Breakout Session
Meditation: Improving Mental Focus and Mental Health
Monday, June 25 • 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Presenter: Michelle Murphy DeBruyn
Introduced by: Angela Holder
Location: Montecristo 2-4
Meditation is quickly becoming essential for many performers around the globe. Find out why meditation is not simply a fad to be endured until it runs its course! The regular practice of meditation can result in many physiological improvements, most of which would benefit the particular needs of the singer. What vocalist doesn’t crave improved concentration, decreased anxiety, or a higher level of emotional connection and self-awareness? This session will provide voice teachers with practical tools to incorporate meditation into the private vocal studio and collegiate classroom, thereby producing students with increased mental toughness, focus, and emotional awareness.
About Michelle DeBruyn
Michelle Murphy DeBruyn is an artist teacher dedicated to the highest level of musical performance, the encouragement of young vocalists, and the pursuit of mental and physical wellness for musicians. She is a 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher and is implementing a Yoga for Performers class at Columbus State University (Georgia) as an associate professor of voice. Active as a recitalist, DeBruyn has performed throughout the States and Taiwan and has been praised for her interpretation of 20th and 21st Century English art song. Also an experienced musical director, she has collaborated on music theater productions at collegiate, high school, and community levels. DeBruyn was a semi-finalist in the NATS Artist Award competition in 2006, recipient of a NATS Emerging Leader Award in 2010, CSU’s College of the Arts Teacher Award in 2013, and the COA Regents Teaching Award at CSU in 2016.
