The time is filled with a guided meditation, a discussion relating to their progress with the practices they have been taught, and suggestions of ways in which they can develop mindfulness as a tool in their musical lives. Kabat-Zinn has worked with the management of chronic pain as well as with specific clients with particular needs: prisoners, the mentally ill, sportsmen and lawyers to name but a few groups. A version of his mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) course is recommended by Nice (the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) in the UK for sufferers of recurrent depression and anxiety. Its structure was based on the groundbreaking work of Jon Kabat-Zinn, who has been bringing mindfulness meditation into the US medical mainstream since 1979. Indeed a participant wrote: "To be kind to yourself is … very important, but in an environment of pressure and competition, I keep forgetting about it." There was sufficient buzz from the first course that we were able to run it again the following term. All of which could, I hoped, help in all aspects of music-making and listening.Ĭhris, a highly experienced and effortlessly motivating teacher of mindfulness, brought a wealth of warmth and kindness to the sessions. To me, there were four key areas that might benefit: developing a practise routine, dealing with nerves, gaining an increased awareness of the body, and unlocking creativity. We also wanted to develop a specific form of mindfulness-teaching tailored for musicians. With my friend and colleague, Chris Cullen, an eight-week course was devised to introduce some techniques and encourage the participants to make mindfulness a part of their practise and life. So when the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where I teach, suggested I apply for funds to instigate a course with students, I leapt at the chance. But none yet specifically geared to musicians …
With our western thirst for scientific corroboration of experience, there is now more and more data emerging about the proven effects of mindfulness practice in many trials. And among the enthusiastic proponents of this approach is no less than the Dalai Lama. It is taught in prisons and schools and widely used by sportsmen. It's been shown as an effective treatment of stress, anxiety, psoriasis and depression, and approved by the Mental Health Foundation. Science is increasingly endorsing mindfulness. Wouldn't it be wonderful, it occurred to me, if more musicians (and more people generally, come to that) could benefit from this straightforward practice? As a composer, I'm more in touch with the sources of my own creativity. A sense of clarity and control, less neurosis about ambitions and "career", greater efficiency, awareness and body sense as a pianist. The latter is something that people sometimes get mystical about, but there is increasing research to suggest that it has a physiological and neurological basis.įor me, the practise of meditating – in its more secular usage, the cultivation of mindfulness – has brought an enormous amount to my life and music-making. And when we perform, we seek and occasionally know (generally by not seeking) those elusive "flow states" where, in the coming together of all our preparation and the right circumstances, playing feels wonderfully natural and unselfconscious. Musicians spend a lot of time – even as children – in a state of solitary absorption, called practice. See our Peace Songs and songs for Building Self-Esteem and Upbeat Approaches to Life.It dawned on me that meditation naturally appeals to musicians, as clearly evidenced by my mini vox pop. Things I Can Be – Music Movement & Magination There Are Times for Listening – Jack Hartmann Smell the Flower, Blow the Candle Out – Growing Sound Relax and Let us Rest A Bit – Bobby Susser These songs are available from a variety of albums, some include lesson materials:Ħ0 Beats Per Minute Brain Builders – Jack Hartmann Relaxing Songs for Special Kids – Ahjay Stalino Passions – Force for Good/Jonathan Sprout
MINDFUL MUSIC FULL
Mindfulness - Full Albums/Lesson Materials
Mindfulness provides many physical and psychological benefits.Ī study on a mindfulness program for vulnerable children found that mindfulness improved emotion regulation, mood, empathy, confidence and self-esteem, coping and social skills, and ability to pay attention and focus (Coholic & Eys, 2016). “Mindfulness is about learning to train your attention to the present moment without dwelling on what has happened in the past or worrying about the future.
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