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The College of Music has long been committed to the health and safety of our students, staff and faculty. In September, a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the official opening of the expanded Imig Music Building, which includes a new space for our (MWP) that further deepens our dedication to well-being. 

MWP Director James Brody reflects on the significance of the new teaching space and the ways in which it positively impacts our students. “There hasn’t been a dedicated space for the Musicians’ Wellness Program since it was conceived in 2001,” he says. “But now, our new space allows us to offer more opportunities to experience Developing the Whole Musician, a group process that invites participants to grow personally and as musicians.

“Led by Matthew Tomatz [the College of Music’s embedded therapist from ���񱦵� Counseling and Psychiatric Services], Developing the Whole Musician supports and encourages students as they navigate the often complex and multifaceted path of being a musician—from learning to work with your thoughts to overcoming barriers, expanding your expressiveness and artistry, creating community and more.”  

Brody goes on to explain that the MWP is expanding in various ways, including through entrepreneurial, enterprising students who developed the Musicians’ Wellness Club. “The club will help boost awareness of the importance of musician wellness through a variety of guest speakers and special events,” he says. “Stay tuned for a kickoff celebration in our new space this spring.”

Meanwhile, during Finals and beyond, Brody suggests these tips to ensure student health and stability:

1. Get enough sleep
2. Appropriate rest is crucial to health: Engage in every day. It doesn’t have to be for very long–even five minutes twice a day significantly impacts productivity. 
3. Take appropriate breaks: Take a 10-minute break every hour
4. Nutrition: Eat well and drink enough water
5. Plan ahead to help avoid stress

Best of luck on final exams this week!