Music Mindfulness: Cultivating Empathy Through Listening
A program designed to help educators and musicians deepen their listening skills and connect with students by reflecting on their own experiences.
Program Modules
Session 1: Reflecting on Personal Suffering
Dedicated time for reflecting on your own challenges and difficult experiences.
Journaling Prompt: My Challenges
DailyWrite about a time you faced a significant challenge. How did it feel? What did you learn? Include details on how you coped and resources that might have helped.
Guided Meditation on Empathy
DailyListen to a guided meditation focused on cultivating empathy and understanding towards yourself and others. Consider focusing on a specific student during the meditation.
Optional: Share Your Reflection (Anonymously)
DailyOptionally, share your reflection (anonymized) with a community forum for peer support and learning. This is not mandatory.
Session 2: Identifying Shared Experiences
Reflect on common human experiences and how they connect you with others.
Journaling Prompt: Common Ground
DailyWrite about common experiences you share with others, particularly your students. Think about challenges, joys, and aspirations.
Mindful Listening Exercise
DailyListen to a piece of music and try to identify the emotions and experiences the composer/performer might be conveying. Imagine yourself in their shoes.
What You'll Accomplish
- Develop active listening skills.
- Increase empathy towards students.
- Cultivate self-awareness and reflection.
- Improve communication in the classroom.
Full program access + updates