Summary
Humming saved my life and I want to share it with the world
During low times where I experienced depression and homelessness I found refuge in the soothing sounds of humming. I connected with myself through sounds. Four years later I used humming to connect with my body following a diagnosis of prostate cancer. No one knew it that I established a relationship with the robot machine producing a high pitch sound during radiotherapy.
Polyphonic Humming is my invention and requires a sense of presence, aural training, intention and a skill that can be taught using technology, hence this campaign. By doing so we can develop a sense of ourselves and the others by creating a new space in between. This technique is different from a talking therapy as it tackles on a primal sense of communication and the ability to hum which is inherent in any human being in this planet.
Sound is vibration and energy. I am composer, music teacher for autism and pianist also known as the Humming Man. I am passionate about how the power of a simple communal harmonic humming technique I created over the years to help many people to beat isolation, to empower themselves and deal with mental health and emotional problems in a supportive environment.
Mind and Body connection We are the results of our thoughts. I am passionate about the connection between mind and body for recovery and wellness. My approach is social and creative looking at preventive mental health by exploring creativity, empathy and resilience as part of the healing process especially when dealing with emotional wellbeing associated with long term conditions such as cancer or other chronic conditions as well as mild mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, depression related to modern lifestyle.
I am passionate about music and wellbeing, social prescription and non pharmaceutical approach to illness is the future. Communal music helps to bond people together especially when we are active creators and active listeners. We need systems to support and care for each other, to shift from the victim state to activism mindset, as we are social and creative beings with ups and downs.
An app alone is not the solution Humming mindfulness is a hybrid model. It relies on face to face social interactions and interconnection between people thanks to the power of vocal sounds, a primal resource available to every person in this world. This app will encourage people to connect in real life, face to face - ear to ear - building meaningful connections as an add on.
Watch old pitch here
https://youtu.be/qHqEDyKkjs0
Are you a Spanish speaker? No problem you can check this video with subtitles too
I can't make it without you! For the last four years I have been working on the ground in all sorts of environments from offices, caves, under water, conferences, private homes and so on with people of all ages and backgrounds on a part-time basis receiving winning awards and recognition on innovation from Ealing Council in London, Southbank centre and most importantly, the encouragement received from participants in the mindful Humming in Harmony experiences is the best motivator to carry on as you can see on this testimonial video.
Why a HUM app and why now?
It is time to move on to the next stage of development. The technique is simple and it cuts language and social barriers. In order to reach out a wider audience I need to develop a mindfulness training app and launch it to the market.
I am not doing it alone I wouldn't start a crowdfunding campaign without a development company on board such as
Hyper. Being part of an accelerator programme is a guarantee of success to enable the idea to be launched successfully to the marketplace by September 2019.
The focus of this app is on aural vocal meditation with the use of the voice as an individual or as a communal experience. This app is for everyone but will be an add on for professionals working in healthcare, education, self development, music therapy, holistic therapies yoga and more.
HUM app content preview
- Listening exercises (sounds and environment)
- Breathing and sound techniques (vibration, intensity, resonance)
- Body check up (monitoring your data)
- Aural training exercises ( pitch, frequency, harmony)
- Humming improvisation ( the creative you)
- Empathy Practise (sound and emotion)
- Community (connecting with other hummers)
App development process
![]()
Problem 1 We are disempowered The system of care and health charities are undermining the inner power of the individual to choose to give and take as part of their healing process. As individuals we need to make lifestyle changes, nutrition and learn other techniques and so on.
What we know There is a full body of research showing scientific evidence about the positive effect of mindfulness, meditation and singing together helping the release of endorphins in the brain. With Humming we are connecting the dots and moving a bit further.
Problem 2 Lack of empathy as a model of care The power of the mind is underrated. The current systems doesn't value peer to peer empathy and interdependence. What if the patient becomes the doctor?
My personal experience I have personal experience of multiple distresses ( financial, emotional, self esteem, depression, homelessness problems) but thanks to humming practise I was able to move forward in life. My natural instinct was to share it with others. I started my recovery process when I felt useful to others, It is as simple as that. You can experience it as well
Cancer as an opportunity to grow Last October I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. However I was told I couldn't help others with my skills - and I mean as a volunteer - because there are policies in place by cancer support charities which prevents a cancer patient to share skills with other patients as a volunteer.
I wrote this blog with my story and shared it on LinkedIn as a result I received positive feedback including nurses with cancer diagnosis who wanted to change the system.
The solution
A sustainable business model with the user at the centre
The individuals and hummers community aren't passive patients but active contributors as performers within a global community. Once the app is up and running and training completed for quality assurance you will enable to join in the community of 'hummers' to share and add diversity to the audio content available for all. Registered users will receive a reward in form of royalties for their group creations with other registered users.
A shared value journey You become a co-creator of new music as well as a contributor of audio content to be used by other users. Under current copyright law, we need to work country by country over the next 10 years to make this happen as we grow . The content created by you or a in a group will generate revenue and a percentage of those equally shared royalties from revenue sales will be give to you as creator as well as being invested in our ongoing innovation and research projects to add more value providing ethical and transparent accountability open to all along the way. You will have access to where the money comes and go.
![]()
Other ways you can help Part of my healing process involved drawing and I am now selling my art online to support my project as I am fully dedicated to develop this app. My full time job now is humming mindfulness to build a social enterprise so I am looking for alternative income streams as I do so which also includes...
Wellbeing interactive concerts I will be delivering wellbeing concert performances to engage audiences to hum and co-create music starting with 24 pieces of classical music repertoire. You can follow me on twitter @creativepiano and using the #OneBigHum and will be able to follow me and purchase music online. Our facebook page is www.facebook.com/humminginharmony
Sound archive This is an example of HUM (home) an orchestral improvised piece using the humming sequence which will be available on the app. If you are curious about previous sound recordings, you can find them here or www.humminginharmony.com
This is not just about the money Sharing content and links can help us to build up a community of supporters. Your financial contribution will enable us to finally design and develop the best app experience with your feedback from the stage of app development prior to launch to market. Do not hesitate to contact me at any moment.
Finally an open call for those experiencing cancer at any stage of their lives. It would be great if you could join in as a big part of this app and community of care will be focused on people like you and me.
Thanks
Sergio
![]()
