That’s why students and staff at the University of La Verne welcome a new initiative that uses music and sounds to enhance relaxation.
Somer Waters plays a vibrating wave instrument near University of La Verne students and employees as they relax during the Healing with Sound and Breath event at the Ludwick Center Sacred Space on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. The event included soothing music and sounds to create a calming experience as a form of therapy. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Skye Ray plays the bowls Tuesday, March 25, 2025, during the Healing with Sound and Breath event at the University of La Verne’s Ludwick Center Sacred Space. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Skye Ray lightly strikes a gong Tuesday, March 25, 2025, during the Healing with Sound and Breath event at the University of La Verne’s Ludwick Center Sacred Space. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
University of La Verne students and staff prepare for the Healing with Sound and Breath event at the University of La Verne’s Ludwick Center Sacred Space on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
From top, Lauren Bruno, Toni-Serena Gonzalez and Darya Magidi relax Tuesday, March 25, 2025, as they relax during an event at the University of La Verne’s Ludwick Center Sacred Space. The session included soothing music and sounds created by Somer Waters and Skye Ray. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
University of La Verne students and staff members relax Tuesday, March 25, 2025, during the Healing with Sound and Breath event in the university’s Ludwick Center Sacred Space. Facilitators played soothing music and sounds to create a calming experience as a form of therapy. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
Somer Waters lightly plays a drum near a University of La Verne student Tuesday, March 25, 2025, during the Healing with Sound and Breath event at the university’s Ludwick Center Sacred Space. Facilitators played soothing music and sounds to create a calming experience as a form of therapy. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
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Somer Waters plays a vibrating wave instrument near University of La Verne students and employees as they relax during the Healing with Sound and Breath event at the Ludwick Center Sacred Space on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. The event included soothing music and sounds to create a calming experience as a form of therapy. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)
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They filled the campus’ Ludwick Center Sacred Space on Tuesday, March 25, laying atop yoga mats as facilitators created soothing sounds.
SomerSkye Energy Works, the facilitators, played drums, bowls and other instruments during the session, dubbed a “sound bath experience.”
The program, organized by La Verne’s Music Department and Institute of Mental Health and Psychological Well-Being, aims to use “music to connect students, boost mental health and create a stronger sense of belonging on campus,” a news release states.
The institute plans to study how the program affects students’ well-being, the release states.
“We know music has the power to heal, unite, and inspire,” Music Department Chair Grace Xia Zhao said in the relase. “It’s an exciting step toward building a thriving community and we’re thrilled to bring this powerful experience to our students.”
Future sessions will include a percussion festival. They’re free and open to the public.
