SHARRY EDWARDS OFFERS FREE CLASSES TO THE PUBLIC


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STUDYING HUMAN BIOACOUSTICS� WITH SHARRY EDWARDS


What can I learn from taking a BioAcoustic™ or Vocal Profiling™ course?

What you learn depends on the course that you take. Right now we offer three (Profiler�, FOCUS� and Lab) courses plus internship opportunities.

•Profiler Instruction: Teaches you to take a vocal print and use the frequencies to construct computerized print-outs of the Frequency Equivalents� associated with muscles, biochemicals, vitamins, minerals, nutrients, toxins, genes, and pathogens. This course does NOT include Sound Presentation.

Seven programs are presently available: PROVIDER� (for wellness providers); MUSCLES (for trainers and exercise); NUTRITION CONSULTANTTM (evaluates frequency equivalents of vitamins and nutrients); BODIES IN BALANCE� (metabolism); PREVAC� (pre-screening for potential vaccination risks); PATHOGENS and TOXINS SCREENING.

The Profiler Kit includes a self-instruction manual or you can take the course on site in Ohio. We ask that you provide us with the data you collect. People usually charge up to $55.00 per report if they decide to do a Vocal Profile� for others. After you become proficient, you can usually do a report in about half-an-hour. No sound presentation is included as part of this instruction.

The computerized printouts can show the Frequency Equivalents� for weak and strong muscles (to plan exercise or physical fitness programs); nutrients (to plan your vitamin regime or check nutrition status); metabolism (for weight management); potential pre-screening for vaccination risk factors, pathogen and toxin screening � all in terms of Frequency Equivalents�

•BioAcoustic FOCUS Course: This is the program for individuals who want to be trained to advance Vocal Profiling for purposes of health and wellness. The participants learn to use computerized frequency formulations and sound presentation techniques to help the body support its own normal form and function.

The FOCUS course was designed for individuals who desire to become Professional BioAcoustic Associates and/or Technicians. Class fees include BioAcoustic Biology text, four computer programs, reference texts, video and audio tapes, plus miscellaneous instructional supplies.

The FOCUS course INCLUDES Sound Presentation. The computer programs included in this course are designed to do the work for you so that figuring out the appropriate sound formulations is more efficient.

•BioAcoustic FOCUS Lab - Designed as a practicum to provide experiential opportunities to apply and observe BioAcoustic Vocal Profiling in a laboratory setting. ($800)


What does each course include?

•Profiler Course: Basic Vocal Profiling � This course was developed as a prerequisite to the Focus Course � It is designed to acquaint the student with the introduction and background of Human BioAcoustics. Through individualized self-instruction and step-by-step guidelines, the information will prepare the student to perform computerized vocal assessments and report construction.

The course includes one computer program to translate vocal data to numeric data; (your choice of either the Yonda or Abacus), one of seven Vocal Profiling Series computer programs used to interpret the data, a specialized microphone, an instruction booklet for the Vocal Profiling computer program of your choice, a reference manual by Balsch and Balsch, a Good Vibrations DVD, an audiotape (for lending purposes), one introductory powerpoint presentation and one powerpoint with installation instructions and pulling points assistance. This course is actually part of the larger focus course. For this reason, in many cases the $740 paid for this course can be taken as a discount for the FOCUS course ($4400).

Students learn to identify and analyze stressed vocal frequencies and patterns in preparation for creating 5-10 page reports that include the Frequency Equivalent� of vitamins, minerals, hormones, amino acids, enzymes, fatty acids and biochemicals.

•BioAcoustics Lab: Offered at different levels for Basic and Advanced students. The Lab was designed to prepare the student to accurately assess a client and the client�s reactions to low frequency sound; and then to use the assessment to develop an individualized sound presentation strategy for clients. Analytical observation and computer skills will be exercised to assess 3 to 6 clients.

Specifically designed sound rooms, equipment and techniques are used to give the student a hands-on format that will provide the skill and expertise to develop Vocal Profiling Skills.

Designed to provide the student with a research basis for becoming a BioAcoustic Research Associate, this course includes a lab handbook, case study review and instructional videos as part of the instruction package.

•Focus Course:�Intense� is an often-used word to describe the 5-day FOCUS course. Lecture and practical experience takes the student from initial Vocal assessment to evaluation through Sound Presentation. Step by step instructions for each level, plus the computerization of the materials, makes the days go by much too quickly. It is unlikely that the student will glean every bit of information from the 4-inch thick text without some evening and home study.

Don�t expect to be able to walk out operating at the highest level of expertise. Skill and proficiency comes with practice and dedication.

Emphasis will be on using the computer programs and data interpretation for relationships to structural or biochemical stress. This course was specifically designed to assist BioAcoustic Research Associates in following established protocols for data collection.

Participants must have the use of a PC and printer. This course is designed to provide pre-management diagnostic reports. Personal information and sound presentation is secondary in this class. This course is rigorous and should only be undertaken by those health/wellness professionals who have established clinical skills or those persons intending to be a caretaker.

•Text; BioAcoustic Biology�; Video: Sonic Apothecary�; Audio: Sound of Healing�; Specialized Computer Programs; FEES: $4400.00


What equipment do I need to take the FOCUS course?

It is recommended that you bring a computer to the Focus Course. We will then be able to load the required computer programs on your computer during class enabling you to get hands-on training with your own equipment. Although not advised, if you bring a computer to class that you do not plan to use the programs on after class, you must let the instructor know at the beginning of class in order that you can receive registration numbers to load the programs on your own computer after class. In the Albany, OH office there are printers available.

To actually work with clients you will need a computer and printer, a specialized microphone (included), and space to work. Just taking vocal prints and running reports requires nothing else.

For sound presentation, you can work with a speaker or with headphones. If you are going to do tone trials, you will need biofeedback equipment (we use the NONIN pulse oximeter and a temperature gauge). Also useful in tone trials is a SMAD™ (sound lab testing unit) which makes the trials more efficient and certainly less time consuming; however it can be done with only a tone box. The computer program to set tone boxes comes as part of your course. Additional tone boxes for your clients are strongly recommended.


What if I cannot afford the biofeedback equipment?

You can offer sound presentation without biofeedback equipment, but the process may take longer. Also, if you cannot afford to buy the equipment, most local medical supply stores will rent pulse oximeters, temperature gauges and other medical equipment. SMADs are available for purchase through Sound Health.

Do I have to have a special room to work in?

It is recommended that you have a SOUND DEAD room for you and a SOUND ACTIVE room for clients. Headphones used with a SMAD are also acceptable. The Sound room is needed to protect you. It is not mandatory that you have a sound room.


Is a computer required for all of the courses?

The FOCUS Course requires a PC, (MAC�s are not workable). The programs are supplied as part of your course fees. This course will prepare you to complete BioAcoustic assessment for research purposes as you master the computer programs and sound presentation techniques.


What kind of computer is used?

At present, PC�s are used. You will need a good sound card (Sound Blaster), a specialized microphone and at least 512 MGS of internal memory. A large hard drive keeps you from having to empty wave files since each takes up approximately 1.2K. XP Professional Office is the most appropriate operating system. XP Home does not provide the Power Point or Excel capabilities that you will need. Contact Sound Health at (740) 698-9119 for a complete list of computer specifications.

Do I have to take all of the courses?

No. It is perfectly acceptable to stop at the Profiler Level.


How long will it take me to take all of the courses? Do I have to attend every day?

The Profiler course is self-instructed but can usually be mastered in an afternoon. We have set up classes for this if you think you want actual classroom instruction, but for most people it is not necessary.

The Research FOCUS Course is five days. The last half of the last day of class is considered practice and review time. Although attendance on the last day is highly recommended, it is not required.

The Lab can be arranged to fit your busy schedule. Some people take it a day at a time; others come in and stay a month or more.


Do I have to take all of the courses consecutively?

No. It is not even advisable. Take one course, get comfortable with the material and then go on. The FOCUS Course can be taken without taking any of the other courses.


How long should I wait between courses?

This varies with the amount of time you have to spend studying and practicing. Some people have been able to walk out of the course and be practicing the next day, but this is rare.

If you can devote full-time; you can be submitting quality case studies within a week; particularly if you already have an on-going practice; part-time obviously takes longer. Hint: When you take the course, start practicing immediately. The longer you let things lay, the longer it will take you to get back to it. There is a support group that you can rely on for help and inspiration.

Can I take any of the courses independently?

Yes, the Profiler course has been set up for independent self-instruction.

How long will it take for me to use the materials in the FOCUS Course?

Individuals progress at varying rates. However, at least 15, but probably not more than 30, hours of study is the norm before one can feel comfortable enough to advance.

Once I become a practitioner, are there additional levels of expertise?

Yes. After taking all of the courses, Associates who have been in practice for a while usually choose to become a Clinician in a wellness center, a full time Researcher, or an Instructor.

Clinicians work independently sending log sheets of their case studies back to the home office in order that they can be shared with other practitioners.

Researchers usually spend an internship at the home office working on a specialized project. They can, of course, work independently. Guidelines for projects are provided. Instructors are asked to begin their training only after they have sufficient experience to handle a variety of situations that may come up in class.

Will I be paid to be a Researcher?

We can give you some assistance in writing grants in which you can include a salary for yourself, but we do not have the funds at this point to pay Researchers.

How much money will I make for doing assessments?

If you decide to charge for your services, the actual amount is up to you.

Graduates from the FOCUS Course usually charge $40-$400 per assessment plus extra for the time spent doing sound presentation. Physicians usually charge more than nurse practitioners for instance.

If you see two clients a day, all expenses can be recovered in fifty to ninety days. Please remember that this is for all of the training.

If Research Associates decided to charge for BioAcoustic evaluations, an hourly wage of $65 per hour would usually demand extensive training and/or college education. It is rare that you could earn this amount of money with less than a month of training. Research Associates are free to practice after taking only the Profiler training.

Is it acceptable if I charge less or more than others charge for the entire session?

Research Associates are free to set their own fees, even to not charge at all. Sometimes, to ensure that a client will return for reassessment, a practitioner will charge a particular price up-front that includes two or three sessions later on.


Can I charge more if I take the advanced course?

You can charge more at the Focus Course Level when you have gained enough experience and expertise to warrant the increase. Most Research Associates charge around $85 per hour; some charge more, some less. Charges reported to us have been from $2 up to $2500 per session.


Will you give me referrals?

If you are any good at what you do, yes. If you continue to send in case studies, yes. If you have a good reputation with clients, yes. If you have completed your class requirements, yes. If you have not done case studies, do not contribute to the database, or if you have a questionable reputation with clients, NO. Research Associates are required to update every year at the annual conference. This is part of the annual fees for updates that is charged each year. These are part of the conference fees.

How do I get referrals from you?

You must satisfactorily complete all class requirements, be of good reputation and intent, and have a satisfactory sound set-up. Complete guidelines are in the textbook. .

How do I acquire clients?

We will help as much as possible (at our discretion), such as appearing on local radio shows naming you as the local contact or place your name on our website. You can also do a great deal to gain your own clients by showing the videos about this technique or talking to people in groups, at expos or individually. Word of mouth works best. Many good Research Associates are booked ahead for months. If you have a solid reputation, the clients will be there.

Is there a waiting list for class?

Since we have classes every month there usually is not a waiting list. If there is a wait we can usually accommodate you within a month. The Focus course is offered monthly and the Profiler can be done anytime.

Can I get credit or Continuing Education Units (CEU's) for taking Signature Sound courses?

Contact our Class/Conference Coordinator at the Albany office for further information at (740) 698-9119 or e-mail us at soundhealth@soundhealth.org.

Is this procedure approved by the FDA or AMA?

No, neither the FDA nor the AMA considers BioAcoustic Vocal Profiling to be a medical technique. Sound Health is primarily a data-gathering/research facility. The fact that you will be seeing clients is secondary to the research. Sound Presentation is a form of Biofeedback.

I Don't have much money, do you have a payment plan?

No. We have no payment plan but we do take MasterCard and Visa. Many potential students have come up with ingenious ideas to help pay for classes.

•Sponsor a lecture or class and pay for your own fees with what you earn.
•Approach several persons who you think would benefit from your services and ask them to pay you in advance so you can take the class.
•Find a local agency that would benefit from your services and ask them to sponsor you.
•Many times your local employment agencies have training programs that will help you pay for retraining.
•Check with your local alternative health practitioners or agencies. Some agencies might be willing to sponsor you in return for your working in their office.


How will I keep up with new advancements?

There is a forum for Research Associates that attempts to keep you informed. You will be invited to join after you have completed your course and case studies. The forum is designed to keep researchers in touch with other practitioners and their developments. Your $300 yearly fee (included as part of your conference fees) makes you eligible to receive new information from the previous year.

I am math phobic. What kind of math is involved?

High school level math; square roots, percentages, ratios plus simple arithmetic. Calculators are provided. There is a math review for those who need it.

Are there any discounts for paying for class early?

No, but there is a penalty for paying late.

Can my spouse and I go for the same price?

If you mean can you both attend with only one of you paying, the answer is NO. Applications and enrollment are made on an individual basis only and family discounts are not currently available. If both of you will be using the same computer programs and would only need one set, the first person would pay full price for the Focus Course and the spouse would pay half price.

Can my husband come and just sit in?

No one is allowed in class that is not a registered student for the class.

If two or more people come together and take the course would they receive a discount.

No, not usually. But if they take the course at the same time, intend to use the same computer programs, and plan to practice together, then the first person would pay the full price and the second person would pay $2100. For the third and forth students coming with the group, the price will be $2000 per person. For groups of five or more, special rates may be available. However, only one copy of the computer programs would be provided.

Can I video or audio tape the class so I don't have to take notes?

NO! Due to the nature of the intellectual property, no taping is allowed. Most of the information is contained in your textbook.

Are there people who should not take this course?

Persons who are ill should not attempt this class. The hours are long and the material voluminous.

Don't plan on getting much rest.

If I sign up and find that I cannot make it to class what happens?

Full refunds are issued to original payee if Sound Health is notified, in writing, more than 60 days prior to the class. If we are notified 15-60 days prior, you will receive 50% refund. Within 14 days of the class there is no refund. You can, however, transfer yourself to another class. We had to make these rules because we contract with trainers and must pay them whether you show up or not. Once you have received your materials (texts, computer programs) there are no refunds. If we cancel a class, a full refund will be issued, unless you have received your class materials, in which case you can reschedule for any future class. Deposits are subject to the same policy.

What are some of the reasons that people do not finish and become practitioners?

These are some of the reasons that have been reported to us:

•They thought we knew everything. We are still in the experimental stages.
•They found out that is was not easy to deal with other people's complaints all day.
•No capacity for observation of others.
•Inability to adapt to or perceive the needs of others.
•They refused to believe that a full time practice requires that the practitioner not be exposed to the sounds unnecessarily.
•They were unable or reluctant to follow the legal and moral guidelines set forth by Sound Health.
•They were overly sensitive to the sounds.
•They moved ahead too quickly and burnt out. All these obstacles have been overcome by other Research Associates. It is all in what you really want to do!


Are there study groups that I can join before I take the FOCUS class?

Yes, there is a forum that those who have purchased the Profiler Course can join. This allows you to ask questions of those who are working on your same level.

How can I prepare to come to this class?

Read anything you can find about Vocal Profiling and Human BioAcoustics�. Get plenty of rest and bring an extra suitcase to take home all of the textbooks and goodies that you get in class. If you have any special food requirements, bring your food with you.

Can I get my textbooks early?

The Profiler Series of Computer Programs are the pre-text books for the FOCUS course. There are absolutely no refunds after you have received your textbooks. For more information contact our office at (740) 698-9119 or e-mail us at soundhealth@soundhealth.org

Where are these classes held?

Most classes are held in Ohio. Group leaders are being developed so you can expect more local classes. Students miss a great deal when we teach on the road. We are very particular about the classes and what is being presented. Too much of the information must be left out when the classes are not held at our facility.

What if I don't have three weeks to spend in Ohio?

Start with the Profiler Series, which has been designed for self-instruction. Some people have been able to take the course a few days at a time as their busy schedule permits. If you can�t come to us, there may be instructors that are willing to come to you.

Should I make my travel plans early?

Because some classes don�t �fill� before cancellation deadlines, you should check with our offices before buying a plane ticket or making hotel reservations. If we have to reschedule the class, you will get a full class refund unless you have received you class materials, in which case you can reschedule for any future class.

What if I cannot afford to stay in a hotel during class?

We encourage you to network with other participants to share lodging or find a room at reduced cost. Contact our Class/Conference Coordinator for more information. Since we moved to Lake Snowden, camping is an option. We also have a mobile home outfitted for our students. It has three bedrooms, cathedral ceilings, a garden tub, full kitchen and laundry services and is reasonably priced.

Who teaches these classes?

Sharry and/or a trained Instructor teach most of the classes with help from interns and in-training students.

Is there anything that I should bring with me?

We encourage you to dress in comfortable clothes and bring whatever snacks you prefer. Morning and afternoon beverages & snacks will be provided. Keep in mind our area is limited in its health food store and restaurant options. Bring any special food that you require. We do provide a small refrigerator in the classroom for classes held at our Albany facility.

How can I sponsor a program in my area?

Call our Conference Coordinator. We have a sponsorship booklet that can answer all of your questions.

Are there any guarantees that I will be able to do this after class?

No. It depends on your aptitude and commitment. The most common trait needed is the ability to look for similarities within a set of information.

Can I repeat the class?

Students can repeat the class for up to one year from the date of their first class, for instructor fees only. Since you already have your texts, costs vary depending on where the class is held. It is usually about one half the posted price. After a year from the date of the class you must pay full because you will probably require new texts.

Are there special class rules?

No Recording. Do not bug anyone. Do not wear perfume. Bring food! Be comfortable! Designated smoking area is outside.

I have heard that I have to sign a class agreement. Is this true?

We require that each student sign a class agreement prior to class so that the intellectual property rights can be protected and so that we are protected if you go out and do something contrary to what you are taught. Copies of the agreement will be supplied if you are seriously considering joining us for class.

I am not sure that this technique really works. Will Sharry do my sound before class?

We have a contact sheet that will provide names of local practitioners that used this technique. You are free to call them about their experiences. Sharry does not do students sound evaluations during class but often an intern is available that can do your sounds. Charges may vary. Be prepared to move through emotional and social change(s) if you have your sounds done.

What kind of changes can I expect?

•You will begin to Face your own "stuff'.
•Relationships will become one of "mutual benefit", not of need.
•Everything in your life will accelerate.
•More people will need you than you will have time to see
•You will learn to say "NO" and establish boundaries.
•You may want to exchange the people around you.

If I am ill, can I receive healing sound during the class session?

The purpose of the class is to teach Signature Sound Techniques and Technology. Private appointments can be made if you are ill, but time will not be taken in class to address personal health issues.

How soon before a class can I need to sign up?

Classes are generally filled to capacity a month in advance. Applications are accepted up to two weeks before class, but are charged a late fee of $150. Fees must be paid 30 days prior to class.

What do I get for my class fees?

Depending on the class you choose, you will receive some or all of the following: 5 days of instruction depending on the class � profiles � Journals � textbooks � a film and/or promo video - an audio tape - computer programs - an invitation to the forum for updates (if you qualify) � marketing and promo materials - permission and instruction to use the techniques and technology for educational or research purposes � a certificate of completion after you turn in your case studies � eligibility for referrals, joint marketing and access to the office Practitioner Liaison for questions and support.

Are there any class discounts?

Yes, we often offer incentives when we have new information that we want to get to the public quickly. For example, we offer training for the PreVac program for free because of the urgent need for vaccination pre-screenings. Periodically, Gift Certificates are included in one out of ten information packs.

How do I sign up?

Call the office (740-698-9119) or send us a fax (740-698-6116) to receive a class application or use the one provided at our website http://www.vocalprofiling.com. Click �Becoming a Student� to preview the necessary forms and class contracts that are required.

We can mail or fax information. Our office is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm EST. USA

Additional information: http://www.vocalprofiling.com

For questions about accommodations and class schedules, contact our office.

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