Meditation and the Creative Process
This course aims to help students explore meditation in relation to their unique creative processes. It will begin with a survey of meditation and contemplative techniques as well as the historical/cultural context for the origins of these practices in Southeast Asia (and elsewhere). We will then explore the possible connections between meditation and musical practice. Each class will consist of group meditation, reflection, breathing/movement exercises, and lectures. Students will be asked to commit to regularly practicing meditation alongside their artistic endeavors, complete weekly readings/reflections and check-ins, and complete a final project of their choosing (a live or recorded performance/improvisation inspired by the work of the semester). Students do not need previous meditation experience to participate in this course.