Welcome to SomaSong! We’re so happy you found our little corner of the internet. In this article, we will answer common questions about the SomaSong method, this community, and singing somatics in general.
Since SomaSong is all about the experience, it can be hard to describe in words. To really get a sense for this method and its benefits, we invite you to try out some of our classes and videos and experience it for yourself. However, here are answers to some FAQs:
1) What is SomaSong?
SomaSong is a mind-body modality created by psychotherapist Abby Ilardi Lowry. It is based on her years of training, study, and practice as a clinician, yoga teacher, and singer-songwriter.
This method blends singing and other forms of vocal toning (humming, vocal improvisation, etc.) with somatic techniques, concepts from psychology and neuroscience, and tools from meditation and mindfulness traditions. SomaSong helps individuals reconnect with their bodies, release tension, regulate their nervous system, strengthen their vagus nerve, process and express emotions, develop a greater capacity for mindfulness, and sing with less tension and more ease.
Full-length SomaSong classes are a bit like yoga classes, but with singing and somatics practices rather than sun salutations. Classes begin with body-based mindfulness practices, somatic tension release, breathing exercises, and vocal warm-ups. Then Abby leads the group through a meditative song circle. The song circle portion of class typically includes meditation songs/mantras written by Abby, but they may include other types of songs as well. Classes typically center around a theme, and they typically end with reflection questions based on this theme. In-person classes or live classes online might include opportunities for discussion and connection with other students (though sharing is always optional).
In addition to full length classes, the SomaSong platform on Substack includes short at-home practice and educational videos ranging from 3-30 minutes. These include somatic practices, singing meditations, vocal warm-ups and exercises, breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, mini SomaSong classes, and educational content.
We recognize that meditation songs are not everyone’s cup of tea, so the shorter practice videos allow for students to create their own SomaSong experience. For instance, you can get the benefits of a traditional SomaSong class by following videos for somatic practices and vocal warmups and then transitioning into singing along with your own personal favorite songs.
Premium subscribers also have access to exclusive SomaSong courses such as “Singing and the Nervous System” or “SomaSong for Mental Health” (coming soon), which provide invaluable knowledge and tools that will transform the way you think about the mind-body-voice connection and help you get the most out of your SomaSong practice.
You can also expect bonus content like live Q&As, masterclasses, workshops, mini-retreats, and more.
2) Who is SomaSong for?
SomaSong is for anyone seeking healing, connection, and self-expression through the voice and body. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or have never sung outside of your shower before, this practice welcomes people of all backgrounds and all levels of experience.
In today’s world, we could all use a practice that helps us relieve stress, reconnect to our minds, bodies, and emotions, and find authentic self-expression. If you are seeking any of these things, you’re in the right place.
3) What is “somatics”? How are somatics and singing related?
The word “somatics” comes from the Greek word soma, meaning “body.” At its heart, somatics is all about connecting with our body’s natural wisdom. It’s a field of practices and therapies that help us become aware of what we’re feeling physically—tuning into sensations, movements, and emotions stored in the body. By listening to our bodies in this way, we can release tension, ease stress, and find regulation. Somatic practices like this often support us in working through trauma and building a deeper, more peaceful connection with ourselves.
When we approach singing and voicework through this lens, they become powerful somatic practices too, helping us unlock and express emotions in ways words often can’t.
4) What is nervous system regulation?
Nervous system regulation is the ability to maintain balance between states of activity and rest. It reflects how effectively your body and mind respond to stress, process emotions, and return to equilibrium.
A well-regulated nervous system helps you handle stress and challenges, recover more quickly, and stay grounded and present. This balance is essential for physical and emotional well-being.
When the nervous system is dysregulated—due to stress, trauma, anxiety, burnout, or something else—it can feel harder to focus, connect with others, or experience joy. Dysregulation is also linked to a wide range of physical and mental health concerns, making tools for regulation crucial for improving overall quality of life. SomaSong is designed to be one of those tools.
5) Do I need singing or musical experience to participate?
Not at all! SomaSong is for everyone, regardless of your singing background. The SomaSong meditation songs and singing exercises are designed to be easy to follow for singers of all levels.
6) How does singing support wellbeing?
Singing is a powerful tool for supporting wellbeing because the voice has a powerful connection with the nervous system. When we sing, we stimulate the vagus nerve, which is the communication highway between mind and body and a vital component of the body’s relaxation response.
Stimulating the vagus nerve helps our minds and bodies come back into relaxation. Repeatedly stimulating the vagus nerve helps strengthen it over time, which helps us build up our capacity to regulate during times of stress.
Nervous system dysregulation is a very common contributing factor to many different physical and mental health concerns. When our nervous system is dysregulated, we simply do not feel our best. Singing is an amazing tool for increasing nervous system regulation.
Singing not only supports nervous system regulation but also allows us to process and express emotions. As we sing, we can connect to emotions in a unique way, bringing awareness to sensations and feelings that may otherwise stay locked inside or repressed. Singing can act as a safe container for feeling and processing emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them.
In SomaSong, singing also becomes a method for practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness and meditation practices have been shown to have positive impacts on mental health and wellbeing, but many people struggle with traditional silent meditation techniques. SomaSong provides an alternative to these techniques, with many of the same benefits.
7) Is SomaSong a substitute for psychotherapy?
No, SomaSong is not a replacement for psychotherapy. Traditional psychotherapy typically requires a personalized relationship with a therapist, a diagnosis, and an individualized treatment plan for that diagnosis, none of which are possible on this kind of platform. Although SomaSong is created and led by a psychotherapist, it is not in and of itself psychotherapy. SomaSong is a self-guided, body-centered practice designed to complement therapy, not necessarily to replace it.
Though individual therapy is not necessary for everyone, it can be extremely beneficial for some. While some people find that they are able to effectively manage their mental health on their own through self-guided programs like SomaSong, having a relationship with a therapist and receiving personalized treatment can be game-changing for others–especially for people dealing with serious mental health concerns.
SomaSong and psychotherapy play different roles. If you are in therapy, SomaSong offers practical tools to support you outside of sessions, helping you regulate your nervous system, process emotions, and connect with yourself in the present moment. Sometimes the missing piece in mental health treatment is having effective tools to use between therapy sessions, so SomaSong can certainly complement the work you’re doing in therapy. Whether you’re in therapy or not, it can greatly enhance your wellbeing to have tools and practices that you can use on a daily basis to manage stress or anxiety, to tune into your mind and body, and to strengthen your vagus nerve.
Therefore, therapy and SomaSong serve different, complementary purposes—therapy focuses on individualized treatment for mental health concerns, while SomaSong provides techniques for grounding, self-expression, and regulation in daily life.
8) How do I join the SomaSong community?
Joining is simple! You can subscribe to SomaSong on Substack to access exclusive content, participate in live events, and become part of a growing community of individuals committed to healing through singing somatics. When new content is posted, it will come directly to your email, so you do not need to worry about missing the latest releases.
We offer several subscription options, so there is something for everyone, and you can cancel your subscription at any time.
You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube.
9) What are the different subscription options, and what do they cost?
SomaSong offers three subscription options to fit your needs:
Free Subscription: Free subscribers receive limited access to SomaSong content, including a few items each month such as occasional full-length classes, shorter practices, and articles. There’s also a limited collection of archived content available to all subscribers, so you can explore some SomaSong essentials at no cost.
Paid Membership ($8/month): Paid members enjoy regular access to full-length SomaSong classes, including live sessions, plus an archive of all recorded classes. You’ll also have access to our complete video library, which includes vocal exercises, singing meditations, somatic practices, mindfulness exercises, and breathing techniques. Paid members also gain access to Q&A sessions and live community events for more in-depth engagement. For less than half of the price of one in-person yoga class, you get access to our growing library of exclusive content, plus a supportive community.
Premium Membership ($300/year): Premium members receive everything in the Paid Membership, plus exclusive access to SomaSong courses like Singing and the Nervous System (available now) and upcoming courses such as SomaSong for Mental Health. We plan to release several new courses and masterclasses each year, so premium members will always have something new to look forward to. These courses are rich with full-length lectures and hands-on exercises, designed to empower you with tools and knowledge to deepen your SomaSong practice. For the price of just 1-2 individual therapy sessions, Premium membership provides a full year of access to potentially life-changing resources and practical steps for integrating singing and somatic healing into your life. Courses like this typically sell for several hundred dollars each, so we believe that our membership model provides a great value.
10) How much time should I expect to dedicate?
SomaSong is designed to be flexible! You can engage in as much or as little as you want. There are short practices that take just 5-15 minutes, as well as longer, more immersive sessions and workshops that last around 60-90 minutes. You can choose the practices that fit into your life and allow you to connect with your body and voice in the way that feels best for you.
11) How does SomaSong differ from traditional singing lessons or programs?
One of the primary differences between SomaSong and most traditional singing programs is that in SomaSong, it doesn’t matter how you sound. In SomaSong, we are not focused on the aesthetics of singing, but rather with using singing as a healing tool.
That being said, SomaSong is informed by vocal pedagogy and healthy singing technique, and you might find that SomaSong helps you naturally improve your singing. Our goal is to help you sing with less tension and more ease, and that typically leads to a more aesthetically pleasing sound. However, that is a happy byproduct, rather than the main focus of the program.
12) How might SomaSong benefit performers, creatives, and professional voice-users?
SomaSong can be extremely helpful for performers and creatives of all kinds, and it can also be very helpful for people who use their speaking voice professionally like teachers, podcasters, and therapists.
First, SomaSong helps people develop greater awareness of the connection between mind, body, and voice. Participants will learn how their physical and emotional states can impact their voice, and they will learn tools and techniques for releasing various forms of tension that can impact both the singing and speaking voice. Over time, this greater awareness allows for speaking and singing with less tension and more ease.
The practices also support nervous system regulation, which can be a game-changer for performers. Improved ability to regulate the nervous system can help with challenges like performance or audition anxiety, creative blocks, and self-doubt. Additionally, a regulated nervous system fosters creativity and presence, enabling more mindful, authentic, and engaging performances and creations.
13) Are there live events, and can I access them later if I miss them?
Yes! SomaSong offers live sessions where you can participate in real-time, connecting with both the practice and the community. If you’re unable to attend live, recordings are available for you to watch and engage with on your own time. This way, you won’t miss out on the content or the opportunity to deepen your practice.
As our community grows, we would love to create new opportunities for real-time connection, so stay tuned!
14) How can I access past sessions or content?
Past sessions and content are archived and accessible to paid subscribers. Once you subscribe, you’ll have full access to the library of past workshops, practices, and live event recordings, so you can revisit them whenever you like. Most SomaSong full classes have some kind of theme, so you can also search classes by theme to find a class that perfectly suits your mood.
15) Is SomaSong affiliated with any spiritual or religious traditions?
SomaSong is a space and a practice that is intended to be inclusive and welcoming of all people, and it is not affiliated with any particular spiritual tradition. It is our intention to create a community where people from various spiritual and faith backgrounds (including people who do not identify with any spiritual or religious tradition) feel comfortable. Whether you’re Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Atheist, Agnostic, Quaker, Universalist, Pagan, Wiccan, or whether you identify with other religious, philosophical, or spiritual traditions, you are welcome here.
In our experience, many song circles lean (either implicitly or explicitly) toward a particular spirituality or world view. While that can be a beautiful thing, and we are happy that those types of song circles exist, our aim at SomaSong is to create a space that feels like home no matter your spiritual leanings (or lack thereof). One of our missions at SomaSong is to build community and to emphasize the things that connect us all as humans.
Abby aims to write and teach songs with universal themes and messages that participants can connect with in any way that makes sense to them. The only prerequisite to SomaSong is a willingness to share in our mission of creating a kind, accepting community.
That being said, is SomaSong spiritual or secular?
In short, SomaSong can be whatever you want or need it to be. We believe that SomaSong (and singing in general) can help people connect more deeply with themselves and with a sense of something larger than themselves. To some, it makes perfect sense to view SomaSong as a sort of spiritual practice, and to others it doesn’t. If you are uncomfortable with the notion of spirituality or with the notion of mixing your own spirituality with SomaSong, please know that SomaSong can be a completely secular experience. It’s all about how you personally approach it. This practice is for you to use in any way that would feel beneficial to you.
We find that SomaSong can be spiritual in the way that a walk in the woods can be spiritual. It is a centering practice that can transcend you beyond your daily to-do-lists and bring you a sense of connection and peace. And if you’d like to bring aspects of your own spirituality into your home practice, you’re welcome to do so, but that is not an expectation nor a requirement.
16) Is SomaSong based on science?
SomaSong is grounded in well-researched principles from fields like neuroscience, psychology, and vocal pedagogy. For instance, the method draws on studies showing the benefits of singing and vocalization for nervous system regulation, particularly through the activation of the vagus nerve. Research also supports the use of somatic and mindfulness practices for reducing stress and improving emotional resilience.
While the specific SomaSong method has yet to be studied in clinical trials, each component is informed by scientific insights into how the body and mind respond to singing, breathing, and mindful movement. Together, these practices create a comprehensive approach that honors evidence-based principles, while allowing participants to customize and create an experience that meets their own personal needs.