Musician and educator Vivienne Aerts invites you to...
Join for a 6-week transformative journey
Navigate your journey of personal and creative development while maintaining a sense of balance.
Tell me, have you...
Are you tired of feeling stuck or held back by self-doubt and limitations?
Do you desire to infuse your music with your own unique voice and creative expression?
Have you been searching for a way to strike the perfect balance between your love for music and the demands of everyday life?
Join The Musician's Equilibrium and discover empowering techniques that will boost your confidence, overcome challenges, and give you the tools you need to propel you toward success.
"I'm a Dutch New York-based vocalist, conductor, a composer with a focus on electronics, chocolate, and multi-sensory experience design as well as a clinical psychologist and a faculty member at Berklee College of Music where I have been instrumental in building a new generation of performers who are not only skilled musicians but also mentally and physically healthy individuals."
Please note that 'The Musician's Equilibrium: Nurturing Artistic Growth through Balance' is not solely a lecture-based course. We believe in the importance of hands-on, practical learning experiences to enhance your musical journey. Throughout the program, you will actively engage with your instrument, applying the concepts and techniques discussed in each session.
Through guided exercises, personalized feedback, and interactive discussions, you will have the opportunity to develop and refine your musical skills in real time. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced musician, this course offers a dynamic and immersive learning environment that combines theory with practical application, ensuring that you not only gain knowledge but also actively improve your musicianship.
With a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Leiden in the Netherlands, I began my career as a therapist in private practice, assisting individuals in their journey toward personal growth and healing. Alongside my work, I also pursued music as a vocalist, conductor, and educator, and attended the conservatory for choir conducting and vocal performance. Besides my work as an artist, I conducted several choirs including one composed of individuals with severe mental health conditions, using music as a therapeutic tool. Continuing my pursuit of innovative musical approaches, I went on to develop and teach summer courses in "Mindful Improvisation" at Leiden University. These courses catered to both musicians and non-musicians and focused on integrating mindfulness practices into the act of improvisation.
Then, in 2012, I received a Fulbright Scholarship to study vocal performance and composition at Berklee College of Music in Boston. During my last semester, I met pianist and composer Kenny Werner, who recognized my deep understanding of music and psychology which led to my involvement with the Berklee Effortless Mastery Institute for nine years. As a current faculty at Berklee and in masterclasses all over the world my focus lies in empowering musicians to unleash their inner voices, reshaping their minds, and allowing their talents to manifest. My techniques have proven to be incredibly effective and life-changing, revolutionizing the way musicians approach their craft.
As a musician my collaborators since have included some of the most iconic names in the world of jazz.* My edible ‘experience’ events were the root of my multi-disciplinary approach to the making of my new album, ‘Typuhthâng’, which not just features a 100 female musicians from around the globe, but also comes with a bar of bean-to-bar chocolate from Original Beans Chocolate, a company that pro-actively empowers female cacao farmers of Virunga State Park in Congo.
"I've been meaning to reach out to you to share with you about this ongoing gig that I have in Brooklyn. It has been like a miracle for me. Not only that it appeared in my life -- it's been eons since I had a regular weekly gig -- but that I've been enjoying it so much. Thanks to my work with you, I've been able to let go of so much of the negative, judgmental, inhibiting thoughts that have plagued me for almost my entire playing life." - Jonathan
"... thanks for such an illuminating class. I really felt heard in this class and able to come in as I am. For that, I am so grateful. Thank you so much for being a facilitator for that. I truly appreciate it." - Caleb
"There was a very warm and safe space provided with this class and these very people, and I'm thankful to have spent my last ever semester at Berklee in such a nurturing environment. Thank you so much for my newfound tools and experiences." - Haley
"... I really appreciate your time, work, and perspective on things this year Vivienne. Your composure and interpretation of our class has brought me comfort both musically and personally and I would trust any suggestions you had as to my direction or self-reflection." - Liam
Unlock your full potential: Gain a deep understanding of your unique musical strengths and areas for growth. Develop the tools, techniques, and mindset necessary to unlock your full potential as a musician.
Enhance your technical skills: Master new techniques and refine existing skills through targeted exercises and practice strategies. Experience significant growth in your technical abilities, allowing you to express yourself more confidently and effortlessly on your instrument.
Cultivate creativity and innovation: Learn methods to nurture your creativity and tap into your unique artistic voice. Develop the ability to think outside the box, experiment with musical ideas, and create original compositions that reflect your individuality.
Build resilience and overcome challenges: Develop resilience in the face of obstacles and setbacks commonly encountered in the musical journey. Acquire strategies to overcome performance anxiety, self-doubt, and perfectionism, allowing you to bounce back stronger and persevere through challenges.
Find balance and well-being: Discover techniques to achieve balance between your musical pursuits and other important aspects of life. Learn to manage your time effectively, prioritize self-care, and maintain a healthy mindset, ensuring a sustainable and fulfilling musical journey.
Cultivate lifelong learning: Develop a mindset of continuous growth and lifelong learning. Acquire the tools and strategies to continue evolving as a musician beyond the course, enabling you to embark on a lifelong journey of exploration, improvement, and artistic fulfillment.
Includes :
What's the schedule & time commitment? We will have 6 weeks of 2-hour online lectures. Since we are on Zoom all sessions will be recorded so that if one week doesn't work for your schedule, you can watch it back later. If you fail to grasp any aspect of this, you will have access to all archived material including the video library, forever.
I'm not as talented as many people - is this course for me? Definitely! It's important to recognize that you might underestimate your own talents. You may have believed that music is challenging and that you're not deserving of it. However, once you discover these techniques, you'll be delighted by the beautiful sound of the instrument resonating within you. At that moment, talent becomes less significant and what truly matters is the fulfillment of your soul. Everyone deserves that, without exception.
Is it possible to learn such valuable techniques online? Absolutely! Zoom is an exceptional platform that ensures excellent support. Over the years, I have extensively worked with students online, developed video courses, and thoroughly studied the medium. While it may initially feel unfamiliar to not have a teacher physically present in the room with you, using Zoom allows for unparalleled convenience and consistent class sessions that wouldn't be feasible otherwise.
Is this for all instruments including the voice? The instrument itself, be it a traditional instrument or the human voice, is never the determining factor. The key lies in freeing oneself from self-judgment, doubts, fears, and expectations.
I'm a professional performer with many years of experience - is this course for me? I've had the privilege of collaborating with students worldwide, spanning various instruments and proficiency levels. Whether you're just starting out on your musical journey or have delved deep into its intricacies, my experience extends to assisting individuals at all stages. Whether your goal is to unravel the enigma of exceptional listening abilities, or if you're a teacher seeking to foster the essential long-term skills your students require, or perhaps you simply find yourself captivated by the love, curiosity, and sheer delight of creating music...
How much time should I dedicate daily to this program? Determining the exact time commitment is subjective and depends on your personal expectations and level of dedication toward mastering a skill. Typically, individuals begin by committing around one hour per day. As you progress through the program, you'll find that your ability to work for longer periods naturally increases, allowing for deeper engagement and progress. Ultimately, the decision on your daily time commitment rests with you and the level of energy you are willing to invest in this pursuit.