Hitting all the right notes is key for a performer, but composing a healthy musician mindset is just as important, and at SFCM Revi Airborne-Williams is here to help.

"Your performance skills (and academic skills) are reduced by sky-high stress levels, so you will become more of the musician you dream of being, if you focus on reducing your stress," Airborne-Williams said. The licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) is part of SFCM's team to support students with stress levels and their mental health as they create the future of music. 

Revi Airborne-Williams.

"As a lifelong musician, I feel I can relate to the student body at SFCM more than most therapists," Airborne-Williams said. While she's been a licensed, practicing therapist since 2006, she is also a classically trained violinist, violist, and occasional singer. "I love music, I love musicians, I understand the life of music and musicians more than the average person," she added.

While stress is a natural part of a musician and performer's life, when meeting with students at SFCM, Airborne-Williams encourages young people to learn coping skills to manage it as early as possible to create a healthy physical and mental outlook. "Small changes can make a big difference. Ask yourself, 'How’s your sleep? Are you eating regularly?' You need to take short breaks in your day and check in with yourself, do something to rest and rejuvenate your mind and body."

While it may not always be easy or straightforward, Airborne-Williams advises students to focus on a healthy balance of work, play, and rest. "Remember you are a worthwhile and wonderful person even when you have a less than perfect performance." 

"My goal at SFCM is to support students to take good care of their mental and emotional health while simultaneously striving to attain their dreams as musicians." 

The  therapist shared her top six tips for handling stress or anxiety:

1.

Take a break! Get outside, move your body, do something that brings you peace and enjoyment. Repeat frequently. If you’re super busy, 2-5 minutes a few times a day is great!

2.

Make sure you are sleeping and eating regularly. If you aren’t or can’t come see me and we’ll make a plan to help you.

3.

Talk with someone who loves you. It is fine to make requests about how you’d like the conversation to go, such as, "please just listen to me” or "tell me I’m ok and I can do this."

4.

Make a set schedule for yourself including classes, work, practice time. Schedule breaks in. Schedule in sleep and meals if you need these written down. Plan to stick to this schedule about 80 percent of the time, and let your hair down about 20 percent of the time.

5.

Remind yourself that if you are struggling mentally or emotionally, you need to treat yourself like you would your best friend if they were hurting inside. Speak kindly to yourself and give yourself grace.

6.

Cultivate a mindfulness practice. This could be formal meditation or something as simple as mindful dishwashing! Just focused deep breaths on a regular basis.

If any students have more questions for Airborne-Williams they can contact her through student affairs. "If you continue to struggle or just need to talk, come see me. I’m here for you and have resources and support to help," she added.

Learn more about resources for students at SFCM.