Designing evidence-informed therapeutic experiences through sound science, brain and body entrainment, and restorative technologies.


Drawing upon decades of interdisciplinary research, Audio Pharmacology™ integrates sound science, pure nature recordings, custom therapeutic sound design, brain and body entrainment, vibroacoustic therapy, contemplative practices, and Traditional Chinese Medicine principles to design evidence-informed therapeutic experiences for individuals, organizations, and institutions.

Audio Pharmacology™ is founded on the belief that therapeutic experiences should be intentionally designed rather than universally prescribed. Every experience begins by identifying a desired human experience or functional outcome, followed by the thoughtful integration of sound science, brain and body entrainment, vibroacoustic therapy, contemplative practices, and environmental influences to support that purpose.

The practice is informed by decades of interdisciplinary research spanning anthropology, ethnomusicology, neuroscience, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and embodied practices, alongside years of developing custom instruments, therapeutic sound design, and environmental recording techniques. Rather than treating these disciplines as separate modalities, Audio Pharmacology™ integrates them into a unified design methodology centered on the individual.

This work extends beyond private practice through the development of therapeutic experiences for organizations, institutions, and public environments. By integrating emerging technologies, evidence-informed design, and restorative listening practices, Audio Pharmacology™ continues to explore how thoughtfully designed experiences can improve human well-being while strengthening our relationship with one another and the living world.

Meditative Music: Chicago Symphony Orchestra

At the invitation of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Shannon Harris presented Meditative Music: Sound Healing with Shannon Harris, an immersive listening experience that introduced Audio Pharmacology™ to Symphony Center audiences. The sold-out program transformed the concert hall into a thoughtfully designed therapeutic environment, demonstrating how sound science, brain and body entrainment, vibroacoustic principles, and contemplative practices can be integrated into a shared restorative experience. The event marked an important milestone in the continued evolution of Audio Pharmacology™ and its application within leading cultural institutions.

Woman in red shirt and white pants lying in a therapy chair, wearing headphones and optic goggles, surrounded by electronic equipment, metal chimes, and a gong.
Person in white outfit sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of a black chair with vertical rods attached above. A poster is placed beside them.

Custom acoustic instrument design with modern medicinal technology

Recording studio setup with red lighting, featuring a bed, audio equipment, speakers, dual monitors displaying sound editing software, a laptop on a stand, and acoustic panels on walls.
Person undergoing light therapy session in red-lit room, lying on a treatment bed with headphones and a small bowl on chest, surrounded by electronic equipment.

The Audio Pharmacology™ Sound Spa© in Chicago Illinois.

Audio Pharmacology™ Sound Spa©

Sound therapy sessions are scheduled by appointment only.

Audio Pharmacology™ Sound Shower©

Book a group sound shower, bath, or immersive experience.

Memberships/Partnerships

Nature Sound Society

Midwest Society for Audio Ecology

World Forum for Audio Ecology

Association of Field Ornithologist

Alexander Skutch Bird Refuge – Los Cusingos

Centro Cientifico Tropical

Adler Planetarium

Garfield Park Conservatory

OX Bow School for the Arts

Chicago Department of Public Health

Art Institute of Chicago

University of Chicago

Reva & David Logan Center for the Arts

Gray Center for Arts and Inquiry

The United States Psychotronics Association

City of Chicago

Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

Carnegie Hall

Forest Preserve of Cook County

 

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Boom microphone on stand capturing audio of people walking in a grassy field, wearing red attire.

Contact me

Please send me an email for any session or work for hire inquiries.