Singing into Wholeness: A Sacred Chant Retreat

August 9 - 14, 2026

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Arrival: August 9th, 7:00 PM

Departure: August 14th, 12:30 PM

Tiered Tuition:
Subsidized: $500
Standard: $750
Supporter: $1000

+ 4 nights lodging
Combined at checkout

Meals & drinks included
Inc. V, VG, GF

Add extra nights at 50% off

Tiered Tuition:
Subsidized: $500
Standard: $750
Supporter: $1000

+ 4 nights lodging
Combined at checkout

Add extra nights at 50% off

About the Retreat

We sing not to perform, but to remember our wholeness.

Join Sacred Sound Lab for a 5-day retreat to awaken and deepen the music within you.

Across five days of chanting, singing, playing, rhythm, movement, and meditation, we explore sacred sound together in a supportive, heart-centered environment. Guided by teachers with decades of study in Indian sacred music and yogic traditions, each participant — from complete beginner to seasoned musician — is welcomed into a learning space where all voices belong.

Rooted in musical traditions from India — devotional call-response songs (kīrtan), chants (mantra), and ancient Indian melodies (rāga) — each day includes accessible practices that help you embody your voice more fully. Mornings offer gentle movement, voicework and chanting. Afternoons invite small-group music-making where you can sing, play, and support one another. In the evenings, the whole group gathers for blissful singing, dancing and connection.

We’ll sing in some of Drala Mountain Center’s most resonant spaces, including the Sacred Studies Hall and the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya — a 108-foot structure whose stillness and acoustics deepen every note. The surrounding mountains and long history of practice on this land create a field of presence that quiets the mind and opens the heart. Whether you feel called to sing, listen, lead, play an instrument, or simply rest in the current of sacred sound, you are welcome here. Come as you are, and we’ll sing into wholeness together.

Retreat Preparation

Before the retreat, participants will have the opportunity to access optional prep materials to explore at their own pace. These include short lessons on chanting Sanskrit sounds, singing Indian solfege (sargam), and simple vocal practices to enjoy before attending. These materials will be emailed to participants upon registration.

For those who play or wish to play harmonium, materials will also include songs to work on (for intermediate or advanced players) or beginner exercises for those new to the instrument. All materials are optional.

Why Attend?

  • Begin or deepen your sacred sound practice within a compassionate, supportive community.
  • Receive clear, expert guidance rooted in decades of study in Indian and Western traditions.
  • Strengthen your musical skills through accessible training in melody, vocal expression, and rhythm.
  • Nourish your mind, body, and spirit through movement, breath, and the calming effect of chant.
  • Leave renewed and inspired, with practices you can continue at home and greater confidence in your voice.

Daily Schedule

7:00–8:00 am — Yoga / Movement

8:00–9:00 am — Breakfast

9:30 am–12:00 pm — Morning Session (Whole Group) Vocal warm-ups, Indian classical voice, mantra, sonic meditation, and rhythm exploration 12:30–1:30 pm — Lunch

1:30–4:00 pm — Break (rest, practice, etc.)

4:00–5:30 pm — Small-Group Music-Making

6:00–7:00 pm — Dinner

7:30–9:00 pm — Evening Session (Whole Group) Ecstatic Chanting

Retreat Faculty

Sheela Bringi

Sheela Bringi Sheela Bringi (she/her) is a sacred music artist and educator rooted in North Indian classical, devotional, and Western musical traditions. Her evocative rāga harp, harmonium, bansuri, and Hindustani-inflected vocals create a luminous, transcendent sound. Raised in Colorado by her South Indian parents—her first teachers—Sheela later studied with maestros G.S. Sachdev and Aashish Khan, and continues Hindustani vocal training with Sri Subhashish Mukhopadyay. Her acclaimed mantra albums Shakti Sutra and Incantations have been featured by NBC News, NPR, and PRI. [. . .]

Brent Kuecker

Brent Kuecker (he/him) is a yoga teacher, devotional singer, and musician who has spent 23 years helping people feel at home in their bodies. Walking the intertwined paths of Yoga and sacred sound, Brent supports others in remembering the body as a sanctuary—an instrument of listening, presence, and devotion. He has toured worldwide with Sacred Sound Lab co-founder Sheela Bringi, offering practices that open the voice, attune the nervous system, and restore inner balance through sound, breath, and movement. [. . .]

Puja Singh

Mx Puja Singh (they/them) is a queer, non-binary, trans Indian-Canadian teacher of yoga, meditation, and devotional music based in Los Angeles. Their work supports students in slowing down, cultivating presence, and reconnecting with their authentic voice. Rooted in their Punjabi Sikh heritage, Puja is devoted to ongoing study of their lineage and the cultural traditions that inform their practice, sharing their offerings through a lens of decolonization and the dismantling of oppressive systems. Students describe Puja as warm, intuitive, and deeply grounding, with transcendent musical offerings that open the heart and invite stillness, healing, and connection. [. . .]

Nabin Shrestha

Nabin Shrestha (he/him) is an acclaimed tabla virtuoso and educator whose artistry bridges the depth of Hindustani classical music with contemporary global influences. Born and trained in Nepal, he has devoted his life to rhythm, earning a Master’s degree in Music from Gandharva Music University, the prestigious Shri Hari Om Trust Award, and an ICCR scholarship. His playing blends technical mastery with expressive, immersive rhythm, allowing him to move effortlessly between classical, fusion, jazz, and cross-cultural settings on stages across Nepal, India, and the United States. [. . .]

Why Did Past Participants Love this
Retreat?

“To sing, play, learn and laugh together within that amazing sound creates an irresistible force into ecstasy and communion, with self and others. In my view it could only be that way, because we were safely held through the expertise and profound knowledge of our instructors.” – Anja A.

“The Sacred Sound Lab Retreat was an absolute joy! Sheela, Brent and Puja so thoughtfully create a space where every individual will be joyfully successful, regardless of their level of experience.” – Arti S.

“As the oldest participant, I would encourage anyone of senior citizen status not to let age be a barrier. Sheela and Brent did a great job in accommodating a variety of ability levels for shared spiritual practice which really opened all of our hearts; a truly beautiful experience!” – Karima T.

FAQs

What if I feel shy or self-conscious about my voice?

You’re not alone. Many people feel this way, and our container is compassionate and supportive. You’ll never be asked to sing solo unless you want to.

Is this retreat appropriate for beginners?

Yes. No prior musical experience is needed.

Do I need to prepare?

We offer optional self-paced prep videos (about 2.5 hours), plus harmonium materials for all levels. You’ll receive the link in your confirmation email from Drala.

Is this retreat right for me if I already have a musical practice?

Absolutely. Our instructors skillfully support all levels and help you grow within the group experience.

How physically active are the sessions?

Morning yoga/embodied movement is accessible with modifications for all levels. Music sessions involve mostly sitting (on the floor or in chairs), with full freedom to move or adjust as needed. Drala provides mats, cushions, and props.

Will I learn how to play an instrument?

You’ll deepen your vocal instrument, learn kartāl (finger cymbals), and explore rhythmic foundations used in kīrtan. Harmonium learners get optional prep materials. People who play are encouraged to bring their instruments.

Can I come early for the Drala Summer Music Fest and stay for the retreat?

Yes—and it’s encouraged. Sacred Sound Lab will be featured at the festival, making it a beautiful way to land, connect, and ease into the retreat.

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