for instrumentalists and vocalists 6th grade and up  

August 14-18

9am-12noon, includes lunch 12-1

Mission: To improve student performance and wellbeing using awareness-based meditation and the Art of Joyful Focus. To reduce student stress, improve the musician’s inner experience to counteract performance anxiety. To improve focus and connection with the music, themselves, ensemble and audience.

Course Description:

This week-long workshop will train musicians in methods of awareness-based meditation for improved performance using the Art of Joyful Focus:

HUSH—create dynamic stillness
HEART—unlock the spark
LIFT—engage positive energy
FLOW—focus with JOY

Format includes group instruction and interaction plus individual and group practical application.

Texts:

Stage Fright to Inspired Performance Workbook
The Art of Joyful Focus

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will meaningfully engage in the application of awareness-based meditation for musical practice and demonstrate application of Joyful Focus through the production of a short performance.
2. Students will demonstrate dynamic stillness (Joyful Focus: HUSH) by

• Demonstrating different breathing techniques
• Exhibiting a calm focused concentration

3. Students will increase receptivity (Joyful Focus: HEART) by

• Completing introspection assignments
• Completing a log of Practice Room Meditations (included in workbook)

4. Students will exhibit increased receptivity (Joyful Focus: HEART) by:

• Demonstrating the ability to relate to the realities of others in ensemble

4. Students will demonstrate positivity (Joyful Focus: LIFT) by:

• A positive will power to overcome obstacles
• A willingness to change negative patterns of thought
• Balancing the drive for excellence with self-acceptance
• Discriminating without judgment of self or others

5. Students will exhibit increased freedom in performance (Joyful Focus: LIFT) by

• Demonstrating non-attachment to outcome while remaining fully engaged
• Demonstrating calm focus even in the midst of mistakes
• Demonstrating a willingness to follow their intuitive understanding

6. Students will demonstrate an enhanced connection to the music, ensemble, and audience. (Joyful Focus: FLOW)

Course Outline:

Monday

Welcome & Class Introduction

• Setting the Stage: The 7 Keys to Freedom

The Hush: Develop Dynamic Stillness

• Why dynamic stillness?
• How to Meditate
• Practice Room Meditations

Tuesday

The Heart: Unlock the Spark

• Why does the heart matter so much?
• How to increase awareness
• Emotions vs. Feelings: which are more beneficial?
• Desires and Non-attachment
• Vulnerability vs. Security
• Group exercises and meditation

Wednesday

The Lift: Engage the Energy

• Why does positivity matter?
• How to work with the inner critic
• The correct use of will power
• How to cultivate the best inner and outer environment
• How to use affirmations for best results
• Group exercises and meditation

Thursday

The Flow: Focus With Effortless Pleasure

• Why Flow is crucial for success, happiness and fulfillment
• What Flow is and isn’t
• Tips for entering Flow
• How to keep the ego out of the way
• Group exercises and meditation

Friday

The Resonant Stage: Putting It All Together

• Attune your music to your sense of purpose
• Infuse your performance with your inner experience
• Stimulate wellbeing in others through the integrated expression of your own
• Group meditation
• Individual Performances