A catalyst for evolution and growth in the training and support of musicians. Several brief articles outlining Whole Musician ideas are included here. I would be interested in hearing your reactions and thoughts on these topics at JWeller@ElisionInstitute.org. Please check back for additions. Considering a Career in Music? For high school and college students Whether you are a high school student just beginning to explore music career options, a committed undergrad musician well on your way to realizing your dreams, or a new graduate embarking on auditions, interviews, teaching and the gig scene, these pages can help you on your journey ahead. There’s also lots of helpful information here for parents and for teachers who work with young musicians considering a career in music. — NEW — Tips for Musicians: Vertical Learning in a Horizontal World It is a basic reality of life as a musician that most successful musicians create “horizontal” careers rather than the “vertical” careers we are trained to expect. So-called “vertical” careers assume that there is one ideal job or career to strive for and if that one doesn’t happen, it’s a “failure” of sorts, and then you start looking around for a fall-back option. A “horizontal” career is a portfolio approach to work that encompasses a variety of different activities simultaneously. Here are some practical tips on building a horizontal career. Performance Wellness - "Taming the Butterflies" Some of the most challenging physical, mental, and emotional issues of performance can be traced to excessive stress. Articles in this section look at aspects of stress and anxiety in performance, suggesting some ways to minimize negative aspects of stress and maximize the energy that “good stress” can create. Knowledge is power. First, just learning about mind-body connections in performance can help performers gain a level of comfort. Then when some specific techniques, exercises, and practices for managing stress are added, we can really begin to gain more control. Putting stress to work in productive ways is an important aspect of becoming a Whole Musician. "The Whole Musician Model: Mindful in Body, Mind and Spirit" The Whole Musician model provides a structure to mindfully integrate individuals with the institutions that train, support and employ them. This article introduces the Whole Musician model, beginning with the Talents, Temperament and Personality of the individual musician and extending out to issues affecting development at many levels—high school, college/conservatory and in professional life. "An Introduction to Talent, Temperament, and Personality for Musicians" Musicians who aspire to professional careers in music need to acquire levels of self-awareness and self-knowledge that enable them to make educational and life experience choices that can ultimately lead to satisfying, meaningful careers. It is important to cultivate an understanding of one’s natural talents, abilities and gifts specific to skill acquisition and musicality, and then integrate that knowledge with aspects of temperament and personality to create a fuller, deeper self-portrait. "Authentic Vocation" Authentic vocation, sometimes referred to as a calling, is often elusive, sometimes painful or baffling, and yet ultimately deeply satisfying. Finding our true vocation is a means to discovering our authentic selves, and embracing those activities that draw on our signature strengths, serve others and give us great pleasure. "Old Dog — New Tricks? Absolutely!" A brief, inspirational piece for adult amateur musicians (or wannabees). It's never too late to dust off that old instrument or even take up a new one. Embrace your old doggedness and enjoy the journey! "International Inspiration 2004: The Elision Institute Hits the Road" A brief reflection on the International Society for Music Education conference in Barcelona, Spain, that focused on training and supporting professional musicians around the world. For more information check: Commission for the Education of the Professional Musician. "Practice—Rehearse—Perform:  Personality Whiplash for Performing Musicians" Musicians must develop incredibly diverse skills to succeed as performers. These wide-ranging performance skills are each grounded in very different temperament and personality styles, yet all must be woven together; all are crucial to the musician’s performance. Yet these basic and wide-ranging aspects of a performing musician’s career are never questioned—it is simply the required and inevitable process, the only real means to the desired end. Articles to be released soon: "The Art of Networking"