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Imagine an entire school – students, teachers, and administrators – taking time each morning to turn inward together, and listen to a brief mindfulness prompt and world-class music.
The Well's programs combine best practices in arts and wellness and are designed in partnership with those they serve.
We love collaborating with local, national and international community partners and peoples in a variety of arts programming and mindfulness practices.
We are a small yet mighty team, dedicated to making a big difference with what we have. Your support means the world to us.
Music listening is one of the most powerful tools to tap into our emotions and feel more regulated on a daily basis. That's how Mindful Music Moments has become a proven tool for building self-awareness skills since 2016. This fall, I visited five schools across Canton, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland who have been listening and practicing for several years, meaning some of these students have never known a school experience without a daily Mindful Music practice.
During my visit, we didn't just listen to music but brought sounds and emotions to life through a live experience with the cello. During these Mindful Music workshops, I showcased how the anatomy of the cello–wood, steel, and hair–come together to create a deep resonant sound and ask students to breathe, listen and respond to different music selections. A favorite of this trip was the Jurassic Park Theme.
The highlight for most students was when they were able to actually feel the vibrations of the cello. Eager but a bit afraid to touch something so loud, you could see their curiosity and excitement about music ignite in real-time. Once a student cautiously placed their hand on the back and I began to play an open chord, you could see their shoulders relax, eyes brighten and eyebrows raise. Many looked around and exclaimed, "It feels like music!" sharing their realization with their classmates.
This exercise was especially potent at two schools that serve all students with autism and developmental disabilities. Students that were visibly and audibly restless instantly calmed and focused their attention on the cello. One student even wanted to sit as close as possible during the rest of the performance to keep feeling the waves of sound and calm.
Across all five schools and grade levels (Kindergarten to adults), the response demonstrates the deeply felt sensation of music in a more active way than we might when we passively listen to music in the car or during work. Bringing the cello to life in these five classrooms was an inspiring reminder that music is not just something we hear—it is something we feel.
Thanks to the staff at these schools for helping coordinate these special visits:
When I listen to Mindful Music it calm me down and lets me feel relaxed. I love the picture designs. They're cool to watch. I'm happy when I listen to it. I also like the deep breath at the start and end. I also like when the conductor taps. I like Mindful Music a lot!
3rd Grade Student, Strausser Elementary
When I listen to Mindful Music it feels like a soft feather landing on my arms.
Kindergarten Student, Amherst Elementary
Students at the School at McGuire Memorial
One student, Cloud, is non-verbal and has such a strong connection to Mindful Music. His teacher added a special button to his communication tablet to request a Mindful Music Moment which he presses several times a day.
Music Therapist, School at McGuire Memorial (New Brighton, PA)
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Our programs have been nourishing the community since 2005. In 2019, we became the non-profit, A Mindful Moment.
We are a small yet mighty team, dedicated to making a big difference with what we have. Your support means the world to us.
