Wendell Hanna, Ph.D. bridges two worlds that rarely meet—music and sonority with the profound wisdom of the body. As both a Professor of Music Education at San Francisco State University and a Certified Hanna Somatic Educator®, she carries forward a unique legacy as the daughter of Thomas Hanna, the visionary founder of Hanna Somatics.

Wendell's journey began in the concert halls where she mastered the bassoon, serving as principal bassoonist with the Oregon Mozart Players, Eugene Opera, and Salem Chamber Symphony. But her path took a transformative turn when she discovered how sound could unlock the body's innate healing intelligence—a revelation that would reshape her entire approach to both music and movement.

With degrees spanning from the University of South Florida (B.A., 1985) to Yale University (M.M., 1987) and the University of Oregon (Ph.D., 2000), Wendell has become a pioneer in what she calls "sound somatics"—an innovative integration of music, sound, and somatic movement education.

Today, Wendell continues to explore the revolutionary potential of sound as medicine, honoring her father's somatic legacy while charting entirely new territories where music and sound unites with embodied wisdom to provide comfort and relief from chronic conditions. Hear her bassoon playing on the newly released ambient album Soulever here.