Workshops

From “Mindfulness for Musicians” to “Naming your ‘Why’,” we offer a great variety of workshops and group seminars via zoom or in person. Learn more about sample offerings here. We also design workshops/sessions to fit an institution’s needs. Individual workshops are available for purchase and can be geared to students, faculty or staff populations. We also offer workshop packages (that can include one-to-one coaching) and provide small group discussion guides to keep the discussion going post-workshop. We would love to tell you more and learn about your school’s needs—email us today to set up a free consultation.

One-to-one Coaching

A trained educational coach, Dr. Merideth Hite Estevez offers coaching conversations on an appointment basis or as part of workshop packages. These sessions will provide an additional outlet for the students/faculty/staff members to more clearly define their goals, needs and aspirations. These sessions work to help the coachee with self-regulation, stress, and envisioning a sustainable career as a musician or educator, unique to their goals and life’s purpose. Sign up for an appointment here.

“Having graduated from some of the world’s top music conservatories, having taught at numerous universities and schools of music, having played with a number of great orchestras—over and over, I kept noticing something… many of us musicians were struggling. Be it from burn-out or anxiety or the need to process or “recover” from our often intense training, I believe music schools can be a catalyst for positive change towards more joyful artistry. |: JOY :| is about creating the space for this work.”

—Dr. Merideth Hite Estevez, |: JOY :| founder and director

Program Director

Dr. Merideth Hite Estevez is an oboist, writer, coach, and educator. She has performed and taught throughout North and South America, Asia, and Europe, most recently as Associate Professor of Oboe at University of Delaware and as the English hornist for the Chamber Orchestra of NY. As active freelancer and sought-after recitalist, she has also performed with PhillyPOPS, OperaDelaware, Metropolitan Opera (NYC), American Symphony (NYC) as well as innovative shows with groups like Experiential Orchestra (NYC). Her education has taken her all over the world—Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Yale School of Music, Fulbright Scholar to Germany, and to The Juilliard School where she received her doctorate in oboe. 

Beyond performing and teaching, Merideth is also founder of “Artists for Joy: Lumina Arts Incubator” an organization which brings artists into community to debunk the tortured artist stereotype and spark joy. Her podcast Artists for Joy was a finalist in the 2020 Podcast Awards and has been downloaded over 13K times since its publication in April 2020. Through the weekly podcast, creative recovery small groups, and blog, she works with artists of all disciplines to explore topics related to overcoming creative block, finding inspiration, and working to cultivate a healthy sense of self as an artist. Merideth is also certified in Mental Health First Aid, a trained educational coach, and has also received training in trauma-informed teaching artistry. Listen to Merideth’s podcast and read more about her work with artists here.