At SFCM, where innovation is part of the curriculum, one student flipped the concert hall experience on its back, literally, inviting audiences for an immersive "sound bath" recital. (Sound baths are just what they sound like: Participants are immersed in sound from a variety of sources to aid in meditation, mindfulness, or general healing.)

Cello graduate student Zoe Lee was behind the unique event. "I'm someone who always wants to make the concert experience different," she said.

Audience members relax in the 11th floor Barbro Osher Recital Hall.

The idea started in 2025 when Lee took a Musical Startups class, part of SFCM's Professional Department (PDV) curriculum. "I had experienced a very memorable sound bath before and really loved it, and since then had been dreaming about having a concert where people could lie down and listen." 

In addition to music, Lee is also fascinated by yoga and mindfulness: "I was  interested in combining these practices rather than treating them as separate paths." From there the idea became her project for the class and eventually a pitch for a Professional Development grant. Each year SFCM offers varying grants for students who want to take on an artistic project. 

Cellist Zoe Lee performs during the concert.

Lee's idea caught the attention of Professional Development Chair Kristen Klehr. "This is not only an immersive way to experience music, but a hands-on opportunity in building a viable business model, even prior to graduation," she said. 

Sound baths are an increasingly popular form of immersive music experience. In addition to mindfulness, some studies show it can help with stress and even pain management. With PDEC's help Lee's idea was fully realized in her  Winter Term project.

Audience members relax during the performance.

Resonant States: An Immersive Cello Sound Bath Experience was held January 25 in the Barbro Osher Recital Hall at sunset, and sold out well before the event. "I felt extremely grateful and was glad that people 'resonated' with what I'm excited about," Lee said. During the performance audience members were asked to lie down on yoga mats surrounded by live cello and piano alongside crystal bowls and koshi chimes.

"There's something beautiful about a group of people doing the same thing together without needing to interact or talk to each other," Lee added.

The sold-out performance in SFCM's Bowes Center.

With one concert under her belt (or her mat), Lee is excited for similar concerts to come. "I'm grateful for my cello professor and project advisor, Jennifer Culp, and for Dean Klehr, for believing in my ideas when they were still just ideas and helping me bring them into reality."

A reminder that when young artists are empowered to lead, new ideas can open fresh pathways for how music is created, shared, and felt.

Learn more about Professional Development at SFCM.
Learn more about Winter Term.