Wellness Education
This page provides an overview of the types of Wellness education opportunities available.
Courses
Wellness courses provide our students with the tools they need to support their physical and mental well-being. For-credit courses available include Yoga for Performers I and II, Strengthening and Conditioning, Alexander Technique, Wellness for the Performing Artist, and Contemplative Studies.
Contemplative Studies Course Descriptions
Reminder: please visit the University Registrar’s Office Schedule of Classes for the most up-to-date information on course offerings!
JAZZ 450/550: Contemplative Practice Seminar (2 credits)
Explores contemplative disciplines through historical, theoretical perspectives, and through direct experience. Instructor permission required; typically offered Fall, Winter, Spring
JAZZ 455/555: Creativity and Consciousness (2 credits)
This course explores the idea that heightened consciousness may be a central aspect to creative activity in diverse fields. Instructor permission required; typically offered Winter
Wellness Course Descriptions
Reminder: please visit the University Registrar’s Office Schedule of Classes for the most up-to-date information on course offerings!
WELLNESS 200/500: Wellness for the Performing Artist (1 credit)
This class introduces students to wellness topics such as performance anxiety, stress management, vocal health, Yoga, Feldenkrais, and Laban Movement Analysis, with the aim exploring the intersection of physical movement, mental health and performance. Active participation through movement and in-class performance are required. Instructor permission required; typically offered Winter
WELLNESS 220/520: Alexander Technique Intro (1 credit)
The goal in this class is to restore the ease and enjoyment of performing by examining habits of tension that can interfere with fluid movement and expanded creativity. Using the self-awareness principles embodied in the Alexander Technique, students learn to restore free and easy breath, let go of unnecessary tension, and reduce self-defeating thoughts that interfere with instinctual freedom. Group and individual instruction provided. Typically offered Fall, Winter.
WELLNESS 412/512: Yoga for Performers (1 credit)
Balancing body, mind, and spirit for optimal performance. Breath-based focus on exercises to increase flexibility, balance, mindfulness, and release of entanglements. Instructor permission required; typically offered Fall, Winter
Workshops
Mind-Body Balance Series
Minis: Short videos delivered to your inbox weekly!
September 18 – November 20
Open to students, faculty, staff, and the general public.
Meditation Minis: Soothing Practices for Stress-Relief
Laura Amoriello, MNDFL Certified Meditation Instructor, Open Heart Project Certified Meditation Instructor
Yoga Minis: Creating Space
Catherine Matuza, 500 RYT, SMTD Lecturer
Workout Minis: Everyday Exercises
Kristen Schuyten, PT, DPT, SMTD Lecturer
Yoga for Faculty/Staff
Wednesdays, 12:00-12:45pm, Newman Studio, Walgreen
December 13 – December 5, 2023
Catherine Matuza, 500 RYT, SMTD Lecturer
Register here.
Faculty/Staff Walking Group
Thursdays, 12:30-1:00pm
September 7 – December 7
Group leader: Becky Olsen (SMTD Academic Advisor and MHealthy Champion)
Register here.
Wellness Mini-Series
Guest presentations offered throughout the year. Topics include injury prevention, hearing health, performance anxiety, nutrition, and more. Watch a selection of prior presentations:
Performing WellCAST
This series of educational talks on topics of interest to the performing artist is available on the SMTD Wellness YouTube playlist.