About Me
Hi, my name is Gerald Savage, ST, founder of SoundPill. SoundPill is a energetic approach using a wide spectrum of sound and music therapies. I am a certified sound healer, and presently a teacher/administrator at one of the country’s top high-schools of the arts. I also teach an online course with the San Francisco-based Globe Institute of Sound and Consciousness; one of the top sound healing institutions in the world. I am honored to be among other teachers and sound healers at Globe Institute, which include Jeffrey D. Thompson and the legendary Steve Halpern.
http://soundhealingcenter.com/love/instructors/
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In my practice I utilize the power of sound and music to help individuals with a wide range of imbalances either physical or psycho-emotional in nature. Working through the lenses of artistic, scientific, and spiritual perspectives, I use tools such as crystal/singing bowls, tuning forks, and voice-based modalities (such as mantras and toning). The primary tool of assessments is a computerized program called Voice Analysis Harmony (VAH – also known as the VoiceBio system). VAH is a non-invasive, cutting edge method that provides clients with a holographic voice print of their current physical and emotional states. Upon evaluating results of their voice print I will help clients interpret their psycho-emotional and physical imbalances. In order to regain energetic homeostasis, I will make suggestions through specific voice/sound-based techniques and other holistic ways.
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In addition to my work in sound healing, I am a musical artist and ethno-musicologist, composer/arranger, and director for community-based and international events. Please refer to my bio for further information.
INITIAL CONSULTATION/ASSESSMENT
After an initial Voice Analysis Harmony (VAH) voice print has been made, the primary purpose of the initial consultation is to explore specific ways of working together based on clients' needs and preferences, and to decide which sound/music practices will be used. During the initial consultation the number of sessions needed will also be decided collaboratively. Subsequent sessions will be based on progress and maintaining homeostasis through various suggested therapies.
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EXAMPLES OF POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES
The following protocols and interventions will vary according to the needs and preferences tailored to fit the client. It is recommended to have a session two weeks after the initial visit, and once a month to facilitate and matain energetic balance. Refer to the section entitled, 'Sound Therapies' for various interventions.
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STANDARD FIRST VISIT
Interview/Introduction
Review intake questionnaire
VAH Voice Print
Discuss possible music/sound interventions
SUBSEQUENT VISITS MAY INCLUDE
Establishing a focused space of intention for breath and voice exploration
Breath exercises and rhythmic pranayama
Voice exploration through speaking, humming, sounding and singing
Finding client's ‘home-tone’ as point of focus
Toning energy centers through sound and syllables
Daily practice of breath exercises, daily toning, reinforce 'home-tone'
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MUSIC EXPLORATION
Reflection on function of personal history of music
Music associated with personal timeline and experiences
Analysis of music that the client finds uplifting, calming, and music that has memory associations (sociological, personal, family, etc.).
Analysis of musical elements contained in personal choices, such as, instruments, vocal/instrumental tone color, tempo/speed, volume, etc.
Tone color and its effect on mood and emotion.
Further analysis of elements contained in music preferences, determine what emotional needs are being met by the client's music/sound 'diet', and how the client’s life will be enhanced by new and additional music/sound choices. Incorporate previous uses of the voice with preferred music.
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ACTIVE AND PASSIVE LISTENING, USING TECHNNOLOGY
Brainwave exploration
Music/sounds listening
Hemispheric binaural synchronization
AVS (Audio/Visual Stimulation)
(See explanation in section entitled, “Sound Technology”)
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Emotions Analytics and Voice Analysis Harmony
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EMOTIONS ANALYTICS
Prior to the first visit, indications of the client’s moods and attitudes will be assessed using a computerized Emotion Analytics tool. The client will make a recorded voice sample of at least 13 seconds (which can be done on an iphone or recorded directly onto the computer using a USB microphone) and email it to soundpill. The analyzed voice sample will be separated into three mood/attitude parameters: Temper, Valence, and Arousal (See below). Combined with the subsequent VAH assessment (See the following section on Voice Analysis Harmony), the data collected from the voice sample will give a more complete psycho-emotional profile of the client.
Mood and Attitude Parameters
Temper
Temper reflects the speaker’s emotional state. It includes three main categories: depressive, embracive and aggressive.
Valence
Valence refers to the level of negativity or positivity It ranges from negative emotional state to positive emotional state.
Arousal
Arousal is an output that measures the speaker’s level of energy, ranging from tranquility, boredom or sleepiness to alertness or excitement. Arousal can also correspond to similar concepts such as involvement and stimulation.
*The results of the data analysis will be shared with the client during the initial on-site visit, along with the VAH assessment.
EMOTION GROUPS
Based on emotional parameters from the voice sample data, the client will
be placed into one of several emotion groups. Emotion groups are an indicator of the speaker’s emotional state during the analyzed voice section. Here are possible Emotion Groups (total of 5 groups), together with the types of emotions present in each group.
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· Sadness/Uncertainty/Boredom
· Anger/Dislike/Stress
· Neutral
· Happiness/Enthusiasm/Friendliness
· Warmth/Calmness
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VOICE ANALYSIS HARMONY (VAH)
Previously known as VoiceBio
The VAH system is based on the fact that everything is vibration. Everything about you is carried in the sound of your voice. It is your template of perfection that can become distorted over time, causing emotional and physical imbalances.
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Based on Detailed Research
The VAH system is based on more than two decades of research. Over many years of doing voice analyses on people with different issues, patterns of frequencies became apparent. Missing or low frequencies correspond to specific weaknesses in organs and body systems, as well as emotions. Higher frequencies correspond to backup systems and inflammation or infection.
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The Scientific Basis
Based on the research of Alfred Tomatis, “Every frequency is a nutrient.” All the parts of the body down to the cellular level, including emotions, function at different frequencies. An imbalance in these frequencies can lead to an imbalance in an organ, body system or mental state. The more balanced the energy, the more balanced, efficient and energetic you are.
An imbalance in your body and emotions can happen in many ways:
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Irritating Frequencies Growing Up - If you grow up with an irritating frequency (like a critical parent, or a refrigerator or fan) your ear actually turns that frequency down over time. Then when you move out, you now are deficient in that frequency.
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Physical Issues or Trauma – These can also create blockages in your system that don’t allow the free flow of frequencies through your system.
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Emotional issues or Trauma - These can affect the balance of frequencies in your system. It is like a stuck emotion or negative belief is a frequency that throws off the balance in your system.
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Hearing Issues – Simple hearing loss can affect the nutrients that are getting into your body. Based on the research of Alfred Tomatis your voice doesn’t make frequencies that you can’t hear (you can make them, but they don’t naturally come through your voice if you are not hearing them).
The Remedy
The remedy is to play back the missing frequencies into the body to balance it out. It is similar to vitamin therapy – if you are missing a vitamin in the body, you take that vitamin so you have a good balance of all frequencies in the body – so energy can then flow through your whole system.
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Toning (singing a vowel on that note) is even more effective than just listening to a song in the key you are missing.
The basic idea is that every issue physically and emotionally is supported by a frequency landscape within your whole system. It doesn't mean that you actually have a certain issue when that landscape is present, but it could lead to that issue manifesting in your system. Your voice reflects that frequency landscape. By listening to sounds or music and/or toning in a certain key, you break up that frequency landscape and the issue can no longer exist.
HOW IT WORKS
The Assessment
You speak into a microphone and the computer analyzes what notes you sing as you speak. Everybody sings when they speak. A healthy person hits all the notes of the scale when they sing as they speak. A person who is dying stays on only one note as they speak… because they don’t have enough energy to make to the other notes.
The software then analyzes the sound of your voice to see what notes are missing, and what notes are too high (sung too much).
Upon evaluating results of their voice print, I will help clients interpret their psycho-emotional and physical imbalances. In order to regain energetic homeostasis. I will make suggestions through specific voice/sound-based techniques and other holistic approaches.
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Sound Therapies
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Energetic work with sound and music primarily utilizes one of two approaches: Vibroacoustic therapy (VAT) and Psychoacoustics. VAT uses sound vibrations that are applied directly to the body; whether from a sound bed or chair, or tuning forks being applied to the body. Psychoacoustics is basically the study of the perception of sound, including how we listen, our psychological responses, and the physiological impact of music and sound on the nervous system. Howwever, as you read below, you will see that there are various ways of using sound and music therapeutically.
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Use of the Breath and Voice
Explorations of the breath, speech, and voice, with movement towards toning, chanting, mantra, sounding emotions, and singing; establishing comfort ability in the utilization of voice;
finding the client's ‘home-tone’; and vocal E-motions--moving stuck energy through the voice;
Tuning Forks & Crystal Bowls
Tuning forks were originally used to tune musical instruments. However, due to very strong vibrations they emit, they are now used by healers, massage therapists, chiropractors, yoga practitioners etc. There are two types of tuning forks: weighted and unweighted. The weighted forks focus more on specific physical issues. The unweighted forks are used around the body and next to the ears. They address issues such as balancing the nervous system, and improving mental clarity. In the holistic healing process, both weighted and unweighted forks provide a wide spectrum of support possibilities.
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Crystal bowls are created from the dust of quartz crystals, and then reformed by a machine. They are built to specific shapes, to create exact pitches. Singing bowls originate in Tibet, and are often referred to as medicine bowls. Although crystal bowls emit frequencies indirectly to the body, they are not placed on the body, which often the case with singing bowls.
Sound Technology
Exploration of frequencies suited to the client; active listening (music, tone generated frequencies, nature sounds);
Binaural Synchronization; and Bioacoustic technology.
AVS (Audio-Visual Stimulation, aka Sound/Light Equipment**).
**Not recommended for those with epilepsy, heart trouble, latent seizure tendencies or are photosensitive
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Disclaimer:
No information on this site should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition.
By reading this website, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own health decisions. Do not take anything from any website, including this one, and try it without proper research and medical supervision.
Gerald's Bio
DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER OF SOUNDPILL
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
BASIC PHILOSOPHY OF MUSIC, SOUND, AND THE ARTS
In my practice I utilize the power of sound and music to help individuals with a wide range of imbalances either physical or psycho-emotional in nature; working through the lenses of artistic, scientific, and spiritual perspectives.This philosophical basis has come through my work as an educator, musician, and ethno-musicologist. In working with both children and adults, it has become apparent that music reaches far beyond its function in present day society as simply entertainment. It also serves as a basis of my advocacy of providing children with music as an essential component of educating the whole child. Neuroscience has provided clear research that music and the arts are fundamental to the wholistic wellness, from childhood, serving as a solid foundation through adult maturation. Sound and music provide powerful supports when consciously utilized.
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EXPERIENCE AS A GLOBAL EDUCATOR
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Fulbright-Hays Scholar (2009), Brazil; An education collaborative project between the Center for Latin American Studies at the University of Pittsburgh, and a joint effort between The Andy Warhol Museum (Pittsburgh), and The Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Niterói (Museum of Contemporary Arts, Niteroi, Brazil).
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Classroom without Borders (2014) , Teacher/music facilitator in Poland to Poland, to learn and teach about the atrocities of the Holocaust.
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Bridging Cultures (2016) Educational collaborative through the State Department, in conjunction with the African Studies Program at the University of Illinois, which consisted of 20 international educators and 7 educators from the United States; discussing issues pertaining to international and multicultural education.
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Ethiopia: Indigenous Wisdom and Culture (2017) Fulbright-Hays scholar in conjunction with the University of Pittsburgh African Studies Program
ETHNO-MUSICOLOGIST
Through my training in ethno-musicology, I first came to the realization that sound and music have been functional tools for millennia by ancient cultures throughout the world in bringing frequencies to rituals and sound healing.
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MUSICAL ARTIST
Keyboardist, vocalist, director/conductor, arranger/composer, trombonist
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SOUND HEALING EDUCATOR (2016- )
Globe Institute of Sound and Consciousness, San Francisco, CA.
EDUCATION
Bachelors degree in Music, Indiana University, Bloomington; Masters Degree in Ethno-musicology, University of Pittsburgh; Doctoral degree studies in Administrative and Policy Studies, University of Pittsburgh; Sound healing certificate, Globe Institute of Sound and Consciousness.
MEMBERSHIPS
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International Sound Therapy Association; Sound Healers Association; National Association for Music Education; International Society for Ethno-musicology; and Teacher Advisory Committee and Member of the Board of Directors for the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus:
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News and Resources
THE SOUND EFFECT: AN ANCIENT THERAPY IS MAKING A BIG COMEBACK
CBS New York news report on how singing bowls, tuning forks, and voices create waves of sound to induce a deep meditative state. These practices are all a part of an ancient therapy that’s making a big comeback. Instruments are used to create frequencies that quiet parts of the brain.
SOUND BATHS MOVE FROM METAPHYSICAL TO MAINSTREAM
New York Times article about the increased use and practice of sound healing modalities on behalf of celeberties and health practitioners.
RENOWNÂ TRAUMA THERAPIST PETER LEVINE ON SOUND THERAPY
Excerpted from In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness, by Peter Levine, pp. 125-127:
MUSIC AS MEDICINE: ARTICLE FROM THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION
Researchers are exploring how music therapy can improve health outcomes among a variety of patient populations, including premature infants and people with depression and Parkinson’s disease.
TREATING TIBET’S TRAUMATIZED
Dr. Michael Grodin of Boston University's School of Public Heath blends Eastern healing and Western medicine to help torture victims with singing bowls.
SHATTERING CANCER WITH RESONANT FREQUENCIES
Anthony Holland is Associate Professor and Director of Music at Skidmore College in New York state. He is also a researcher who uses the power of frequency to heal cancer.nd.
MUSIC MEDICINE: SOUND AT A CELLULAR LEVEL | DR. LEE BARTEL | TEDXCOLLINGWOOD
How does music as sound and vibration impact your body and brain? Dr. Lee Bartel explores how sound can stimulate cells in your body and brain to reduce the impact of Fibromyalgia pain, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Depression, and even increase blood flow. It shows how a common consumer vibroacoustic device is used to treat these health conditions.
VOICE SIGNAL CHARACTERISTICS ARE INDEPENDENTLY ASSOCIATED WITH CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
Voice signal analysis is an emerging noninvasive diagnostic tool. The current study tested the hypothesis that patient voice signal characteristics are associated with the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD)
THE EFFECT OF BINAURAL BEAT TECHNOLOGY (BBT) ON THE CARDIOVASCULAR STRESS RESPONSE IN MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS WITH POST-DEPLOYMENT STRESS
When placed under an acute stressor, participants who used music with embedded BBT (binaural beat technology) showed a decrease in sympathetic responses and an increase in parasympathetic responses, while participants who used music alone had the opposite effect.
Appointments and Fees
Appointments can be scheduled for one-half hour or one hour sessions
Flexible summer hours 9:00 am-6:00 pm.
For more information:
or call: 412.862.1029
SOUNDPILL/SOUNDBIOPHARMACOLOGY OF FREQUENCIES,
SOUNDS, & MUSIC
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Sound Approach to Well-Being
SoundPill/SoundBio utilizes a broad range of sound and music practices as support for a variety of challenges such as stress, anxiety, and depression. My goal is to provide my clients with practical tools, exercises, and resources to incorporate sound and music in their busy daily life. Using sound and music consciously can have a powerful impact on maintaining balance and well-being.
Email:
Phone: 412.862.1029
FAX: 412.241.6050
*Now also available for online sessions.
What Can VoiceBio Do For You?
With VoiceBio, you can get an overall picture of your health, discover which emotions are holding you back and why, chart a plan for a greater sense of well being, determine the true source of nagging symptoms, find out where your physical system is most stressed, and detect weaknesses with your health before they cause problems.
