Gong Making Workshop

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Saturday, August 9th, 2014
9:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Gongs are traditionally made in the eastern cultures of China, Java and Burma. It is believed that they date back to the bronze age, 3500 years ago. These cultures had and still have a different connection to sound, which is slowly awakening in the west through pioneers as Don Conreaux. Some of the ancient and modern uses of gongs include healing, ceremonies, meditation and communication. Traditionally gongs are made of bronze. Gong making is still an evolving art. Individuals such as Manfred Bleffert are pioneering new ways of recreating an ancient art where a connection to deeper aspects of the self is explored through sound.

I have learned to make gongs with Manfred Bleffert over 3 years in California.
I have experience working with Iron, copper and bronze and have made a variety of instruments like, tuned gongs, bell plates, tubular bells, glockenspiels, sounding rods and more. To smith metal and create musical instruments is an exhilarating experience which brings deep satisfaction. Over the years I have experienced the same in others and can say that the act of forging for creating a beautiful sound has much to offer to the person that undertakes the workshop.

The participant will learn about sound, tuning systems, tuning, how differing metals behave to the work, shapes, imprinting their own persona in their work and take home the instrument they choose to create.

Attendance is limited to 6 people.