Immerse yourself in sound in the beautiful Catskill Mountains. The ASM Sound Bath Training with Sara Auster includes interactive learning, meditations, and extensive discussions about sound baths, sound therapy, and what it means to heal yourself and others through sound and listening. Won Dharma Center sits on 426 acres overlooking rolling farmland and the spectacular sunsets over the Catskill Mountains. Enjoy over 7 miles of walking trails, quiet time, and starry filled nights. Won Dharma is conveniently located just 12 minutes from the town of Hudson and the Amtrak Hudson train station. 

This training will certify you to be a Sound Bath facilitator in the Auster Sound Method created by Sara Auster.  You will be able to facilitate one on one guided sound and deep listening practices after this training.*  

In this training you will learn about deep listening and mindfulness meditation, which are the foundational tools of a sound bath experience. You will learn why and how sound and listening can be used to access, calm, clarity and healing in the mind and body. Partner exercises and group discussion within the class will be used to develop your understanding of your relationship to sound, connection to intuition, and insight to how you can integrate various sound practices into your life and work. 

This course includes extensive discussion about the anatomy of hearing and listening, and the tools that can be used to facilitate a sound bath. Partner exercises and group discussion within the class will be used to help fine tune your awareness and ability to hold space for others with sound and guided listening practices. Discussions will also include an introduction to the tools used to facilitate an experience plus improvisation techniques and learning how to play using your intuition. 

The arch of a sound bath, the business of healing, and hosting and facilitating group sound bath experiences will all be explored. You will learn how to adapt to facilitating groups of all kinds in all types of environments - from yoga and meditation spaces to schools, hospitals, boardrooms and beyond. Discussions and partner work will be used to explore how to prepare and  show up with clarity, and how to work with the energy of any group. Sara will answer deeper questions about the healing aspects of the work and situations that may arise while sharing sound with clients and groups. Sara will offer her in-depth approach to working with sound in groups, including how she sets up instruments and environment, as well as deeper application of instruments and other tools. 

There will be homework assignments required prior to our first session.  Live in-person attendance of all days of training is mandatory to receive certification.

*No instruments or previous experience required. Crystal singing bowl sets, hand-selected by Sara will be available for purchase + tuning forks and chimes.

**Please note that the cost of the training does not include travel to or within New York.

ACCOMMODATIONS and RATES

Quad — Spacious rooms with four beds in the residents hall. Gender Separate.
Double — Two twin beds. Perfect for friends and couples. We can also pair you with a roommate, which is a popular option.
Single — Modern rooms in the residents hall with a twin bed, sink and desk. 

Commuter - Includes course plus three meals per day

Deposit: $500 to hold your room. We highly recommend that you reserve your spot early. Spots are limited and this training will fill up quickly. Final Payment Due: October 1st, 2025. All payments are final.

GETTING THERE

• WON Dharma Center is located 15 minutes outside of Hudson, New York.
• By Amtrak: 2 hours from NYC, Hudson stop. Tickets get more expensive closer to the date, and can sell out on weekends.
• By Car: 2.5 hours from NYC or Boston
• 40 minutes from Albany Airport

HELPFUL NOTES

• We’ll connect you with other participants to share a cab from the train station.
• We recommend arriving at the center between 3:30 - 5:00 PM as dinner is at 5:30 PM.
• If you’re driving from NYC, remember to tack on extra time for afternoon traffic, depending on what time you leave. 

SCHEDULE

*subject to change*

Thursday, November 13th:

• Arrival window between 3:30-5pm
• Dinner will be served at 5:30pm
• Opening Circle in the Meditation Hall at 7pm

Friday-Monday, November 14th-17th: 

• Breakfast at 7:30AM
• Morning class from 9am-12pm 
• Lunch at 12pm  
• Afternoon class 2:00-5:00pm 
• Dinner is served at 5:30pm 
• Evening open for rest and activities 

Tuesday, November 18th:

• Breakfast 7:30am
• Closing circle 9:30 - 11:30am
• Lunch at 12pm 
• Departure after lunch