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About Silence In Sound
More Than 40 Years of Listening, Learning and Exploration
Silence In Sound is an independent specialist sound studio founded by Craig and Jacquie Shankster.
Based in Machynlleth, Mid Wales, we offer a carefully selected collection of Himalayan Singing Bowls, Original Singing Gongs and complementary sound instruments, alongside creative workshops, studio visits and individual guidance.
Our approach has developed through more than four decades of listening, research, travel and practical experience. We are interested not only in how instruments sound, but in how they respond, interact and contribute to a thoughtfully constructed soundscape.
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Our Journey
Our journey began in 1982 with an enduring fascination for Himalayan Singing Bowls and the extraordinary range of sounds they can produce.
Since then, our exploration has taken us throughout the United Kingdom and to Nepal and the United States. Along the way, we have studied therapeutic and creative approaches to sound, explored vibrational sound massage and developed a practical understanding of how traditional instruments may be used in contemporary settings.
Travel and long-standing collaboration have also enabled us to build trusted relationships with respected craftspeople and specialist suppliers in Nepal.
These relationships allow us to source instruments with confidence and to select them individually for their sound, responsiveness and playing qualities.
​Instruments Selected by Listening
No two handmade instruments are exactly alike.
A bowl or gong may be visually beautiful, but appearance alone does not reveal its musical character. Every instrument must be heard, played and assessed individually.
When selecting an instrument, we listen for qualities including:
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Tonal depth and balance
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Harmonic complexity
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Responsiveness at different playing levels
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Sustain and decay
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Stability of tone
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Sensitivity to different mallets and techniques
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Its relationship with other instruments
Our collection includes more than 200 hand-selected Himalayan Singing Bowls, alongside Original Singing Gongs and specialist instruments for practitioners, musicians and creative sound workers.
We do not believe that choosing an instrument should be rushed or reduced to selecting a particular note. The most suitable instrument is one that responds naturally to the player and supports the way they intend to work.
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The Original Singing Gongs
Silence In Sound is the creator and UK importer of the Original Singing Gong range.
These gongs are selected for their rich tonal movement, complex harmonic response and ability to produce both subtle textures and expansive waves of sound.
Each gong has its own individual voice. Size and weight are important, but they are only part of the picture. The balance between fundamental tone, overtones, responsiveness and sustain gives each instrument its particular character.
Our studio allows visitors to compare different gongs in person and discover the instrument that best suits their practice, musical interests and playing style.
A Studio Designed for Listening
The Silence In Sound studio provides a calm, welcoming environment in which instruments can be explored properly.
Studio visits are arranged by appointment so that you have sufficient time to listen, compare and play without pressure or distraction.
A typical visit begins with tea and an informal conversation about your experience, interests and the type of instrument you are seeking. From there, you can explore the studio collection with as much or as little guidance as you need.
Whether you are choosing your first bowl, developing a professional collection or searching for a very particular sound, our role is to help you understand the available options and make an informed choice.
Remote appointments and video guidance may also be available when travelling to Mid Wales is not practical.
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Creative Sound Education
Silence In Sound workshops are designed for people who want to develop practical ability, confidence and creativity.
Our teaching moves beyond simply producing a pleasant sound. We explore how instruments may be controlled, combined and structured to create coherent, engaging soundscapes.
Workshop subjects may include:
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Himalayan Singing Bowl and gong techniques
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Flumie and friction playing
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Instrument relationships
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Timing and sonic movement
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Composition and negative space
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Deep listening
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Acousmatic listening
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Soundscape structure
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The creative use of silence
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Subtle electronic expansion in advanced courses
Our small-group format allows participants to receive close guidance and spend meaningful time working directly with the instruments.
The Resonant Middle Way
The Resonant Middle Way is the central teaching philosophy of Silence In Sound.
It begins with the understanding that stillness does not depend upon one prescribed type of sound. A sense of peace may emerge through soft harmonics, powerful resonance, unfamiliar textures or the gradual disappearance of sound itself.
Rather than dividing sound into fixed categories such as pleasant and unpleasant, traditional and modern, or natural and electronic, we encourage thoughtful listening and direct experience.
Sound becomes a space for curiosity, creativity and reflection.
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Independent and Inclusive
Silence In Sound is independent of any religious, spiritual or therapeutic organisation.
We welcome people from different backgrounds, beliefs and levels of experience. No particular belief system is required to visit the studio, explore an instrument or participate in a workshop.
Our work is grounded in listening, practical experience and respect for each person’s individual relationship with sound.
Craig and Jacquie Shankster
Co-Founders of Silence In Sound
Silence In Sound was founded and developed by Craig and Jacquie Shankster. Its character reflects their shared commitment to resonant sound, creativity, attentive learning and genuine human connection.
Their responsibilities are different but equally important. Together, they shape every aspect of the studio—from the instruments, teaching and creative direction to the atmosphere in which visitors and students are welcomed, supported and encouraged to explore.
Craig Shankster
Co-Founder and Creative Sound Director
Craig leads the creative, practical and educational direction of Silence In Sound.
Drawing upon more than four decades of experience, he guides instrument selection, demonstrations and workshop teaching. His approach brings together technical understanding, creative playing, soundscape composition and deep listening.
Craig encourages practitioners to move beyond habitual techniques and explore the wider expressive possibilities of Himalayan Singing Bowls, Gongs, Flumies, Waterphones and expanded sound technologies. His teaching is practical, exploratory and grounded in the belief that meaningful sound work develops through curiosity, responsiveness and careful attention.
Jacquie Shankster
Co-Founder and Studio Experience Director
Jacquie leads the studio and participant experience, shaping the calm, welcoming and unpressured environment at the heart of Silence In Sound.
From the moment visitors arrive, she helps create the conditions in which they can feel comfortable, listened to and properly supported. Her care, insight and natural ability to connect with people are central to studio visits, workshops and the lasting relationships that often grow from them.
Jacquie’s role extends beyond hospitality. She helps guide the character and values of Silence In Sound, ensuring that each person’s experience remains thoughtful, personal and grounded in genuine human connection.
A Shared Approach
Craig helps shape the sound.
Jacquie helps shape the conditions in which people can explore it.
Together, they have created Silence In Sound as more than an instrument studio or workshop venue. It is a place where knowledge, creativity, care and personal experience are given equal importance—and where people are given the time and space to listen, learn and discover what resonates with them.
Our Purpose
Our purpose is to:
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Provide exceptional, individually selected instruments
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Share practical knowledge developed through long experience
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Encourage creative and confident sound practice
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Offer honest, personal guidance
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Create meaningful opportunities for listening and exploration
Whether you visit our Machynlleth studio, take part in a workshop or choose an instrument online, we hope your experience with Silence In Sound begins with curiosity and develops through careful listening.