Music is often described as the universal language—a lifeline, an emotional outlet, and a source of deep personal expression. But behind the curtain of concerts, recitals, and studio classes, there's a quieter, sometimes more painful reality that too many musicians face: the mental health challenges that come with the pursuit of perfection, performance anxiety, burnout, and isolation. As both musicians and mental health advocates, this topic is close to our hearts. We've faced our own personal battles with mental illness—some visible, others tucked behind practiced smiles and “I’m fine.” That’s why we’re writing this during Mental Health Awareness Month: to raise our voices for those who may not yet feel ready to speak, and to remind students, educators, and professionals in music that they are not alone. The Hidden Struggles of Musicians and Music StudentsMental health challenges are common in the music community, but they’re often overlooked or minimized. According to data compiled in resources like the James Madison University Department of Music’s Mental Health and Resilience Guide, musicians are at heightened risk for issues such as:
A perfectionist culture, long hours of solitary practice, high expectations, and inconsistent income for professionals can all contribute to declining mental health. For students, these pressures are compounded by academic stress and social isolation. A recent article from the Mayo Clinic also highlights how early mental health issues can emerge in young people—making early recognition and intervention essential. 
Michael playing his French Horn in college
Recognizing the Warning SignsWhether you're a teacher, peer, or colleague, being able to identify warning signs of mental distress can make a life-changing difference. Look out for:
As educators and mentors, our job goes far beyond teaching music. We must also tune in to the human being behind the instrument. Encouraging Help and Creating Safe SpacesIt's not always easy to talk about mental health—especially in environments where high achievement is expected. But creating space for open dialogue can break stigma and save lives. Here are a few simple, compassionate ways to support a student or peer:
Normalizing mental health conversations in music education is just as important as scales and technique. You can’t perform your best if you’re silently hurting. A Personal Note from UsWe’ve lived through the late-night anxiety spirals before big auditions, the tears after tough rehearsals, and the pressure to be “perfect.” As educators we have seen our students struggle with this and have struggled with it ourselves to be the "perfect" educators. If you're struggling, please don’t wait for it to get unbearable. Help is out there. Healing is possible. And most importantly, your worth is not defined by your performance. Helpful Resources
Let’s Keep the Conversation GoingLet’s be brave enough to be honest—and kind enough to listen. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s make music education a more compassionate, mentally healthy space for everyone. 
Rachel playing her oboe in college
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Spring is here, the weather is warming up, and our students are wanting to get outside. (So are we, if we're honest, right?!) It feels like we have to step up our teaching game a little this time of year to keep their focus on the music and not the siren song of sunshine pouring through the window. I love mixing in new games to help them keep moving forward in their lessons.
My favorite tool during Easter season is the plastic eggs from the dollar store. They're easy-to-find, cheap, fun, and versatile. Below are a couple games my students love. Easy prep and set-up are a must around here, so be sure to try these out on your students today! Free printable available at the bottom of the page to make it easy to put these games together. Plus, I added a blank sheet of cards to the printable so you can make your own if you'd like. What are your favorite games using plastic eggs? Share them in the comments, so we can try them out! 
Sample set-up of Musical Egg Basket
Musical Egg Basket
Egg-ceptional Rhythm
Drop the egg pieces in the basket and ask the student to match up the tops to the correct number of beats on the bottoms. After they understand the game, take the eggs apart, drop them back in the basket, and have them do it again for time.
Sample set-up of Correct Chord-egg Game
Correct Chord-egg
Option 1- Cut out the Major and Minor Chord Cards and close one inside each plastic egg. Place the eggs in the basket. Have the student pull out an egg, identify the chord value inside, and play it. For extra fun, hide the eggs around the room ahead of time and have a quick egg hunt before starting the game.
Option 2- Cut out the Scale Chord Value Cards and close one inside each plastic egg. Place the eggs in a basket. Choose a scale you will be working in. Have the student pull an egg out of the basket, identify the chord inside within the scale chosen, and play it. After going through the eggs once, return the cards to the eggs and play again for time.
 Letter name and Chord Printable
Oboists are their own breed of student. They're typically driven and focused with an eye for details. We love their virtues and it's a good thing because they can be odd ducks, no pun intended! Our ensembles need the gorgeous sound their instrument produces when played well. How do we help them hone their skills, so they can be an asset to our ensemble? Below are 5 resources I suggest and use to help my oboe students on a regular basis.
Private Teacher
Oboe students need someone who speaks their language. Someone who knows when to commiserate over a terrible reed and when to kick them in the pants and get them to USE MORE FOCUSED AIR! That someone needs to have more experience on the oboe than a 6 week course in the undergrad can give. As a private oboe teacher I understand that we're a little bit like unicorns, elusive, yet magical when found. There are a couple options to help the search and assist students who are in more rural areas. Start at the nearest University. Shoot an email to the oboe professor and ask for some recommendations. They typically have a feel for who is in the area or which university students are ready to take on their own studio. If the nearest University is too far, then feel out your current area. Ask other directors in neighboring towns if they have any connections. Even if the student can only afford to travel and meet with their teacher once or twice a month it's more instruction and direction then they would have otherwise.
Honor Ensembles
Be sure to take advantage of any opportunity you have to help them come in contact with other oboists. We're a rare breed and in many cases tend to be on our own in our ensemble. I grew up in a rural area. Until my senior year I was not only the sole oboist in my band, but also my school, my district, and the neighboring districts, as well. My first contact with other oboists was when my director took us to an honor band at our nearest university, about 1.5 hours away. I was so floored that other oboists existed. It was a Jasmine moment...
I was able to spend the weekend "talking shop" with the other oboists. We shared places we had found to buy reeds, favorite fingerings for different notes, and bragged about how much we practiced. It was a great way to encourage a deeper love for honing our skills.
Youtube
In today's digital world, our students have a whole universe of video resources at their fingertips for free. In seconds they can access recordings, lessons, and masters of their instrument. Sorting through the less desirable uploads can be daunting at times. I've included a list of Youtube channels that I find upload quality content on the free printable at the end of the page. When it comes to using Youtube to access recordings of solos and other pieces, I always encourage my students to use a critical ear. Does the performance sound polished? Did they use proper dynamics and intonation? If they find a lack-luster performance, we use it as a teaching tool. What could the performer have done better? What exercises in their practice could hone those skills?
ASU Oboe Resource Page
Martin Schuring is a great resource when it comes to the oboe. His recordings are fantastic and he has done a great deal in supporting the oboe community during his career. The resource page he has built on Arizona State University's website is a great place to send your students with questions. He has articles on a variety of topics to support the emerging oboist. I've included it on the free printable at the end of this page. You can also access his page HERE.
IDRS or International Double Reed Society
As per their website, they are "a worldwide nonprofit organization made up of professional double reed players, students, amateurs, hobbyists, university/college instructors, music teachers, institutions, instrument manufacturers, double reed product retailers, reed makers, and enthusiasts." Their website hosts a wealth of knowledge on all things double reed. Resources to answer fingering and playing questions, lists of competitions, a marketplace to purchase instruments, and up-to-date information on the IDRS Conference. A five day event held at a new location each year specifically geared toward double reed players. I had the opportunity to go while I was in college. My sister, a bassoonist, came with me and for those five days, we were in double reed heaven! 
Pics or it didn't happen, right?! Thank you early 2000s camera for the incredible exposure, lol. This was before the days when you carried a great camera in your pocket.
Conclusion
Now that you've found a couple helpful nuggets in this list, be sure to download this printable and use it as a resource for your oboe students. Thank you for supporting your oboe students and helping them develop their skills! I'm always happy to answer any oboe questions you might have, feel free to shoot me an email! Download the Printable HERE or click on the image below. 
  This year I was blessed with the opportunity to attend the Midwest Clinic. This is the second time I have been able to attend and it is such a wonderful experience! I was able to attend sessions on new music and small schools. I learned a lot from educators around the United States about how to run my program better and how to provide opportunities to my students to enrich their musical education and experiences. I was also able to reconnect with some wonderful people and meet some new composers and educators. Getting to see my composer collective friends and help them sell some music and make connections was definitely one of the highlights of this trip. Shoutout to all my CodaChrome Collective friends and the help they give me in becoming a better composer. One thing I really enjoyed about this trip was how I got to and from the conference. I got to ride a train. Something that I have dreamed about for a long time is taking a cross country trip by train. This may seem silly since the time it takes to travel is so much longer than flying, but I have to say it was quite enjoyable! The stress of packing and getting on the train was so minimal. The ability to sit back and enjoy the countryside and see sights I might never have seen in any other way was so relaxing. Being able to sit back in my seat and let the engineers and conductors direct our train to our destination was so peaceful. When I got to the conference, I was not nearly as stressed as I have been when I get off a plane that is stuffed full, emerging into an airport that is also jam packed and then trying to make it to my hotel. Instead I got off the train, grabbed my bags and walked into the grand vista that is the Chicago Union Station. It was all decorated for Christmas and Hanukkah. The tree that filled the center of the station was decorated with all the different railways that have, or currently, run through that station. I was able to walk through the station and catch an Uber. Despite there being some heavy construction going on in and outside the station, it was relatively painless. Once I got to my hotel, it was only a matter of walking to the conference center at McCormick Place. One thing I love about this conference is that even though it is a large international conference there are three hotels directly connected to the convention center by sky bridges. If you have ever been to Chicago in December, you know it can be cold and snowy! You almost never have to go outside, which is super nice. I could enjoy the vistas of Chicago without having to endure the cold too much. One of the benefits of this conference is the networking I get to do. I was able to meet many new people and see some familiar friends. It really helps me feel connected in a world where I am isolated from a lot of my colleagues. Even in the digital age it is nice to get together and discuss things in person, grab a bite to eat together, and talk about our personal lives in addition to the usual business. It helps me solidify those friendships and rejuvenate in a time of year when music education can get a little difficult. Speaking of rejuvenation, I have had a hard time being creative lately, especially in the realm of composition. I finished two pieces this year, but it was a stretch for me. I haven't felt like myself and have struggled with depression that has been worse than I've ever experienced before. The bouts of depression have continued to worsen these last few years and I've finally garnered up the courage to do something about it. I had been worried that I wouldn't ever be able to compose like I used to, and making these changes and attending Midwest has helped me turn over a new leaf. I was able to get a good start on a new piece that I'm really excited about. I can't recall the last time I felt excited to be writing something, but when I was on the train and traveling back through Illinois and Iowa, the ideas just started flowing and I came up with three movements worth of musical ideas and concepts in a matter of minutes. It was exhilarating! I haven't felt such clarity of thought and passion for my music in so long I had forgotten what it felt like. The rejuvenating effects of hanging out with colleagues and learning together are so valuable. If you ever get a chance to attend a conference, I highly recommend you go! As things return to normal home life, I'm looking forward to the new year and teaching my students, as well as writing new music. I hope the holidays have treated you wonderfully and that you find happiness, joy, and peace this season! Here's to new music and new adventures!  Look at the new scarf! Won't Rachel be surprised! Several weeks ago I had the opportunity to go on a girl's trip with all but one of my four sisters, my mom, and a friend. We headed down to St. George to find some sun, hike, and do whatever fit our fancy for the weekend. I put off getting packed to go until almost the last minute. I wasn't sure about taking the time from home. I had things I needed to do and I felt guilty leaving everything to Mike for the weekend just to have fun. Mike kept encouraging me and reassuring me that he had everything under control, so I agreed and threw the things I needed into a bag. Our first hike was along a beautiful trail filled with red rocks and tall canyon walls. I joked and chatted with the ladies and enjoyed the gorgeous views. I found more relief in not being needed than I thought I would. No one needed me to undo their seatbelt or toss snacks into the back seat on the way there. I didn't have to tie several pairs of shoes before we set off on the hike. No one asked me to help them scramble up a rock or back down from a ledge. I missed my little guys, but felt a bit rested. The biggest thing I noticed was the silence. There isn't much room for silence in my current season of life. There are so many questions that need answered and requests that need filled, my ears are met with different sounds almost every minute. I relished the quiet crunch of my sneakers on the sand. I let my mind soften into that silence.  That night we enjoyed a bright orange sunset on the way to the AirBnb and I read my book, studied my scriptures, and crawled into a cute little bunk with two of my sisters giggling nearby. The next morning I woke early and found myself in silence again. My mind was rested and ready to get up. I had some thoughts about a song I could write to describe our hike the day before. I snuck downstairs and rummaged in my bag to find the manuscript paper I had tossed in just in case there was time to work on some arrangements. I am an arranger. I've been arranging simple pieces for my piano students for years. I love giving them access to their favorite songs at their level of playing. In our house, Mike is the composer. I've never had the desire to write my own music. I don't hear the world the way he does, but this morning it felt different. I had musical ideas bouncing around in my head and I needed to get them down on paper. In the quiet of the morning I wrote my first song. We had the opportunity to spend some time in the St. George Temple and on the grounds later that morning. More beautiful silence was added to my weekend there. We then packed up a lunch and headed for Snow Canyon. The views in Snow Canyon are amazing. We made our way to the top of a bluff and some of the ladies wanted to climb up higher on the rocks. I was content to rest where we were and enjoy the view. I have to be careful to not push my body too hard while it's still healing from the past year. I settled down with my mom and sister. I took some pictures and pulled out the manuscript paper. In the silence on the bluff I could hear the beat of a hawk's wings that flew overhead. That's how quiet it was. It was blissful and more musical ideas made their way onto the paper.  Later, I took a short hike by myself while waiting for some of the ladies to make their way back to the van. More silent thought and musical ideas. This whole experience was completely new to me and I was loving it. No wonder Mike loves composing, it is so freeing.  We made our way back to the AirBnb after grabbing some smoothies and laughed while we each worked on some creative projects. I pulled my manuscript paper out again to get started on some of the ideas that were vying for space on the paper. I went to bed early, enjoying the quiet time to read and write some thoughts down. The next day we ended our trip by visiting a cute park up on the hill in St. George. After that we were ready to get back home. I was missing those little arms around my neck and I was excited to share what I had accomplished with Mike. It was a beautiful weekend. Full of love, laughter, and quiet.  My experience with the power of silence opened up a whole new world of music I haven't experienced before. It was amazing. I teach music, Mike teaches music, we listen to music, we make music, we help our kids make music, he writes music, I arrange music. There's always music present in my life, but this was different. It was my own music, coming from inside me when my world fell silent. I could hear it. It feels good to create special pieces for new musicians. It's not full orchestras or fancy, complicated music. That's not really part of my passion. It's simple melodies to inspire new musicians. It's beautiful and makes me so happy.
Marching band season is in full swing, fall sports have filled up our student's schedules, and the favorite sugar-inducing-coma holiday is just around the corner. Are you feeling the craziness of the fall season? We know we are! Here is a list of our favorite go-to stress relievers for the season:
This fall, don't let the busy schedules and endless prep for the upcoming holidays keep you from being an effective educator. Setting aside a little time for yourself can really help your mind and body reset and be ready to go again. 
The back-to-school energy boost is waning, the fall calendar is as full as ever, and our tank is starting feel pretty empty. Does this describe how you or your students are feeling as Halloween approaches? Us, too, you are not alone! Here are a few tips I've compiled through the years to keep our students motivated.
This time of year, when we see their eyes start to glaze over and their minds start to wander to what they want to be for Halloween, it can help refocus their energy if we switch things up a little. Feel free to adjust any of these suggestions to fit your needs in lessons and the classroom. Keep up the good work! Fostering the musicians of tomorrow is a beautiful work!
Welcome to our new adventure!
We are excited to be embarking together!
A little history about how this website came about:
Michael has enjoyed composing music since his time at BYU-Idaho, years ago. He has worked at collecting recordings and honing his craft for years. He has been marketing his music and had his own successful website running for the past 10 years. Earlier this year I started marketing the arrangements I create during my time as a private piano teacher. As I listed them and the sales began to come in, I realized if I wanted to be able to reach as many early performers as possible, I would need a website. Michael and I were discussing this in the kitchen one day and decided that if we combined forces we could be a one-stop shop for educators and performers alike! We are dedicated to covering your music needs: -Search the arrangements tab to find arrangements of various popular songs on a variety of instruments. This list will continue to grow each week. My goal is to be a quick resource to help your students stay excited and motivated! -Check out the Compositions tab for original pieces written by Michael in a variety of ensembles and skill levels. New pieces will be added regularly as he creates fresh resources for your ensemble. -Not finding what you need? No problem, click on the Commissions tab and send us a quick explanation of what you're looking for. We'll be in touch quickly and create something new just for you! -Wondering about a question in your content area? With experience in a wide variety of music areas, we will be sharing experiences and knowledge from ourselves and colleagues through the Blog page regularly. -If you would like some more information about Michael and I, including our experience and short bios, visit the About page. We can't wait to see where this new journey leads. We are here to help support you and share a love of music to whoever we can. If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at [email protected]. We're excited to hear from you! |
AuthorAfter falling in love at college, Michael and Rachel Mitchell began a journey to share the love of music with their five boys and others around them. They enjoy sharing their experiences and knowledge. Archives
April 2025
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