Daniel Lauter, aka MeditationDJ, is a creative, multi-instrumentalist/composer, classically trained musician and saxophonist; one of the original lineage musicians to pioneer modern sound healing, featuring the experiential and transformational qualities of crystal bowls, in Sound Journeys, and produced that genre’s first digital recordings.
Through their interdisciplinary performance gallery, Modern Rites/Ancient Waves, the first Aboriginal dreamtime and central desert dot painting exhibits in Northern California were curated, along with storytelling, art and music events, wisdom keepers, presenting artists and elders, from the Bunjalung, Pomo, Lakota, Yoruba, Huichol and other nations.
It was during these times Daniel’s dream work began in transformational ways that greatly influenced a performance style. Lauter has since developed an extensive palette and collection of exquisite, innovative global sounds, which are used to perform and create alchemy at galleries, yoga studios and music venues, now for over 40 years. These sound experiences stand out as next level, and are exceptional, each customized with a musicians touch of phrasing, harmonic balance, care in volumes and properly mixed.
Following a music conservatory education in New York, studying clarinet with principals of the NYC Ballet and NYC Opera, Daniel studied at the Center for Experimental and Interdisciplinary Art in San Francisco, fronted original jazz/funk groups on saxophone, tribal swing, ambient ensembles, and the prominent punk band Rx in the throws of the San Francisco club scene.
Grants, awards and recognitions include:
Creatives Rebuild New York - 2023
Winner of SBUX Battle of the Bands - 2000’s
Billboard Songwriting - 1990’s
The Quake-KQAK FM99 Top 10 San Francisco's Rock of the 80s
Lauter has collaborated with and contributed featured compositions performed by transpersonal awareness teachers, dancers, musicians, and global indigenous artists, elders - Anna Halprin, Margot Anand, Gabrielle Roth, Suru Ekeh, Burrigan Jerome, and others.
This work continues now in the NYC area, the Hamptons, Connecticut, Martha’s Vineyard, including performances at The Church Sag Harbor, Southampton Arts Center, Equinox, James Lane Post, Mandala Yoga, Yoga Shanti, The Yoga Loft at Bedford Post, MV Yoga Barn in Martha’s Vineyard, Hush Greenwich, CoSM, Live Nation, William Morris Endeavor, WP Public Library +. He has also lectured and taught mindfulness w/introductions to sound at prestigious schools throughout the NYC area, helping to develop programs and practices for thousands of students & teachers.
Daniel studies Buddhist sutras, having received empowerments and transmission on Prajñāpāramitā (Heart Sutra), Medicine Buddha, Tara(s), Vajrayogini, Chakrasamvara, Body Mandala, Sarasvatī, Avalokiteśvara; & has lectured on the integration of sound and mindfulness at conferences internationally.