Some of the biggest stars of SFCM's Wellness Week are on leashes.

The Conservatory's annual week focusing on the student body's mental, physical, and emotional health rang in October with offerings that included massages, workshops, and of course, therapy dogs.

Office of Student Affairs Associate Dean Timothy Dunn says "Student wellness is a top priority" for his office, adding that Wellness Week is "our time to introduce students to concepts and resources beyond what we generally offer in-school." Manager of International Student Services and Community Belonging Sydnee Johnson (left) adds that Wellness Week "is a dedicated time to help students recharge, build healthy habits, and focus on their mental and physical well-being."

"By offering fun, supportive activities and resources, we aim to reduce stress, promote balance, and empower students to take care of themselves on stage and outside the classroom," Johnson adds. "When students feel supported and balanced, they are better able to learn, grow, and thrive both artistically and academically."

The more physical-wellness-centered events included a yoga session led by horn faculty (and San Francisco Symphony member) Jessica Valeri to a five-hour block of 10-minute massages provided by Kneon Wellness to Alexander Technique workshops to a therapy dog visit in the Bowes Center.

But, echoing SFCM's mission to educate the complete modern musician, Wellness Week encompassed aspects of musical life from finances to performance anxiety. PDEC faculty Thomas Kurtz's (below right) lecture "From Practice Room to Paycheck: Savvy Financial Skills for Musicians" addressed the always-relevant issue of how students can keep their finances as sound as their music.

Danielle Thomas works with a student in her Alexander Technique class.

"Financial wellness is an essential part of a musician’s life, yet often overlooked and misunderstood," Kurtz says. "Financial wellness isn’t just about money: It’s about freedom to pursue your art. The goal of this session was to empower musicians to navigate the financial realities of their careers with confidence and clarity, equipping students with practical tools to manage budgets, plan for the future, and translate their artistic skills into financial stability."

Pre-College and Continuing Education faculty Christian Paarup's workshop, "Performance Mindset: The Problem with Autopilot," meanwhile, focused on how to coax students into a more mindful performance.. Paarup specializes in mental performance, and says that "the mind can drift into doubt and worry during high-pressure performances," and used the workshop to explain exactly how "'autopilot' takes over and pulls focus away from the task at hand." Participants were coached in how to practice and maintain intentional mental skills to help "redirect attention toward confidence, clarity, and purposeful performance."

Although Wellness Week brings the concept to the fore, SFCM staff includes a physical therapist, Leslie Donahue, and a counselor, Revi Airborne-Williams, both of whom are available year-round for students.

"Small changes can make a big difference," Airborne-Williams says. "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."

And, if possible, find an adorable dog to pet. 

Learn more about Student Life at SFCM.