in celebration of our diversities. There is plenty of work and opportunities for all of us! My associates and I look forward to sharing our love for earth and all sentient beings through soundwork.  We work together with you to create that beautiful cohesive healing field where transformation can happen. It's up to you, for we are the facilitators of providing space where healing can occur. You, ultimately, are your own healer!  We work to provide the space to empower you to do that. The most important thing in a sound meditation is what you do with the experience provided!