Workshops
As part of our mission to cultivate a culture of wellness in classical music, we have developed workshops for musicians at music institutions such as conservatories, schools of music, summer festivals, and any place where musicians gather. We have presented this series of workshops to young professionals and students of all ages in institutions including Western Illinois University, the National Orchestral Institute + Festival, The People’s Music School, and Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative with great success. In our workshops, we share our vision for a culture-shift among musicians that emphasizes compassion, vulnerability, and empathy for one another in order for them to reach their fullest potential as musicians and as humans.
About Our Workshops
Each workshop is 60-90 minutes and is presented by members of the Sound Mind team, complete with team members sharing their personal stories of recovery. By creating this shared space for musicians to gather on a regular basis, we are able to encourage an open dialogue around mental health. Building a community that supports conversation about the music and mental health intersection is key in promoting vulnerability and creating a healthier, safer musical culture.
Evaluating the Environment: Addressing Unhealthy Patterns & Behaviors
How does the current institutional environment affect classical musicians’ well-being? This workshop opens the door for an honest examination of the field, offering participants strategies to address problems through self-reflection and group discussion.
What is holding space? What is it not? This workshop covers an in-depth discussion and demonstration of what "holding space" means, and why it is a key element in shifting our culture. We present practical ways in which musicians can begin working this concept into their institutions and peer groups.
The Power of
Holding Space
Identity, Reframing Failure, & Redefining Success
How does professional success influence or contribute to our identity as musicians? This conversation centers on redefining success and reframing failure so that each participant is empowered to pursue their endeavors, musician or not, in a way that protects their mental health.
Auditions: Overcoming Burnout & Practicing Self-Care
What do musicians need to keep taking auditions? This workshop offers an honest look into the scope of academic and professional auditions, addressing the realities of burnout and the inner critic. We provide strategies for practicing efficiently, maintaining healthy work/life balance, and caring for mental and physical needs along the way.
Interested in exploring a topic not listed here, or want to learn more about what Sound Mind workshops offer? Contact Alexandria Hoffman, Executive Director, at soundmindmusician@gmail.com.
Gratitude, Resilience, & Stress
Empower yourself with practical tools for resilience, gratitude, and stress management tailored for musicians. This interactive session offers insights and strategies to help you navigate professional pressures and build sustainable wellness routines.
Workshops FAQ
Are your workshops virtual or in-person? Both! We are happy to offer workshops in both formats to best suit your needs., whether that’s in-person or via Zoom.
How much does each workshop cost? Please email soundmindmusician@gmail.com for workshop pricing.
What is your workshop format? Each workshop encourages group discussion by providing a safe space to share our lived experiences. Sound Mind team members lead explorations of significant challenges in the field, offering strategies and activities to support mental health along the way.
What audiences are your workshops designed for? We adjust the content of our workshops to best suit all musicians of all ages and abilities, from middle school beginners to music school students to professionals.
Are any of these workshops offered as part of a series? We often present these workshops as part of a series, but each workshop can stand on its own.
Does Sound Mind offer any additional workshops not listed? Yes! Our workshops aim to address and benefit the current needs of the classical music climate. Email us at soundmindmusician.com to build a workshop that works for your needs.