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Jacobs School of Music students enjoy a holiday party hosted by the Office of Wellness and Arts Health Initiatives in collaboration with the Jacobs School of Music Health and Wellness Committee. Photo courtesy of Wendy Chitwood, Indiana University.
The rhythm of life can sometimes feel hectic. A new office at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music helps students, staff, and faculty focus on slowing down the tempo.
One of the most highly regarded music schools in the world, the Jacobs School attracts top musical talent from around the world. Students come from near and far to study with famous musicians and industry professionals. The nature of pursuing a future in the music industry, as well as the pressures of being far from home, can have an impact on a student’s mental health.
The Jacobs School is taking a proactive approach to ensuring students receive the support they need by establishing the Office of Wellness and Arts Health Initiatives.
“Musicians have their own little worlds and their own stresses,” says Frank Diaz, coordinator and associate professor of music at Jacobs College.
The mission of this office is to provide wellness programs, foster campus and community partnerships, and serve as an advocate for initiatives focused on the physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being of students, staff, and faculty. That’s it.
“It’s all based on the idea of building a culture of care, connection and community within the Jacobs School,” Diaz said. “This is a very competitive environment. Students who come to us tend to be perfectionists and competitive already. Build community and take care of yourself when times are tough. That is very difficult.”
Jacobs students will participate in meditation sessions provided by the Office of Wellness and Arts Health Initiatives. Photo courtesy of Jacobs School of Music
During the first semester this fall, the Office of Wellness and Arts Health Initiatives will offer several programs, including weekly wellness drop-ins, speaker sessions, financial wellness sessions, hearing health resources, walking exercise groups, and more. We provided a wellness program.
The office also partnered with the IU School of Social Work to offer group and individual wellness coaching. Both graduate and undergraduate students in the School of Social Work have the opportunity to work directly with students, staff, and faculty to develop problem-solving ideas.
Avra Bush, Dean of the David Henry Jacobs Bicentennial Department, said: “We take pride in providing the highest standards of music education for students at the Jacobs School, and are committed to providing quality physical and mental health. “Providing resources goes hand in hand with preparing students for a successful future.” “The Office of Wellness and Arts Health Initiatives is an incredible and impactful resource for students as well as faculty and staff.”
Diaz said he hopes to build partnerships with several institutions on campus and in the community in the coming years, including an outreach partnership in 2024 that will bring music to IU Health Bloomington Hospital and local senior communities. .
“As part of that, we want to document the impact this type of music ministry has on the health of our students as well as the upperclassmen we perform with,” Diaz said. “This fits into OWAHI’s mission to promote service as a means to well-being.”
Jacobs School students enjoy a holiday party hosted by the Office of Wellness and Arts Health Initiatives in collaboration with the Jacobs School Health and Wellness Committee. Photo courtesy of Wendy Chitwood, Indiana University.
Providing snacks as a means to wellness is also a helpful resource of the Office of Wellness, Arts and Health Initiatives.
“One of the things we learned from our students is that sometimes they forget their bags and go all day without eating,” Diaz said.
Students often spend all day in the music building on campus, practicing for hours in between classes. The administration wanted to make sure students had access to food during those long days. They currently offer a snack cart with free healthy food inside the music hall.
Weekly wellness sessions are another popular resource the office offers, including opportunities for meditation, yoga, massage, arts and crafts, and more. This activity helps students relieve stress and take care of their bodies, and there are many participants.
“I’ve been participating in several meditation sessions, yoga, and arts and crafts,” said Alana Mossel, a sophomore pursuing a master’s degree in viola performance. “I also went to a session with Dr. Diaz to play an instrument and explore mental health related to meditation techniques and exercises. It was a very welcoming environment.”
Mossel, an Indiana native, hopes to one day earn a seat in an orchestra in the Midwest. She also dreams of conducting a youth orchestra. In addition to the stress that most other music school students have, Ms. Mossel faces the challenge of being separated from her 7-year-old daughter until she finishes her studies in Bloomington.
Alana Mossel, a second-year Master of Music student, said resources from the Office of Wellness and Arts Health Initiatives have helped her with her mental health while attending the Jacobs School of Music. Photo by Alana Mossel
“My parents take care of her while I’m at school,” Mossel said. “This is the biggest sacrifice I’ve ever made. Being her mother has been the greatest joy of my life and I’m looking forward to feeling like ‘Mommy’ again.” ”
Mossel said her first year at Jacobs was difficult emotionally and mentally because she was away from her daughter. She was able to find helpful resources to help her cope with the emotional stress of not being able to see her school and her daughter.
“I was provided with a personal therapist through Jacobs and had sessions with her, which had a huge impact on my overall mental and physical health,” Ms Mossell said.
Dealing with impostor syndrome is another struggle Mossel is trying to overcome.
“From the day I arrived, I have tried to internalize the fact that I belong here at Jacobs,” Mossel said. “Sometimes I still stop in the middle of campus, in the Cooke Music Library, or during a lesson with my teacher and hero, Zhang Li-kuo, and feel grateful and surprised that I’m even here. We have not been completely successful in eradicating the syndrome, but we take it day by day.”
Mossel said recognizing your inner self-criticism and balancing it with inner positive reinforcement can help calm feelings of doubt.
“Typically, on my most productive days, I feel my best and I tell myself, ‘I’m here for a reason,'” Mossel said. “I don’t let negative, intrusive thoughts stop me from listing to myself the new music I have or the hard work I just completed, celebrating a great performance, or even making that new friend I’ve been longing for.” I try to put it all together in my mind. All over the place.”
After a successful first semester, the Office of Wellness and Arts Health Initiatives will further expand the program in hopes of brightening the future even brighter for talented students like Mossel at the Jacobs School. The plan is to do so.
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