Sound Journey Summer School - Week 2 with the Ensemble

Pentwater, Michigan

SI
4 reviews
Aug 14 - 17, 2025
Group size: 1 - 15
Sound Journey Summer School - Week 2 with the Ensemble
Pentwater, Michigan

4 reviews

$1,300
Deposit: $500
Aug 14 - 17, 2025
Group size: 1 - 15

About this trip

Join us in Summer 2025 for our next Sound Journey Summer School session!

This 4 day, 3 night experience includes 20+ hours of hands-on training and workshops, nutritious vegetarian meals with produce from our organic garden and neighboring farms, a Sound Journey with Settle Into Stillness, a long weekend of immersion in the nature and beauty of northwest Michigan, and so much more!


Space is limited to keep group sizes small for a more intimate learning experience. Projected group size 10-15 students.


Are you wanting to learn how to lead your very own Sound Journeys and Sound Baths? Join us at our home in West Michigan for a weekend of deep learning, fun, and abundant nature and wildlife. In the Sound Journey Summer School, we will dive deep into the wide range of knowledge and experience we have gained in working with thousands of people while sharing our Sound Journeys worldwide for over a decade and over 1,000 events. We have crafted a series of training modules to help you build a solid foundation for exploring sound and sharing your passion with others.


We firmly believe that almost any instrument that you’re passionate about can be applied to a Sound Journey or a Sound Bath and shared with others, given the proper playing techniques and attention to the energy of your offering. We will work with instruments you already are familiar with, as well as have the ability to explore and get hands-on with instruments like the Handpan, Gong, Crystal Singing Bowls, and much more. This session is perfect for beginners and intermediate students looking to build a solid foundation for their offerings.


Our home is situated on about three acres of land on the Pentwater River. Accommodations are directly across the street at an incredible modern Log Cabin, situated on 8 acres of forested land. Within a short walk from our house, we have access to 70+ acres of private forest for nature hikes, and also hundreds of acres of state and national forest land.  We are located a short drive from the Village of Pentwater, a quaint lakeside village on the shores of Lake Michigan. Nearby, we have miles of sand beaches, several state parks with hiking trails, beautiful rivers, and lots of nature. It's an idyllic place for a summer getaway. 

Curriculum

Curriculum:

We work with small group sizes so we can meet each student where they are at in their journey, and tailor our offering to the students needs. Before the weekend training, we will send out a short questionnaire that will help us to gain a better understanding of your musical experience and where you want to grow. 


Training topics may include, but are not limited to:

  • Hands on training - Gongs, Crystal Singing Bowls, Himalayan Singing Bowls, Handpans, Didgeridoos, Flutes, World Percussion, Electronic Instruments, and more!
  • Instrument selection
  • Discussion of reference pitches - 432 Hz. vs. 440 Hz. and which is right for you.
  • Deep listening
  • Dynamics and volume
  • Sequencing
  • Energetic flow of a Sound Journey
  • Transitions
  • Setting the space
  • Composition and improvisation
  • Working with other musicians
  • Harmonic Foundations (Tone, Melody, Musical Scales, Consonance, Dissonance)
  • Creating an offering that is unique to you
  • Where to play and how to set up events

Why study with us?

Why study with us?

Unlock the Power of Sound with Sound Journey Summer School


Experience matters. With over 13 years of dedicated work together, coupled with Jeremy's 15 years of expertise, we are well-equipped to guide you on a transformative journey. Together, we have led over 1,000 events and our vast knowledge and practical insights stem from real-world experiences that you can trust. In addition to this experience we share, you will get hands-on training with professional instruments from around the world.


Not only are we seasoned sound practitioners, but we also bring a wealth of experience as yoga students and teachers. We have combined extensive training and study in yoga and meditation, with our knowledge and experience of music to sculpt our Sound Journeys. This rich background enables us to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of sound and holistic practices.

Sound Journey Summer School was born from a desire to offer a more substantial learning experience. We were tired of witnessing superficial approaches to sound healing and witnessing friends and peers leaving expensive trainings with very little foundational knowledge from which they could grow and share their own offerings. We aim to teach you the art of sound with depth, precision, and care. Our goal is to nurture your creativity and expression while instilling essential skills for your exploration of sound.


From the moment you join us, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way. As you absorb our teachings and techniques, you will not only carry the knowledge with you but also the confidence to share your unique gifts with the world. Let us empower you to harness the true potential of sound, both within our sanctuary and beyond.

Who is this for?

Who is this for?

This Sound Journey Summer School weekend is designed for beginner to intermediate level students. Whether you are a complete beginner, or you have been leading your own Sound Baths, Sound Healings, and Sound Journeys for some time now, you will take away new knowledge, skills, and experience from this weekend training. We also offer training weekends for advanced practitioners and if you would like to stay in touch about our advanced offerings, send us a message!

What will you take away from this?

What will you take away from this experience?

After your weekend of study with us, you will have a strong foundation in the fundamentals of sound and music in the context of playing and/or leading Sound Journeys, Sound Baths, and Sound Healings. You will learn how to choose quality instrumentation that speaks to you, how to play those instruments by themselves and in combination with other instruments, fundamental musical concepts, as well as the confidence to share your newfound skills with others, whether for fun or in an organized Sound Journey private or group experience.

Certificate of Completion

Certificate of Completion

There are currently no requirements for certification or licenses for Sound Journeys, Sound Baths, and Sound Healing. However, upon finishing this program, you will receive a certificate of completion to show you have invested the time and energy into your study with us. 

What's included?

Included:

Evening Sound Journey with Settle Into Stillness

  • Daily training modules and workshops to teach you the foundations of creating your own unique Sound Journeys
  • Guided Nature Hikes. 
  • Time to rest and rejuvenate in beautiful natural surroundings. Read a book, journal, reflect, etc.
  • Healthy, plant-based meals with food from our organic gardens, free range chickens, and produce from neighboring farms, when available. (Dinner included Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Breakfast included Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Light snacks available for lunch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
  • Accommodations at the Lazy Bear Lodge, an incredible modern log cabin. Dorm Style and Private Rooms Available
  • Additional limited riverside “glamping” accommodations available (tent with mattress provided, access to showers and toilet). You may bring your own tent if you prefer.
  • We will conclude the weekend with a trip to the beach at Lake Michigan, a special scenic overlook, or a local State Park, as attendees prefer.
  • Abundant nature and wildlife
  • Evening fire circle, if desired

What's not included?

Not Included:

Transportation

  • Extra meals, drinks
  • Optional activities and other activities not included in the retreat itinerary
  • Additional transportation outside of the retreat itinerary

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Visit Ludington State Park with miles of hiking trails and beautiful sand beach shoreline. (30 minute drive)

  • Visit Charles Mears State Park to soak in the sun on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan (15 minute drive)
  • Explore the village of Pentwater and it’s many shops (15 minute drive)
  • Extend your trip and explore the beauty of northern Michigan. Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and so much more are within a 1.5-2 hour drive from our home.

Accommodations

Accommodations

Your weekend training will take place in several spots in the same location. Accommodations will be at the Lazy Bear Lodge, directly across the street from our home. Our beautiful riverside land and home, The Birds Nest, will be available throughout the weekend for workshops, to enjoy the serenity of the riverside location, meals, and other activities. 

Lazy Bear Lodge

The Lazy Bear Lodge is situated directly across the street from our land and home. You can walk between the two locations. The Lazy Bear Lodge has a long driveway and, if you choose, you may also drive between the two and park at our home for activities. The Lazy Bear Lodge is a custom built log cabin style home, built in 2019. It is located on 8 acres of forested land, with well-manicured lawns and gardens, a huge wrap-around porch, and more. WiFi is available onsite, although we encourage you to unplug and enjoy your natural surroundings.


The Birds’ Nest (Our Riverside Home)

The Birds’ Nest is the location of our home and organic gardens. It is situated on 3 acres of land beside a small river. It is quiet, secluded, and the perfect oasis to deepen your relationship to sound and vibration. We have two glamping sites available at The Birds’ Nest, for 1 or 2 people (A tent will be provided or bring your own. A mattress, bedding, and access to toilets and showers is provided). We also have one loft room available at The Birds’ Nest with a full bed for 1 or 2 people.  WiFi is available onsite, although we encourage you to unplug and enjoy your natural surroundings. 

PAYMENT INFORMATION

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS

(Please read. These terms are binding with the purchase of your package)


Sound Journey Summer School with Settle Into Stillness is non-refundable and exceptions cannot be made.


All payments are non-refundable. Payment reminders will be sent for each monthly payment. If a payment is 7 business days late without prior authorization, the package is subject to a $50 admin fee. Should a payment be more than 10 days late, the organizer has the right to cancel the package. If you need to adjust a payment date, please speak with the organizer one week or more before the payment due date. 


By confirming this spot, you have agreed and confirmed that the payment is non-refundable. Package may only be transferred to another name. You are also confirming that the terms and conditions have been read. If for any reason you believe there may be a circumstance that might affect your ability to attend after purchasing your package please purchase travel insurance. We are unable to refund package under any circumstance. 


We will email our travel agreement/contract upon sign up. This contract must be signed in order for you to attend the retreat. If you wish to see our travel contract prior to signing up, please send us a message.


Settle Into Stillness will not be held responsible for any costs or lost days due to travel days. Settle Into Stillness will also not able to refund packages related to illness or injury prior to travel. Travel insurance protect against financial loss. Should the summer school not be able to take place due to travel restrictions, the dates will be moved and all packages will be transferred to a new date. 


This event will take place rain or shine, regardless of the weather.


No refunds will be issued.

Available Packages

Riverside Tent Spot - The Birds Nest
Deposit: $500
Only 2 left

This package is for those who would like to spend the weekend immersed in nature. This is our most popular campsite, with a spot right next to the river. We provide a tent, mattress, bedding, and access to toilet/showers. You may bring your own tent if you wish. Please let us know in advance if you plan on bringing your own tent.


Price is per person (maximum two people per tent, queen mattress or two twin mattresses available). One booking required for each person. 


If you would like single occupancy, please select the single occupancy upgrade for the Tent Spot.

$1,300
Deposit: $500
ShadeTree Tent Spot - The Birds Nest
Deposit: $500
Only 2 left

This package is for those who would like to spend the weekend immersed in nature. This spot is nicely shaded, perched up on a small hill with views of the river. We provide a tent, mattress, bedding, and access to toilet/showers. You may bring your own tent if you wish. Please let us know in advance if you plan on bringing your own tent.


Price is per person (maximum two people per tent, queen mattress or two twin mattresses available). One booking required for each person. 


If you would like single occupancy, please select the single occupancy upgrade for the Tent Spot.

$1,300
Deposit: $500
RV Spot - Lazy Bear Lodge
4 left

This package is for those who have their own RV and would like to bring it for the weekend. It can be a campervan, motorhome, or travel trailer. There is an electrical hookup and a freshwater hookup. There is no blackwater hookup or dump spot. Booking is per person. Each attendee in the RV will need their own booking.

We have a maximum of 2 RV parking spots available. Please inquire if you will have more than 2 people in your RV.

$1,300
Bottom Bunk, Dorm Room - Lazy Bear Lodge
Deposit: $500
Only 2 left

Bottom Bunk in Dorm Style Room, Shared Bathroom - Bedroom 3


This package is for a single person in on the bottom bunk in a shared dorm style room. It is a large finished room in the basement of the cabin with a king bed and two bunk beds. The bathroom is shared and upstairs.

$1,300
Deposit: $500
Top Bunk, Dorm Room - Lazy Bear Lodge
Deposit: $500
Only 2 left

Top Bunk in Dorm Style Room, Shared Bathroom - Bedroom 3


This package is for a single person in on the bottom bunk in a shared dorm style room. It is a large finished room in the basement of the cabin with a king bed and two bunk beds. The bathroom is shared and upstairs.

$1,300
Deposit: $500
King Bed, Dorm Room - Lazy Bear Lodge
Deposit: $500

King Bed in Dorm Style Room, Shared Bathroom - Bedroom 3


This package is for a single person in double occupancy. Double occupancy is for couples/two people only only, as there is only a single king bed. If you would like double occupancy, you need to make one booking per person. 


If you would like single occupancy, please select the single occupancy upgrade for the Dorm Style King Bed.


This king bed is in a shared dorm style room. It is a large finished room in the basement with a king bed and two bunk beds. The bathroom is shared and upstairs.

$1,375
Deposit: $500
Private King Room - Lazy Bear Lodge
Deposit: $500
Only 2 left

Private King Room (Shared Bath) - Lazy Bear Lodge - Bedroom 2


This package is for a single person in double occupancy. Double occupancy is for couples/two people only only, as there is only a single king bed. If you would like double occupancy, you need to make one booking per person. 


If you would like single occupancy, please select the single occupancy upgrade for the Private King Room.


This room is furnished with a plush king-sized bed, adjacent to the shared bathroom (no private bathroom with this room). 

$1,525
Deposit: $500
Private Master Suite - Lazy Bear Lodge
Deposit: $500
Sold Out

Private Master Suite - Lazy Bear Lodge - Bedroom 1


This package is for a single person in double occupancy. Double occupancy is for couples/two people only only, as there is only a single king bed. If you would like double occupancy, you need to make one booking per person. 


If you would like single occupancy, please select the single occupancy upgrade for the Private Master Suite.


This room is furnished with a plush king-sized bed, a cozy sitting area, and an attached private bathroom. Step out onto your personal balcony to enjoy uninterrupted views of the surrounding nature, where the summer sounds of birds and wildlife create a peaceful ambiance. The en-suite bathroom boasts modern amenities, including a large soaking tub and shower, blending luxury with the charm of nature

$1,675
Deposit: $500

Available Add-Ons

Single Occupancy - Private Master Suite
$825
Only 1 left
Deposit: $250

Would you like the Private Master Suite in the Lazy Bear Lodge all to yourself? If so, select the single occupancy upgrade!

Single Occupancy - Private King Room
$675
Only 1 left
Deposit: $250

Would you like the Private King Room in the Lazy Bear Lodge all to yourself? If so, select the single occupancy upgrade!

Single Occupancy - Dorm Style King Bed
$525
Only 1 left
Deposit: $250

Would you like the Dorm Style King Bed in the Lazy Bear Lodge all to yourself? If so, select the single occupancy upgrade!

Single Occupancy - Tent Spot
$200
Only 2 left
Deposit: $0

Would you like the Tent Spot all to yourself? If so, select the single occupancy upgrade!

$1,300
Deposit: $500


Itinerary

Day 1
Sound Journey Summer School Day 1

12 Noon-5:00 PM - Arrival. Arrive at your leisure, get set up for your stay, enjoy our beautiful natural surroundings, etc. If you are staying at the Log Cabin, please arrive by 4:30 PM so we can get you set up and be to our house by 5:00 PM.
 

5:00 PM - Welcome Circle

6:00 PM - Dinner

7:30-8:30 PM - Sound Journey provided by Settle Into Stillness Ensemble

8:30-9:30 PM - Sound Journey Group Discussion

Evening Campfire

Your Organizer


SI
Settle Into Stillness
4 reviews
Settle into Stillness unites the healing power of conscious relaxation with sacred sound. Settle Into Stillness was founded by Jeremy Arndt and Nancy Grzeszak, whose paths converged in 2011, igniting a shared passion for yoga and music that would ultimately blossom into a transformative journey around the globe. Their mutual desire to spread peace, serenity, and self-discovery led them to create the Sound Journey, a magical fusion of music and mindfulness. Their musical journey has taken them together to 22 countries and 6 continents.

Reviews

This trip was such a treat. It was both relaxing and allowed the space for perspective that isn't free flowing in the everyday. All the facilitators were extremely talented and patient with visitors. The food was delicious and felt healthy. There were many variations of GF and vegetarian that fit different dietary needs. 10/10 would recommend. Where do I sign up for the next one.
By zosha b for Whispers of Winter - Michigan Mid-Winter Retreat on Feb 06, 2025
Hello Zosha! Thank you for sharing your kind words about the retreat. We're so happy you enjoyed it and are looking forward to the next one. We also loved the food. Major props to Audra at Kalamazoo Umami for feeding us such delicious, healthy food. Hope to see you again soon! ~Jeremy - Settle Into Stillness
By Settle Into Stillness on Feb 11, 2025
SI
Beautiful setting! Barothy Lodge in Michigan is a beautiful destination! Accommodations were great. The property is amazing with trails , river , ponds... The food was wonderful ! The Yoga sessions by Emily were great, a variety throughout the weekend.All levels accommodated. Settle Into Stillness Ensemble , Jeremy, Nancy, Parker & Kimberly provided beautiful sound during the yoga sessions and one sound journey leading into an evening of rest. It was a beautiful experience! Kimberly led a beautiful voice empowerment workshop and Parker led a rhythm work shop. Emily led a yoga practice and a Mantra workshop before closing this amazing weekend :) We had fresh snowfall on our last day and most of us took to the trails to hike . Plenty of free time to enjoy the outdoors, the sauna, hot tubs and cold plunge pools. What a wonderful way to spend a weekend in the winter in Michigan:)
By Ulrike M for Whispers of Winter - Michigan Mid-Winter Retreat on Feb 04, 2025
Hi Ulrike! We're so grateful that you and Greg joined us for our first Whispers of Winter Retreat and that you had a wonderful time. We can agree that the property is incredible and the food was wonderful. Audra at Kalamazoo Umami did a great job. We're equally happy that you enjoyed the yoga sessions with emily and all of our music and workshops. Thank you for all of your support over the years. We look forward to seeing you again soon! ~Jeremy - Settle Into Stillness
By Settle Into Stillness on Feb 11, 2025
SI
The way this was advertised, I thought the Yoga was optional, but this was more a Yoga retreat. I really wanted more of the Sound Bath experience. The Yoga instructor didn't really accommodate people with little to no Yoga experience. I totally enjoyed the music. I wished there was just a Sound Bath experience without Yoga instruction. I would register again if it was more of a music/meditation experience. The Workshops run by Parker and Kimberly were fun and worthwhile. I would have appreciated more opportunities to get to know the other attendees through facilitated team activities and an Introduction/breakout session. The Food was Fantastic! I would recommend this Chef for any function, and I am not a plant-based eater but still thought the entrees were exceptional.
By Karen S for Whispers of Winter - Michigan Mid-Winter Retreat on Feb 04, 2025
Hello Karen, We're saddened that your time with us was anything less than you expected. We hope we have the opportunity to share another offering with you again in the future. Please know that on all of our retreats, all activities are always optional. This goes for both our domestic and international retreats. We do our best to provide the itinerary as soon as possible so you can see the schedule for the weekend. Our Yoga for EveryBODY clause for our retreats states: "Activities are always optional, so if you want to slip away for a solo adventure, rest and recovery in your room, etc., you are free to do as you need." We will make sure to make some adjustments to the yoga curriculum for future retreats to ensure that people with less yoga experience feel more accommodated. We would like to extend our apologies and hope that you feel you can discuss these matters with us in person at future retreats so we can make adjustments in the moment to help ensure everyone has a great experience. I can echo the sentiment that all of us at Settle Into Stillness felt that there needed to be a dedicated Sound Journey experience. This was one of the first things we mentioned to one another when we left the retreat and were sharing our collective thoughts of the weekend. Since this was our first Whispers of Winter Retreat, we did not realize how we would all feel about the schedule until it actually happened. We felt it looked like a great schedule from the moment we arranged it, but in practice, we all missed the opportunity so share a session dedicated to just the Sound and music that we love sharing so much. Rest assured that this has already been discussed with our entire retreat team and will be changed for next year. While it hasn't been mentioned by anyone else from the weekend, I'm guessing you're not the only one who felt this. We're glad that you enjoyed Parker and Kimberly's sessions. We always enjoy taking them also, as well as sharing them with our attendees. We (Jeremy and Nancy) have taken them a number of times now and have always had a great time, and each session has been different from the last. Your suggestions about having more facilitated team activities and an introduction sessions are great ideas to make the next retreat even better. We appreciate that! A Friday to Sunday retreat is a short time to get to know everyone, and it would be great if there were more opportunities to do so. Also, we're happy you loved Audra's food. We did too! ~Jeremy - Settle Into Stillness (PS: Sorry about the formatting. It's atrocious. It appears that WeTravel doesn't allow us to include breaks between paragraphs).
By Settle Into Stillness on Feb 11, 2025
SI
Fantastic retreat amazing music, beautiful amenities. Wonderful trip all the way around!
By Krystal K for Whispers of Winter - Michigan Mid-Winter Retreat on Feb 04, 2025
Thank you for your kind words Krystal. It was great meeting you and Brock. We're so happy you enjoyed the retreat and hope we cross paths again soon. Thank you for coming from so far away to enjoy the weekend with us! ~Jeremy - Settle Into Stillness
By Settle Into Stillness on Feb 11, 2025
SI

References

Transformative Weekend Retreat: Yoga & Sound Healing Bliss I just returned from an incredible weekend retreat, and I can’t recommend it enough! From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed into a peaceful destination designed for relaxation, self-discovery, and healing. The daily yoga sessions were beautifully guided, and infused with mindfulness. Each class helped me deepen my practice, release tension, and reconnect with my body and breath. The instructor was not only knowledgeable but also created a nurturing space The highlight for me was the sound bowl healing sessions. The soothing vibrations of the bowls resonated deeply, melting away stress and allowing me to enter a meditative state unlike anything I’ve experienced before. It was a truly transformative and rejuvenating experience. Beyond the sessions, the retreat setting was stunning—serene nature, cozy accommodations, and nourishing meals that supported our journey toward wellness. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, ensuring a seamless blend of relaxation and growth. If you’re looking for a weekend to unwind, recharge, and immerse yourself in healing practices, this retreat is an absolute must. I left feeling lighter, clearer, and more in tune with myself. I will definitely be returning!
By Zachary B on 08 Feb, 2025

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