Introduction to gongs
introduction to gongs
hands on experience
This workshop takes place at our purpose-built sound studio in the woodlands of East Sussex. Designed for beginners and those looking to deepen their understanding of the gong, this small-group workshop provides a practical introduction to the instrument, its history and the foundations of playing.
The day combines demonstration with hands-on learning, giving you the opportunity to explore a wide range of gongs, mallets and playing techniques in a relaxed and supportive setting. Whether you're discovering the gong for the first time, looking to incorporate it into yoga, meditation or other wellbeing practices, or considering further training, you'll leave with the confidence to continue your journey.
To ensure plenty of individual guidance, each workshop is limited to just four participants. You'll have unhurried access to our collection of professional-quality gongs, impact mallets and friction mallets (flumies), with time to experiment, ask questions and discover the instruments that resonate most with you.
The workshop is open to anyone with an interest in the gong, from complete beginners to yoga teachers, meditation guides, Tai Chi and Qi Gong practitioners, breathwork facilitators and those working within sound or other holistic practices. It is equally valuable for practitioners already using the gong who would like to refine their technique, expand their knowledge and gain greater confidence with different instruments and mallets.
No musical experience is needed, and there is no expectation to take notes. Simply bring your curiosity and enjoy a day of learning, exploration and sound.
What will you learn?
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Basic energetic preparedness of the space, and of yourself
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Setting intention, and working with silence and intervals
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Gong types, applications and choosing the right gong for you
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Impact mallets and friction mallets (flumies): types and application
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Volume, sensitivity and control
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The sound matrix and sonic propagation and avoiding "over-playing"
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Core playing technique, layering and overtones
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Integrating other instruments, such as singing bowls and chimes
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Hanging, mounting, care, maintenance and transportation
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We begin by settling into the space with refreshments, introductions and a short grounding exercise, followed by an introductory sound journey. From there, you'll be introduced to the Forest Resonance collection of gongs, mallets and flumies before exploring the fundamentals of the instrument. We'll cover the practicalities of choosing, caring for and transporting a gong, along with the essential accessories you'll use throughout the day.
With the foundations in place, you'll begin working directly with the instruments. You'll explore different mallets, learn essential playing techniques and discover how to create balanced, layered sound with confidence. Throughout the session you'll receive individual guidance while experimenting with a range of gongs and playing styles in a small-group setting.
The afternoon focuses on developing a deeper relationship with the gong through flumie techniques, sound layering and creating sustained resonance. You'll learn how to combine different techniques before finishing the day by playing together as a group in a relaxed gong ensemble. We close with refreshments, a final circle and a certificate of attendance before departure.
What You'll Experience
The workshop unfolds slowly, combining expert guidance with hands-on exploration. Each part of the day has been thoughtfully designed to build your understanding, confidence and connection with the gong. The day is broken up into three sections:
Whether you're taking your very first steps into the world of the gong or looking to deepen an existing practice, this workshop offers a supportive space to learn, explore and connect with these remarkable instruments. We look forward to welcoming you to Forest Resonance and sharing the experience with you.