Musicians’ Wellness Program (MWP)

Musicians' Wellness students in semi-circle listening to professor explanation

Welcome to the Musicians’ Wellness Program (MWP) at the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music! Learn how to apply powerful somatic methodologies that improve physical functioning and overall wellness, from performance psychology and effective exercise to breathing, hearing, vocal health and more.

Our services

The MWP strives to increase proficiency, prevent injury and help students reach their goals through somatic training, psychotherapy, health-related information and a medical support network. As such, the MWP provides essential assistance to injured students with the goals of returning them to full functioning and preventing further injury, and guiding them to resources including local medical professionals trained in the special needs of musicians. 

The MWP also partners with CU Boulder Counseling Services: The College of Music’s embedded therapist has wide-ranging experience in many aspects of emotional health that frequently affect musicians, including performance anxiety. Individual and group sessions further address mental health and psychiatric services for a variety of students’ needs.

Wellness for musicians classes with James Brody

In these classes, we explore strategies that help musicians maintain optimal health while achieving peak performance. You will learn to employ powerful somatic methodologies—including Alexander Technique and Body Mapping—that improve physical functioning and prevent injury. A variety of wellness aspects are also included, such as performance psychology, mental health, effective exercise, nutrition, breathing, hearing and vocal health.

Alexander Technique lessons + consultations with James Brody

James Brody offers one-on-one consultations and lessons with students who are experiencing difficulty in music making due to misuse, injury, anxiety or physical tension. Email James Brody or ask your teacher to set up a consultation at which your teacher may be present, if you wish.

Annual Summer Alexander Technique Program

Every July, the MWP hosts a week-long Alexander Technique course.This experience includes significant aspects of the Alexander Technique, Body Mapping, movement, mindfulness and psychology—all in the service of inclusive well-being. MORE

Mental health services

Counseling + Psychiatric Services (CAPS) offers confidential, on-campus mental health and psychiatric services for a variety of students’ needs. Students who have paid the mental health fee are eligible to work with CAPS providers, including 24/7 phone support.

Matthew Tomatz is the College of Music’s embedded psychotherapist from CAPS. He has wide-ranging experience in many aspects of emotional health that frequently affect musicians, including performance anxiety and blocks to success. Tomatz often supports students in meeting their musical goals by addressing practice strategies, motivation, procrastination, career concerns, attentional difficulties, interpersonal challenges and peak performance skills. For individual or group counseling, contact Matt Tomatz directly at Matthew.Tomatz@colorado.edu or through the CAPS main office, 303-492-2277.

Meetings with Matt provides opportunities for informal and confidential consultation in our wellness space (S303). This service is free and open to students, faculty and staff. Topics of conversation could be related to performance, time management, procrastination, how life and performance intersect, getting through the year, making choices, learning about therapy ... or just to talk: Wednesdays, 3:30-4:45 p.m. in S303.

Developing the Whole Musician with Matt Tomatz is a unique learning environment and powerful group process. Participation helps students make important personal discoveries while supporting their growth as musicians. Questions? Contact Matt Tomatz, Matthew.Tomatz@colorado.edu.

Medical evaluations at CU Boulder Medical Services

Tracy Casault, John Breck and Julie Jacobson-Weaver provide initial evaluations as well as referrals for diagnostic tests, physical therapy and appointments with specialists as needed. If you do not have medical insurance through CU Boulder, check with Medical Services to learn whether your medical insurance is accepted.

Physical therapy

CU Boulder Medical Services offers a patient-centered approach to PT in which the specific needs of each student guides the care provided. Ann Sirotniak is the MWP partner in this area. Any CU Boulder student can access CU Boulder PT services at Wardenburg. If you have the CU Boulder Gold plan, you do not need a physician referral; third-party insurance plans may need a referral (check with your provider). PT is also available at the Sports Medicine + Performance Center in the Champions Center/Stadium.

Speech, language + hearing clinic

Take care of your hearing! Students can get a basic hearing test at no cost. Hearing protection specifically designed for musicians is available at below-market cost.

Guest speaker series

Topics include performance management skills, temporomandibular joint disorder, PT for performers and the anatomy of breathing. Visit the Wellness Board or check our Facebook page for the schedule.

MUSC 2/5608:​ Wellness for Musicians 1

An exploration of strategies that help musicians maintain health while achieving peak performance. We investigate and employ powerful somatic methodologies including Alexander Technique and Body Mapping that improve physical functioning and prevent injury. The course incorporates a variety of wellness aspects such as performance psychology, mental health, effective exercise, nutrition, breathing, hearing and vocal health. Main text: Barbara Conable’s How to Learn the Alexander Technique.

MUSC 4608/MUSC 5808: Wellness for Musicians 2

This course develops and further integrates material covered in Wellness for Musicians.1. We embark on a deeper exploration of somatic and wide-ranging wellness strategies, including F.M. Alexander’s conception of Inhibition and other approaches for proactive self-care and improvement. We will consider how to integrate methodologies in teaching, pedagogy and practice. Students will complete several projects related to their specific musical pursuits and interests. Main text: Missy Vineyard’s How You Stand, How You Move, How You Live.

University resources

Community resources

Supplemental materials

Barbara Conable discussing “The Five Tasks of Constructive Rest”

Advisories on Hearing Health
Published by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA). This is a comprehensive overview of hearing health issues for postsecondary schools and departments of music.  Information of a medical nature is provided by PAMA; information regarding contextual issues in music programs, by NASM.

A study published in the British Medical Journal titled “Randomised controlled trial of Alexander technique lessons, exercise, and massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain.” For those wary of technical jargon, there is an informative video about the study.

Links above to community healthcare providers who have expertise in a particular area do not imply or intend endorsement or recommendation of any particular provider, individual practitioner or modality by the CU Boulder College of Music or the college’s Musicians’ Wellness Program. Rather, this information is provided as a service to seeking solutions to wellness issues.

Contact

James Brody
MWP Director
james.brody@colorado.edu
303-492-1641
Imig Music Building, S303

About the Musicians’ Wellness Program (MWP)

In this video, explore different aspects of the program, meet MWP Founder + Director James Brody and hear from student participants.

Promoting peak performance, mental health

MWP Director James Brody and Matthew Tomatz, embedded team manager and therapist, discuss their roles and the role of the Musicians’ Wellness Program in the College of Music.

A conversation about musicians’ wellness

MWP Director James Brody and Artist in Residence Edward Dusinberre, first violinist of our Takács Quartet, discuss the impact and benefits of somatic approaches to musicians’ physical functioning and overall wellness—including valuable insights into posture, flexibility and injury prevention through mind-body practices.