Healing Sounds: The Power of Harmonics Paperback – June 30, 2002

'Healing Sounds' was really a discovery for me! It was through the DVD—which I equally reviewed—that I discovered Jonathan Goldman’s erudite approach to sound healing. The DVD triggered my interest to order Goldman’s two major books, to know more about the theory, while I had seen the practice on the DVD.Let me be down-to-earth in this review and instead of talking generalities, I would prefer to comment some of the quotes I have taken from the book.Before I do this, I would like to say that this book is very readable because the author understands to explain quite uncommon things in a clear and easy-to-read diction that initiates the reader in a matter that has been blinded out from our consciousness since centuries. The author skillfully weaves personal anecdotes in the narration, which makes the matter more lively and interesting to the novice reader—for let us not be delusional on the matter itself: it’s a highly dry and mathematical subject!I have in fact studied sound theory during my musical studies at university that I had engaged parallel to my law studies, and I remember to have read a thick book written by the German composer Paul Hindemith about harmonics. And I remember that every time when I was reading a few pages of the book, I was beginning to fall asleep!Not so with Goldman’s book. He manages to provide the utmost necessary of technical information by imbedding it in a larger context of information so that the read never really gets tedious and boring. To begin with, why should you study sound, harmonics and sound healing? If you are not a healer, and if it’s not specifically for self-healing, there is a reason that the author gives, and that I find important.Presently, the huge revolutionary shifts in human consciousness are indeed reflected by a raising energy vibration on the cellular level, as it has been affirmed by many esoteric and scientific authors. This is why it is a good idea to learn more about sound and vibration, in general. The author notes:—Everything is in a state of vibration. Everything is frequency. Sound can change molecular structure. It can create form. We realize the potential of sonic energy; we understand that virtually anything can be accomplished through vibration. Then, the miraculous seems possible./viiiWhat are harmonics? They are mathematical extrapolations of vibration projected in sound, but sound that most of the time we do not consciously ‘hear’ but perceive as timbre. For example, the special timbre of a trumpet is created by the harmonics of the sound coming out of the trumpet. The same tone played on a piano sounds like ‘piano’ because it has got different overtones than those created by the trumpet. The author explains:—The first harmonic which occurs vibrates twice as fast as that first note, the second harmonic vibrates three times as fast, the fourth harmonic vibrates four times as fast and so on./16—Different instruments will all sound overtones, but specific overtones are most prominent in different instruments. These most prominent overtones are called formants. They are the area of the sound spectrum where the sound energy is most highly concentrated./25The striking characteristic of harmonics is that they are affecting all vibrations that are in the immediate environment, and they affect most the ones that are mathematically closest related to the one that is the triggering vibration—and therefore are called ‘harmonics’ of it.But the author, in accordance with ancient knowledge on the power of correct proportions, sees and evaluates harmonics not only as an important ingredient of musical science, but also of nature in general.Now, for the modern reader it is probably not self-evident why sound can be used for healing, even when knowing the theory of harmonics. The author imbeds his explanations within a larger historical and cultural context.It is important to know that once science and sound were not separated as it is today but sound theory was part of the perennial science traditions, as for example the Hermetic tradition.In Antiquity, the sage was mathematician in just the same way as he was musician and musical theorist, writer, poet, philosopher and teacher of the youth, and also political theorist, orator, government consultant, astrologer, fortune teller, life consultant and coach—all in one single person! Goldman studied one example of this ancient archetype of the scholar and found it embodied in the Greek mathematician Pythagoras.Goldman’s merit in this book is that he does not only refer to his own admittedly broad experience with sound healing, as a professional sound healer, but that he also quotes important scientific research done on healing with sound, and in general on the effects of sound on the human psyche and on emotions. This enables the reader to follow up from the notes and research the matter more deeply.For example, he quotes the German scientist Hans Kayser who, in the 1920s, developed a theory of world harmonics.Another example of this excellent reference work of the author, which actually broadens and backs up his own theoretical foundation, is Cymatics and its founder, the Swiss scientist Hans Jenny.Jonathan Goldman also explains that harmonics is not just an intellectual or New Age fancy but has its roots in human evolution, and most probably, from the information we gain from the old myths and sagas, preceded verbal language:—There are legends that before there was a spoken language of words, there was a harmonic language. This language allowed humankind to communicate with all the creations of nature. It utilized the concept of information being encoded on the pure tone frequencies of harmonics. It was different from telepathy in that it used sound but it was similar to telepathy for the thoughts and information were sent on the sound wave and were received by the listener. This may be one of the ways by which dolphins communicate with each other, transmitting three-dimensional holographic thought-forms of sound. /53And looking in the future, we can speculate that we may enable time-travel through manipulating sound and frequencies, probably through the use of huge powerful quartz crystals that act as energy transducers.Another important branch of research done by the author is the famous one-voice overtone chanting of Tibetan monks and Mongolian shamans. The author relates his various meetings with overtone-singing Tibetan monks both in the USA and Tibet and references musicological and other research on this important subject that is still considered highly ‘esoteric’ in our own culture. The Gyuto and other monks from Tibet namely chant a bass voice that is entirely unknown to any, even professional, singer in the West.Scientists formerly stated that it was impossible to produce a sound of less than 150 Hz with the human voice. But these monks prove the contrary.Next, the author expands on the research of French doctor Alfred Tomatis who was already twenty years ago an authority on sound research and healing with sound.Goldman also teaches conflict resolution effected through empathic listening that is completely immersed in sound, and distinguishes it from mere hearing. He points out that the activity of active listening leads to deep understanding.That all life is coded in sound, we know from ancient times, but it has been completely disregarded in modern science until very recently. Now, based on this ancient understanding of the human body as a resonance emitter and receiver, we can indeed develop from this insight a genuine healing approach that Goldman traces out as a mapping of frequencies.I highly recommend the present book especially for neophytes in sound theory and sound healing, as the author understands to carefully introduce in the matter, always alternating theory and practical advice or personal experience so as to make the reading lively and interesting.

Jonathan Goldman is a pioneer in this field of Healing Sound and has given us so much to experience, to immerse ourselves in, to learn, to study and to integrate. This book contains a fascinating wealth of knowledge, stories, exercises and over 100 minutes of healing music to download. The bibliography has an extensive list of reading and reference material that is phenomenal. Jonathan is a brilliant teacher and musician and is committed to sharing healing sounds to elevate humanity and of course, the planet.In this 2022 edition, Jonathan writes, “Within these pages you will find a Merkaba- a spiritual vehicle that will take you into the world of vibration that can shift and change the very way you perceive reality. How extraordinary!” Indeed. Indeed!Jonathan, for you, your life’s work in Music and Sound and this magnificent new edition of Healing Sounds, I am ever grateful. Your work has truly changed my life!Professor Jeralyn Glass, Founder, Sacred Science of Sound and CrystalCadence

I’m a singer songwriter (hobbyist) as well as sound healer and wellness practitioner. I found this book an interesting read yet wondered how relevant it would end up being in my practice. Soon after finishing it, I had a series of musical breakthroughs including resuming a toning meditation practice and making a few subtle changes to where I place my vowels when I sing. Holy wow, what a game changer. Fascinating stuff!

This is an extraordinary book full of comprehensive information, knowledge and techniques about the power of sound, and particularly harmonics, to heal and transform. Many people may find difficulty at first with the level of wisdom inherent in this book. But, the results of exploring the power of harmonics will provide amazing results. "Healing Sounds" is mandatory for anyone who wants to truly pursue the path of healing with sound. Yet, despite their importance, harmonics are a subject which still remain a mystery to most. "Healing Sounds" can change all that. This book has been around for over 25 years. Yet, the information in it remains as fresh, relevant and important as when It was first published. This book needs to be re-discovered by anyone who is interested in gaining true understanding of the power of sound. Goldman is a master of the subject of sound healing. I am grateful for his work. Please undertake the time to explore this extraordinary journey into the realm of sound. It will change your life.

I can add little more to the praise that this book has received. Jonathan Goldman gives us his all in this book. It is fascinating from a personal point of view as Jonathan tells his personal story regarding his initiation into the field of Sound Healing, and of profound value as Jonathan shares with us the deepest and most profound secrets of this great healing art. This is a man who walks his talk. I recommend all his CDs, mp3s, and all his books. Bravo Jonathan! I have already purchased two copies. You will refer back to this book countless times.

Over the years I have written, read and spoken a lot of words and never once paid much attention to the vowels -- that is until I read Jonathan Goldman's work and put his exercises into practice. Each of those five vowels -- A, E, I, O, U -- have tremendous healing powers when toned, or chanted like a mantra. As Goldman explains it, all harmonics are found within every vowel, and because each voice is quite unique, we all pronounce vowels slightly differently. As one chants an individual vowel, you can feel a distinct and beneficial change happening in certain parts of the body. This is Goldman's style. He takes something from the realm of science and academics and presents it in every day, understandable English. This book should be a basic in colleges and schools.

I have only one more book to read from this author and all have, including this one been a delight to read. I particularly loved this one for the detailed last two chapters in the book that teach how to overtone and do a body scan. These are practical and subtle which means only the dedicated will see results. It takes time to be able to produce these healing sounds and literally anyone can do them, it's just a matter of patience and intention. Thank you Jonathan for blessing us with your work!

Excelente

Good insight into sound healing, though I did expect more, a bit too general for me.. Harmonics is much more complex science.

I love this book so much. I adore Jonathan's music, and this book confirmed so many techniques I've been intuitively using with clients in our healing work. It has been incredibly useful to put words to what comes naturally, but that is difficult to articulate to clients and students. Thank you Jonathan, you'll find so many sales of your books and music - we recommend so many check out your works.

A brilliant book from the start. This was one of the first books on the subject and now in third edition. All his titles are recommended as going to buy some more soon before Christmas and the CD's. Very clear and comprehensive detail about voice and overtone singing in different styles from Mongolian Hoomi to Tibetan Chant. One for the library and wish list.