Cameron's Staff Pick

16th Annual Sage Academy Sound Healing Retreat Intensive

Name: 16th Annual Sage Academy Sound Healing Retreat Intensive
Start: 2026-06-26
End: 2026-06-28
Location: Menla
Rating: 4.75

4.7516 reviews

375 Panterkill Road PO Box 70 Phoenicia, NY 12464 United States

June 26 - 28, 2026

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Silvia

Lea

Peter

Nicholas

Katya

Silvia Nakkach, M.A., MMT

Grammy® nominated composer, interdisciplinary vocal artist, educator, author, academic consultant, Hindustani raga musician, experimental new music, embodied improvisation, and recording artist. A former clinical psychotherapist and an internationally accredited specialist in transcultural sound and music therapies, including music in shamanic practices. For many years, she has been on the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) faculty, where she created the premier certificate program in Sound, Voice, and Music in the Healing Arts offered by a major academic institution. She teaches the Metaphysics of Sonic Resonance in East-West Psychology and Contemplative Asian and Transcultural Studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). She is a Mentor at the CIIS’s Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research. She is the Founding Director of the International Vox Mundi School of Sound and the Voice, with Training Certificates in Japan, Brazil, S. Korea, and throughout the US. She is a core faculty of the Sedona Sound Healing Institute. In addition to her academic credentials, Silvia has devoted more than 40 years to the study of Classical North Indian Raga Music under the direction of the late Maestro Ali Akbar Khan and other great living masters of the Chant of Dhrupad tradition, presently under the direction of Pt. Uday Bhawalkar. Silvia has released sixteen CD albums and is a contributing author of several scholarly books. Her book Free Your Voice has been published by Sounds True More here: www.voxmundiproject.com

Lea Garnier

SOUND TOOL AWARENESS Every sound we use for sound bath journeys or private sessions has a unique voice or attribute to help facilitate a therapeutic healing response. In this segment, we will explore the “tools of the trade” and have plenty of practice time to feel into the unique voice of the conch shell, the shruti box, crystal bowls and pyramids, the gong, tuning forks and more. In 2010, Lea co-founded the first East coast Annual SoundHealing Intensive at Menla, NY. By creating a forum for pioneers of SoundHealing to share their knowledge, a platform was launched for in depth studies that has greatly contributed to todays expansive and ever growing field of sound practitioners world wide. As executive director of Sage Academy of Sound, a school she founded in 2007, she now offers 5 SoundHealing training/retreat intensives a year in the Catskill Mountains of New York. More here: https://sageacademyofsound.com/our-story

Peter Blum

In 1988, Peter Blum met Native American mystic and visionary Joseph Rael (Beautiful Painted Arrow) and became his student. He slowly received Joseph’s teachings on the practice of working with the vowel sounds in a particular fashion. With Joseph’s blessing and encouragement, he has been incorporating them into his private sessions, and using them as an essential part of teaching sound healing. According to Joseph, these vibrations are encoded into our DNA, and also reflect certain “principal ideas” which can best be understood by the practice of the chanting of the vowel sounds. "Voice is the first instrument, the one which every human learns to use to communicate. As students of the use of sound for healing, it is of primary importance that we study intentional use of vocal toning” — Peter Blum

Nicholas Petrucco

Nicholas’ discovery and journey into the healing properties of sound started in 2010 while searching for a method to treat his issues with chronic depression.

Not wanting to take medication constantly, he sought alternative methods that aligned with his spiritual practices. It was when he first encountered a Himalayan singing bowl, the sound of which struck him like lightning and opened him up to their medicine. They were paramount on his healing journey and continue to be, which led him to start studying with the Sage Academy in 2014. Ever curious, Nicholas works as a scientist, sound healer, shaman, and instrument maker with certifications in reiki and hypnotherapy. He focuses on ancestral instruments with a particular area of expertise in Himalayan singing bowls and the Conch shell. As one of the only makers, he has been tuning conch shells from all corners of the earth into sacred instruments for ceremonies and sound healers for many years. He has studied with most of the Sage Academy pioneers, and weaves many facets of science, spirituality and nature into his teachings.

Katya Valomova

Katya Varlamova is a clinical herbalist, naturopath, plant wellness educator, and founder of the organic herbal wellness line Warmicita Herbals. Katya's journey with the plants started in back 2006. Just two short years later she was calling on their healing powers to help her recover from a devastating traffic accident. Lovingly and patiently, the plants helped her restore her physical body and held space for the much needed emotional healing to unfold. Ever since, they have been guiding Katya on a powerful journey of self-discovery and healing magic. Years of herbal studies, adventures and work have followed. They have taken Katya around the US, South America and Europe - growing medicinal plants, making remedies, practicing clinical herbalism, and holding plant medicine circles and retreats. In her work with clients Katya relies on the healing powers of Western herbs, precious teachings of TCM and Ayurveda, and magical gifts of the Amazonian plant medicine. When the work calls for shifts in the non-physical realms of being she frequently uses flower and tree essences, gem elixirs, guided meditation, inner child work, breath work, ritual and ceremony. Katya leads plant walks, hosts women’s circles, and teaches plant medicine classes & retreats in NYC, the Hudson Valley, the Andes and the Amazon. IG @warmicitaherbals www.warmicitaherbals.com, More About Katya About Katya's Private Practice

Details of this retreat

In 2010 Sage Academy of Sound, located in Woodstock NY, created the 1st annual Sound Healing Retreat Intensive at Menla. After directly experiencing the healing benefits of sound, and dedicated to sharing this with others, the founders created a platform that would give sound pioneers a beautiful environment to share their knowledge, as well as a place to rest and explore. Fifteen years later, this program, led by Sage Academy director & founder, Lea Garnier, continues to inspire many on the healing path of vibrational medicine.

The world’s foremost experts in the art and science of Sound Healing will come together to immerse retreat participants in the sacred power of sound. Under the guidance of these remarkable scholars, healers, and sound practitioners, students will explore the healing potential of Tuning Forks, Crystal Bowls and Pyramids, Tibetan Bowls, Sacred Gongs and Bells, Voice, Drums, Conch, Flutes and other sacred sound instruments. Participants will learn the therapeutic application of sound tools to create sacred space, shift and expand consciousness, address a range of physical conditions, restore balance, and promote positive change at the cellular level. Featuring: Sound Pioneers Silvia Nakkach, Thomas Workman, Lea Garnier, Nicholas Pertrucco, Katya Varlamova and Scott Williams

Full program description here:

https://sageacademyofsound.com/2025summersoundhealingintensive

https://sageacademyofsound.com/our-programs

Schedule

Friday, June 26

3 pm Arrival & Room Check-in
3:30 - 4:30 pm Lea Garnier: Intro
4:30 - 6 pm Afternoon Session

Nick Patrucco: The Power of the Drum & Ancestral Journeying

6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Evening Session

Lea Garnier & Sage Sangha: Creating Vibrational Doorways with Sound & Sound Bath

Saturday, June 27

7 - 8:15 Optional Morning Sadhana

Yoga

8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 - 12 pm Morning Session

Thomas Workman: From Ancient 2 Future: Sound Tools Through The Ages

12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
2 - 5 pm Afternoon Session

Silvia Nakkach: Medicine Melodies of Diverse Vocal Traditions

6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Evening Session

Lea Garnier & The Sage Sangha: Crystal Corpus: Sound Healing Ceremony

Sunday, June 28

7 - 9:30 am Check-out of Rooms (Before or After Breakfast)
7 - 8:15 am Optional Morning Sadhana

Scott William: Forest Listening

8 - 9 am Breakfast
10 am - 12 pm Morning Session

Katya Varlamova: Icaros & Andean Ceremony

12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
2 - 5 pm Afternoon Session

TBD

5 - 6 pm Departure

*Please note that the schedule is subject to change.

Getting Here

Menla, 375 Panterkill Road PO Box 70 Phoenicia, NY 12464 United States

Accommodation

Deluxe Queen

Deluxe Queen Room with Queen Bed and Private Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning All Rooms in Lhasa are Handicap-Accessible, Including Four Rooms with Wheelchair Accessible Showers. Deluxe Queen Rooms are Available in Lhasa Inn and Kathmandu House * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations

Standard Single - Shared Bath

Menla Private Queen Room with Queen Bed and Shared Bathroom Public Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available This lodging type is not ADA Compliant Private Queen Rooms with Shared Bathroom are Available in Thimpu House, Panther Cottage and Potala House * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations

Standard Double Full - Shared bath (Shared Room)

Deluxe Double Room with Two Full Beds and Shared Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning This lodging type is not ADA Compliant. Please note that due to the stairs we recommend that guests with mobility issues book other accommodations. Deluxe Double Rooms with Shared Bathrooms are Located in Thimphu * Please note rates include meals and accommodations. This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You a Roommate if You Do Not Register with One.

Economy Single - Shared Bath

Standard Single Room with a Twin Bed and Shared Bathroom Bathroom is Shared with One to Six Other Guests on Your Floor. A phone is not available but high-speed WiFi is available in the room Phone Access Available in Nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa in Business Center. All calls are free of charge. This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant. * Please note rates include meals and accommodations.

Economy Double - Shared Bath (Shared Room)

Standard Double with Twin Beds and Shared Bathroom The bathroom is Shared with other rooms on the same floor. High-speed Wi-Fi is available in the room. Phone Access Available in Nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa in Business Center. All calls are free of charge. This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant. * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations * Please note: this is an open door policy room, meaning there are no keys to lock the door (we have lockers you can use at Lhasa if needed) * This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You Roommates if You Do Not Register with others

Customer Reviews

4.75 out of 5.0 average rating

Helen • Jan 22, 2026

5.0

Verified

An amazing experience, as always!

Menla impresses me year after year. The feeling is like none other. Spiritual, safe, calm, even when the outer world is chaos. The staff are not just friendly, but make Menla feel at home and the event seamless, no matter the weather or obstacles that seem to pop up. My members had an incredible experience. We will continue to come back year after year to host the retreat in this magical place!

Amit • Jan 04, 2026

5.0

Verified

An Awesome Retreat Experience for mind and body

I went into IGNITING 2026: Light the Fire of Joy through Compassion at the Menla Institute thinking it would be “nice.” It ended up being so much more than I expected - one of those retreats that leaves you feeling genuinely lighter, more grounded, and strangely energized in the best way.

Food: Truly ah-mazing. Since it was vegan and gluten-free, I was expecting it to be… fine. Instead, everything was full of flavor, thoughtfully prepared, and satisfying. And the desserts at dinner? Honestly, a highlight on their own.

Dr. Bob Thurman: The star of the show. Every one of us LOVED his talks. He’s wildly knowledgeable, sharp, and somehow manages to make profound teachings feel totally alive and accessible. Also: he is hilarious. We were completely locked in listening to him - equal parts learning and laughing.

Yoga (Michele Loew): I loved Michele’s classes. She guided the whole group through a beautiful sequence - warm-up, deep stretching, and meditation - in a way that felt supportive and skillful. Her Yoga Nidra was especially powerful, and having Arjun join for the sound bath made it even more immersive.

Krishna Das: Forever the best. He’s the reason we showed up - and he delivered that heart-opening magic he always does. What I didn’t expect was how much I’d also love Michele and Dr. Thurman. This retreat wasn’t just “Krishna Das + extras” - it felt like a complete, beautifully balanced experience.

Marina Abramović: What a soul. Hearing her story - where she came from, what she endured, and how she continues to transform - was deeply moving. She carries a kind of strength and honesty that makes you reflect on your own life in a meaningful way.

Gratitude: Special thanks to Piotr for the tech setup. He was fantastic - calm, capable, and it made everything run smoothly.

Overall, this retreat felt like a real New Year reset - a blend of dharma, movement, music, and reflection that actually lands in your body and your life. I left with more joy, more clarity, and a very full heart.

Song • Jan 04, 2026

5.0

Verified

Delighted and Ignited!

Everything was wonderful. The lodging, (Eva's cabin), the amazing food, and especially, everyone who works there, soul food on every level. Michelle's yoga and yoga nidra were unexpected highlights for me. She is emobodied wisdom. Can't imagine this retreat without her. I loved yoga with John Campbell of course--it would be wonderful to have both!!! Like she could do morning and he could have afternoon offering? The yoga nidra and soundscape were very powerful and transformational. Of course, Bob Thurman is a delight and central. The kirtan was so nourishing and pure pleasure. I am just awed by the experience that was created. Divine abundance. The part that couldn't be "controlled" of course by Menla, is the other retreaters--and my fellow passengers were so wise, funny, earnest, kind, considerate, adult--exactly who would be drawn to such an event, at that time, as I had hoped. Did I mention how amazing Michelle is :-)?

Stephanie • Jan 02, 2026

5.0

Verified

Menla is a warm supportive space for personal growth and transformation

Everyone at Menla is devoted to provided a supportive space for personal growth. I am deeply grateful. And, the food is delicious.

Gabriela • Dec 25, 2025

5.0

Verified

Healty Place with nice peoples and magical nature. Rejouvinate and

Rejuvenating and restorative.Well equipped. Excellent food. Competent staff.

16th Annual Sage Academy Sound Healing Retreat Intensive

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Silvia Nakkach, M.A., MMT

Lea Garnier

Peter Blum

Nicholas Petrucco

Katya Valomova

Details of this retreat

Getting Here