Caring for the Whole Musician

Dr. Alexander Kahn, Director of Orchestral Activities at Sonoma State University and co-author of Caring for the Whole Musician, offers lectures and workshops to youth orchestra ensembles, high school ensembles, and music educators on a variety of topics related to music wellness and performance psychology. Lecture/workshop topics include:
-The Art of the Audition: how to effectively prepare for an audition and deal with stage fright and nerves
-The Art of Practicing: how to practice more effectively, efficiently, and joyfully
-The Mindful Musician: Mindfulness Strategies for Musicians

He has presented on these topics at Sonoma State University, the College Orchestra Directors Association National Conference, the Santa Rosa Youth Orchestra, the Marin Youth Orchestra, Credo High School, CASMEC, the CMEA Bay Section Conference, American River College, and the Napa Valley Youth Orchestra, among others.

Please contact Dr. Kahn at alexander.kahn@sonoma.edu for booking. See below for a reviews of his workshops by former participants and parents.

 

 

"Thank you so much for organizing and putting on the audition workshop by Dr. Kahn. My entire career as a bassoonist I have always fought against my stage/audition fright and I cannot express how grateful I am to both you and Dr. Kahn. On that stage tonight, I played the best I have ever played as a solo performer. The tips that Dr. Kahn gave me were instrumental in my performance and I cannot describe how incredible it felt to play the music on that stage with the crowd and no stage fright for the first time in my life. I really appreciate the growth you have brought to this program. I wish I had this workshop 5 years ago when I first started getting serious about my musical career and auditions. Again thank you so much.” - Participant, The Art of the Audition workshop with the Santa Rosa Youth Orchestra

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“Dr. Kahn brought to light inner dimensions of a musician’s life practice that are not often addressed in such a focal way. Having a dedicated hour, and a formal detailed exploration of nourishing practices to cultivate calm, presence, resilience and true musical enjoyment even in tough situations as very valuable especially in the formative years.” - Parent of participant, The Art of the Audition workshop with the Santa Rosa Youth Orchestra

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“Your session on mindfulness in the orchestra rehearsal was eye-opening in many ways and very useful. I have been fairly well acquainted with mindfulness techniques on a personal level, but had not made concrete connections to the orchestra rehearsal until hearing your talk at the CODA conference in DC. I found your talk well-researched, well thought-out, and most importantly, full of genuinely new and immediately useful insights and techniques. I have begun integrating several techniques since returning to my home institution, and have noted an increase level of engagement (particularly in terms of listening) of the musicians I work with. Many thanks!” – Timothy Dixon, Director of Orchestras, Messiah College

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“Dr. Kahn's presentation on mindfulness was eye-opening from the standpoint of a fellow conductor and a musician. All of us often have distractions, attitudes, and habits that hinder success when it comes to rehearsing and practicing. This talk gave me a fresh perspective on how both conductors and orchestra players can approach every rehearsal or practice session with a healthier, more focused mindset.” – Paul Kim, Director of Orchestras, Old Dominion University