Sound Oasis: Baja California
A six day oceanfront immersion in the healing technology of sound.
WHAT:
Oceanfront retreat exploring sound healing in the beautiful oasis of Baja California, Mexico.
Workshops in sound healing, meditation, instrument training, nature pilgrimages, yoga classes, vegetarian diet.
WHEN:
6 days, 5 nights: January 31st — February 5
OPENING CEREMONY:
6pm January 31st
CLOSING CEREMONY:
8am February 5th
WHERE:
Baja California Sur, Mexico
Beachfront accommodations and delicious vegetarian meals included.
Contact Adrian DiMatteo with any questions:
Email: info@sonicinstitute.com
Whatsapp: +16469618618
Baja del Sur: A Healing Oasis
Baja California Sur, located on the southern end of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, is a land of remarkable contrasts and unique natural wonders. This region stretches between the vibrant blues of the Sea of Cortez and the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean, offering a pristine, rugged landscape with ecosystems as varied as its coastlines. With rich biodiversity, hidden oases, and desert landscapes, Baja California Sur is a sanctuary for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility and connection to the earth.
Every winter, Baja California Sur becomes a sacred gathering ground as gray and humpback whales migrate through the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez. Many cultures believe whales carry ancient wisdom, and their songs are often thought to resonate at healing frequencies that benefit both the ocean and those lucky enough to witness their presence.
“The intimate power of sound is that it can bring you in touch with the vulnerable parts of yourself: emotions, memories, pain, pleasure, visions. This retreat is a tremendous opportunity for soul-level work and spiritual growth; a transcendental portal into understanding one's own nature, limitations, hopes and fears. ”
— Adrian DiMatteo
Retreat Curriculum
SOUND HEALING EXPERIENCE
The opening ceremony of this retreat will be an experiential sound bath to receive the clarifying and healing benefits of sound meditation. It will also be a moment of integrating into the energy of Baja California and setting intentions for our group and individual work.
FREQUENCY THEORY & ALTAR CONSTRUCTION
Learn about the cosmology of sound, frequency theory, altar construction and practices and rituals for maintaining energetic and spiritual hygiene.
VOICE ACTIVATION
The voice is our first instrument. You will learn vocal exercises and techniques to improve tone, volume control, range, clarity and power, as well as teachings related to the diet of the voice, and how to use your heart with your voice to connect with the throat chakra. Singing is deeply connected with creativity and communication. There will also be song study and group chanting.
RHYTHM WORKSHOP
Rhythm is fundamental to sound and music. Many consider the drum to represent the heartbeat. Together we will explore drums, shakers and rattles, clapping and dancing as ways to connect with the principle of rhythm. We will also explore rhythm theory and learn to practice with a metronome to build rhythmic confidence and strengthen our sense of time.
FLUTE FOUNDATIONS
Archaeologically, the flute is among the oldest instruments known to humanity, with mammoth bone ivory flutes dating back over 40,000 years. A wide variety of flutes are found throughout the world, making it one of the most widespread sound healing instruments.
Learning to play the flute is a powerful way to connect with the breath. At once meditative and healing, oxygenation also provides a range of benefits for the brain and the entire physical body.
Learn breath control and fingerings for a variety of traditional flutes from around the world, such as Native American flutes, bansuri, quena, shakuhachi, overtone flutes and more. We will provide variety of Andean bamboo flutes available for use, with the option of purchasing at the retreat.
SOUND FACILITATION TRAINING
This training will provide a valuable window into the work of a sound healer in a real world one-on-one private session scenario. We will guide you through important considerations to bear in mind as you learn to facilitate sessions, and provide clear demonstrations of how to combine instruments and use them on and around a person’s body.
There are many approaches to sound facilitation worldwide, and some of the instruments we will be covering include: singing bowls, chimes, tuning forks, chakapas (leaves), shruti box, gongs, flutes, drums and mixed percussion, charango, guitars and other stringed instruments, and a variety of others.
Psychophysical Yoga
The practice begins with peace. Throughout the retreat, psychophysical exercises and yoga of the Inititatic Tradition will be offered as a way to help deepen our connection with the medicine of sound.
We will start the days with a grounding and centering practice, integrating breathwork and movement, activating our own energy. These practices prepare the mind, body, and spirit for the teachings of the day, allowing us to show up focused and prepared.
Pilgrimages to Nature
Todos Santos, Pueblo Mágico
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Todos Santos, where you'll explore the town's rich colors, arts, and cultural landmarks while consciously attuning to the sounds that fill the air. Enjoy a guided tour that unveils the myths and legends of the region, connecting you with the local history and spirituality of the Guaraní and Pericue peoples, enriching your understanding of this unique cultural landscape.
Secret Beach
Encounter the elemental forces of this secluded beach. We will engage in meditation and discuss silence and stillness as tools to engage with sound healing. We will learn about altar construction using found and natural materials, and practice vocalizing the sounds you encounter in this breathtaking landscape.
Desert Mountains
In many cultures, mountains are considered to be our ancestors. The mountains of Baja del Sur provide a profound environment to connect with the teachings of the Earth: stillness, strength, perseverance, grounding, rarified energy and closeness with the divine. We will connect with the mountain as a core symbol in human mythology and the nature of the earth as both temple and healer.
Instrument Creation
The rattle is a sacred and powerful tool that is used in many traditions around the world to alter states of consciousness and connect with spiritual energies. During this retreat, participants will have the opportunity to create a personalized ceremonial rattle using natural plant materials.
‘Open Mic’
In this special moment of communion, participants are invited to share stories, poems, songs or other reflections in an ‘open mic’ format, celebrating the journey and insights gained from the retreat.
This experience is an important aspect of integration — providing space to see each other and express from the heart, reaffirm intentions and lessons learned, and plant seeds for how we want to move forward from the container of the retreat.
Your Guides
ADRIAN DIMATTEO
Adrian DiMatteo (B.M. Eastman School of Music, 2012) is the founder of the Sonic Institute. He is an international performing and recording artist, author (Elements of Sound: A Full-Spectrum Exploration of Sound and Consciousness), music educator, app creator (Chord Atlas), and sound meditation facilitator with over 20 years’ experience in the music world. Adrian has toured and traveled extensively—exploring sound, language, musical culture and how they affect individual and collective wellbeing. Hundreds of students have graduated from Sound Healer Training programs and weekend retreats that Adrian regularly facilitates nationwide. To date, he has offered musical experiences to thousands of people in hospitals, hospices, elder care facilities, and children’s centers.
CASSIE LUZENSKI
Cassie Luzenski is a multi-disciplinary artist, creating experiences through her training in design, creative direction, Shamanic Reiki and sound meditation. With a deep passion for holistic well-being, Cassie has spent the past two years immersing herself in a variety of spiritual, cultural, and traditional practices with many elders and wisdom-keepers around the world, under the guidance of her teacher, Maestro Manuel Rufino, and the Initiatic Tradition. Her studies at the Sonic Institute have further enhanced her understanding in the technology of sound and healing. Cassie is is currently in a 500 hours Yoga Teacher program, and is always eager to learn and be of service, striving to bring more peace and love wherever she goes.
MARCELA MOCTEZUMA
Marcela Moctezuma is a multi-disciplinary artist who crafts transformative experiences as a sound healer, music producer, and visionary artist. Deeply rooted in the cultural richness and ancestral wisdom of Mexico, Marcela has dedicated years to exploring both traditional and modern practices in sound and spirituality. At the Sonic Institute Baja Retreat, Marcela will support the retreat’s sound healing training by bringing her unique insights into the land’s ancient wisdom. Through her storytelling, she shares the deep cultural roots of the region, guiding participants on a journey that connects them to the soul of Baja. Her role weaves together guidance, immersive sound experiences, and cultural insights, creating a rich, multi-layered environment that grounds, inspires, and elevates each participant’s experience.
Meals & Accommodations
Vegetarian meals and accommodations at Cerritos Beach Inn are included in the cost of the retreat.
*Flights to Baja and transportation to and from Cerritos Beach Inn are not included in the cost of the retreat.*
Pricing
Retreat costs include:
Five nights and six days at Cerritos Beach Inn, healthy and delicious vegetarian meals. Sound healing ceremony, workshops, nature pilgrimages, and certification of completion from the Sonic Institute. Materials and workshop to create your own instrument.
Early Bird
Ends December 1st
$2000-2400 sliding scale
Option 1: Shared room with 2 beds
Option 2: Private Room (+$400)
$500 non-refundable deposit to reserve your space
Regular
After December 1st
$2240-2600 sliding scale
Option 1: Shared room with 2 beds
Option 2: Private Room (+$400)
$500 non-refundable deposit to reserve your space
If you are experiencing financial difficulties and are unable to contribute the full amount, please let us know. If you are experiencing financial abundance and would like to contribute more, your contributions can help make it possible for others who might not otherwise be able to receive this experience.