As sound healing and sound therapy continue to grow around the world, how do we ensure the field evolves with integrity, discernment, and a strong foundation of knowledge and practice? In this special panel discussion, moderated by Natalie Brown, four influential voices in the field come together to explore the current landscape of sound therapy, the responsibilities of teaching and practicing sound work, and the future of the field. Audio and video recorded live at the ISTA 20th Anniversary Conference by Nick Rhodes and Gustav Wilde, October 3, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia. Meet the Panelists Christine Stevens is a music therapist, author, educator, and founder of UpBeat Drum Circles. She has trained facilitators in more than 25 countries and is the author of The Nature Sutras, Music Medicine, The Healing Drum Kit, and The Art and Heart of Drum Circles. Her work brings rhythm, drumming, and music into community, educational, and wellness settings. Website: https://ubdrumcircles.com/ Jeralyn Glass is an internationally acclaimed singer, musician, and educator, and founder of Crystal Cadence Sound Healing Studio and The Sacred Science of Sound. A former Broadway performer, she combines her background in classical music with her work in crystal singing bowls and sound education. She is the author of Sacred Vibrations: The Transformative Power of Crystalline Sound and Music and creator of the Crystal Sound Healing Oracle. Website: https://www.jeralynglass.com/ Website: https://www.crystalcadence.com/ Joshua Leeds is a sound researcher, music producer, educator, and author specializing in psychoacoustics and bioacoustics. His work explores the effects of music and sound on the human nervous system, as well as the relationship between sound and animals. His books include The Power of Sound, Through a Dog's Ear, and his 2026 release, Sound & Breath for Autonomic Balance. He is also the creator of the Sound Breath Toolkit. Website: https://www.joshualeeds.com/ Mandara Cromwell is an entrepreneur, inventor, and founder of the International Sound Therapy Association (ISTA), as well as CEO and President of Cyma Technologies. Her work focuses on cymatics, sound technology, and vibrational medicine. She is the author of Soundflower: The Journey to Marry Science and Spirit and her 2026 book, Miracles at Bretforton, exploring the origins and development of cymatherapy. Website: https://cymatechnologies.com/ In this conversation, we explore: Where the sound therapy field stands today and how it is evolving. Integrity and discernment in distinguishing experience, knowledge, belief, and ongoing investigation. The responsibilities of teaching and passing sound practices on to others. Personal practice, self-awareness, and professional boundaries. What we hope to cultivate and carry forward as the field grows. What we are still learning about sound and its role in human wellbeing, and where further research is needed. Natalie Brown, host of Sounds Heal Podcast, founder of Sounds Heal Studio, Sound Healing Academy Lead Teacher for North America: http://www.soundshealstudio.com http://www.facebook.com/soundshealstudio http://www.instagram.com/nataliebrownsoundsheal http://www.youtube.com/soundshealstudio Email: soundshealstudio@gmail.com Music by Natalie Brown, Hope & Heart http://www.youtu.be/hZPx6zJX6yA
