Music has always been my language, my safe space, my way of connecting with the world. But it wasn’t until I sang for my father in his final days that I truly understood its power to heal.
A Moment That Changed Everything
I was just 16 when I found myself singing at my father’s bedside in the ICU. It wasn’t just about comforting him—it was instinctual, something I felt compelled to do. As I sang, I noticed something remarkable: his vitals improved. His oxygen levels rose, his heart rate steadied, and his breathing became more relaxed. In the midst of overwhelming grief, my analytical mind held onto that moment. Music did something science alone couldn’t—it soothed, calmed, and even physically stabilized him, even if just momentarily. That experience planted a seed within my soul.
Discovering Music Therapy
As I prepared for college, I wanted to find a way to turn music into a meaningful career—not just as a performer, but as a healer. That’s when I discovered Music Therapy, a field dedicated to using music for therapeutic healing. I decided to pursue a degree in Classical Voice with a minor in Music Therapy at Chapman University. However, one of life's great repeating lessons, is "things don't always go according to plan" as it was quickly brought to my attention, th
at I hadn't done enough research and that what I envisioned—working with hospice patients, cancer survivors, and memory care residents—wasn’t an established or viable career path available at the time. Music therapy was newly emerging and primarily being used for young children and in mental health, education, and correctional facilities. The structured path didn’t align with my vision, and since I wasn’t proficient in guitar or piano (a requirement for certification), I had to make a pivot.
Finding a Different Door to My Dream
Fast-forward ten years, and life led me right where I was meant to be. I began singing professionally for senior living communities—memory care, assisted living, and acute care facilities. What started as a performance job quickly became something deeper. I saw firsthand how music unlocked memories, stirred emotions, and brought genuine joy to people who had lost so much of their independence. Residents who hadn’t spoken in months suddenly sang along. People who seemed disconnected lit up when they heard a song from their youth. It was therapy—just without the title.
Throughout the years, numerous individuals at my performances have shared that my song selections and voice had the power to "heal" them. Initially, I just felt deeply grateful & happy to be of service and to have such a significant impact on my audience's hearts and minds. It made me feel "seen" for what I really hope to share with the world. As I continued to hear this feedback, it gradually occurred to me that there might be more to this healing ability that I hadn't fully explored or utilized.
Tuning Into the Frequency of Sound Healing
In 2022, I felt called to explore sound healing, an ancient practice rooted in vibrational medicine. Sound healing has been used for centuries in various cultures—Tibetan metal bowls, gongs, flutes, drums, and even the human voice—all designed to restore balance and well-being through frequency.
This felt like the missing piece.
As I deepened my practice, I realized that what my audiences had been telling me for years was true: My voice itself is a healing instrument. I began offering frequency-based sound baths blending the healing power of my voice with mystical healing tones and ancient instruments to create profound healing sessions. What emerged was a profoundly transformative experience—a space where people could relax, release, and realign. I'll have to do a future blog on the profound impact being a sound healer has had on me personally as a singer.
An Invitation to Experience the Healing Power of Sound
Music has led me on a journey that I never could have planned but always felt destined for. From singing for my father, to performing for memory care residents, to now guiding people through sound healing, I’ve learned that music is far more than entertainment—it’s medicine for the soul.
If you’ve never experienced a sound bath, I invite you to join me at one of my upcoming sessions. I host them in intimate settings in my own home and occasionally for special themed events in public venues, creating a deeply immersive sound journey designed to relax, restore, and heal.
You can also book a private session for yourself, a loved one, or a special gathering—whether it’s a corporate wellness retreat, bachelorette party, baby shower, or to create a special event to show the people in your life how much you care about their wellbeing.
✨ Let’s set an intention together and allow the power of sound to work its magic.
Visit my Booking Page at www.celestebarbier.com for more details or bookings—I’d love to create a healing experience just for you.
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