Mindfulness Access Points in General Music: Singing, Breathing, and Self-Awareness

Abstract

The purpose of this column is to promote the use of focused breathing and singing as access points to improved student self-awareness in the general music classroom. Singing is a holistic activity with the healing potential to improve and transform many traumatic life experiences endured by our students. Similarly, mindfulness breathwork is a holistic approach used to enhance self-awareness in the moment and can reduce anxiety. Both pursuits have the potential to help students overcome difficulties of fear, stress, and anxiety. Both practices expose participants to new ways of understanding themselves and the world around them while creating important access points to mindfulness and self-awareness.

Group Drumming as Conduit to Enhanced Self and Community Relationships

“…Ensure that your students feel safe, know that you care about them, receive positive and constructive feedback, and have consistent routines that structure their time in your general music class. Encourage them to be mindful of their important role in the group (Varner, 2022).…”