Deep Space Sound Immersion and Practitioner Training
With John Minks and Billy Pinkerton
April 2 - 4, 2027
The Deep Space Sound Immersion and Practitioner Training Retreat is an immersive weekend designed for sound practitioners, facilitators, musicians, and dedicated students who want to deepen both their personal practice and facilitation skills. Blending practitioner training with opportunities to receive and restore, this retreat offers a unique balance of learning, practice, and transformation.
Throughout the weekend, we will explore the art and science of sound through hands-on training, guided practice sessions, immersive sound baths, breathwork, meditation, group discussion, and time for reflection and integration. Our primary focus will be the gong, exploring playing techniques, harmonics, musicality, intentionality, and the art of crafting meaningful sound experiences. We will also incorporate instruments such as the shruti box, singing bowls, ocean drum, didgeridoo and handpan, with an emphasis on combining instruments to create rich, cohesive soundscapes.
Drawing from over 20 years of combined experience as musicians and sound practitioners, John and Billy will share the techniques, tools, technology, and insights that have shaped their own practice. This is a collaborative learning environment with plenty of opportunities to ask questions, receive individualized guidance, and gain confidence through hands-on experience.
Equally important is the opportunity to receive. Each day includes immersive sound journey’s, breathwork, and meditation sessions designed to restore your nervous system, deepen your connection to sound, relax and do your own inner work. Dedicated time for rest and integration ensures that learning is embodied and deeply understood.
Whether you are already offering sound baths, looking to refine your facilitation skills, or seeking to deepen your relationship with sound as a healing modality, this retreat provides a supportive environment for growth, exploration, and authentic connection.
This is more than a training and more than a retreat. It is an immersive experience designed to help practitioners expand their skills, refine their artistry, deepen their practice, and reconnect with the purpose behind their work.
Schedule:
Friday, April 2
- 3 pm Arrival and Check-In
- 6 – 7 pm Dinner
- 7:30 – 9 pm Deep Space Opening Sound Journey
- Welcome to the retreat!
- Guided Meditation & Intention
- Sound Bath led by John & Billy
Saturday, April 3
- 8 – 9 am Breakfast
- 9:30 – 11:30 am Practitioner Training
- The Art of Playing the Gong
- Understanding your Tools
- Instrument Selection and Sound Layering
- Techniques, Transitions & Harmonies
- Mindset, Breathing, Intuition
- 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
- 2:00 – 3:30 pm Hands-On Practice Session
- Small Group Facilitation
- Feedback & Coaching
- 3:30 – 5:30 pm Free Time (Spa, Nature Walks, Rest, Journaling, Integration)
- 6 – 7 pm Dinner
- 7:30 – 9 pm Deep Space Sound Immersion: Receive a restorative sound journey led by John & Billy.
Sunday, April 4
- 8 – 9 am Breakfast & Check-Out of Rooms
- 9:30 am – 12 pm Practitioner Training & Sound Journey
- Refine your Skills with the Gong
- Questions & Discussion
- Deep Space Sound Journey
- 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch & Departure
*Please note this schedule is subject to change.
About the Leaders
John Minks
For more than 20 years, John Minks has devoted his life to the exploration of sound, vibration, and the transformative power of music. What began as a deep personal fascination with sound has evolved into a full-time practice dedicated to creating immersive sonic experiences for retreats, private gatherings, wellness spaces, luxury hospitality, and audiences around […]
Learn more about John Minks
Billy Pinkerton
Billy Pinkerton has been practicing yoga since 2013 and teaching yoga, breathwork and sound meditation since 2017. With thousands of hours spent guiding students through yoga, breathwork, and sound meditations, Billy has learned how to create a space for profound relaxation and integration. His training includes work with Dan Brulé and Wim Hof methodologies alongside […]
Learn more about Billy PinkertonCategories : Menla Retreat (all retreats), Menla THUS