More about Gwen...
Gwen Klassen is a an accomplished classical musician (Master of Music; Northwestern University), employed (Tenured) by the Calgary Phil as a recording and performing artist for over 28 years, and by the University of Calgary as a Sessional Instructor for over 20 years. Gwen is also the Founder and Director Wellness and Leadership Inc, is a Certified Life Coach (ILCT), Reiki Master, and Certified End of Life Doula. Her call to be of service to the community through different art forms bring a sense of safety, meaning, belonging, voice, and choice to her passion projects as she and her clients navigate life’s chapters and changes.
Ms. Klassen is contracted independently as a Wellness and Leadership Coach/Facilitator for group and one-one coaching, for musicians and non musicians alike. Gwen also has extensive administrative experience as the Founder and Director (producing, developing, fundraising, grant writer, marketing, bookkeeping) of the highly successful and unique Pender Island Flute Retreat Inc 2009-2021, with William Bennett and Lorna McGhee.
Wellness and Leadership Inc's recent productions include International zoom coaching circles for Women in Classical Music, a 12 part video series Mental Skills and Mindfulness for Musicians, partnering with Carolyn Christie, and a curated 13 workshop series for Mount Royal University Conservatory Advanced Performers Program Movement, Mental Skills, and Mindfulness for Musicians, with Guests and Gwen. WLI was also a NAAS sponsor for the Calgary Phil.
Gwen has published articles with Flutist Quarterly (USA flute society), PAN (British flute society), Una Voce (Orchestra Canadienne Symphony Musicians) and Prelude Magazine (Calgary Phil). In August 2023, Ms. Klassen presented a workshop at the National Flute Convention (US) with the support of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts grant.
In addition to performing all but one of the orchestral excerpts (flute solo in Daphnis) in her roles as acting principal flute, second flute/assistant principal flute, and piccolo of the Calgary Phil, Gwen has also performed 9 concerti with them, receiving many positive reviews in the Calgary Herald and Vancouver Sun. As a Chamber musician, Gwen has recorded for CBC, and independent labels. She also recorded and produced an album with International flutists William Bennett, Lorna McGhee, and pianist Colleen Athparia for the Pender Island Flute Retreat, of which she was the Founder and Director for 12 years. Ms. Klassen was a founding member of the Calgary chamber group Rosa Selvatica, and has frequently performed in recitals for the University of Calgary Celebrity Series and Instrumental Society of Calgary.
As a teacher, Ms. Klassen's students have gone on to win orchestra and teaching positions, have competed successfully in National and International competitions, as well as being accepted to prestigious graduate schools. In addition to leading Masterclasses/workshops at University of Calgary and Mount Royal University, Ms. Klassen has been a visiting guest lecturer at Acadia University, McGill University, University of Manitoba, and Victoria Conservatory. Gwen is a lifelong learner and is committed to both excellence and compassion in service of music and the community.
Ms. Klassen is a founding member of Calgary Phil's Health & Wellness committee and the Anti Racist Equity Diversity and Inclusion committee. Gwen has produced and performed in several fundraising recitals for the Cochrane Humane Society (4), Pender Island Flute Retreat (3), Red River Relief, and Syrian Refugees.
Gwen has performed in over 2500 professional orchestra concerts, over 40 chamber recitals, taught more than 7000 one-one flute lessons, coached over 300 hours (private, group, and workshops), and continues to delight and dance with what hasn't been discovered yet.
There are 2 more passion projects on the go; Conference for Women in Classical Music, and a Sensory Accessible chamber music series. Stay tuned!! If this sparks an interest for you, please do reach out!
Ms. Klassen is contracted independently as a Wellness and Leadership Coach/Facilitator for group and one-one coaching, for musicians and non musicians alike. Gwen also has extensive administrative experience as the Founder and Director (producing, developing, fundraising, grant writer, marketing, bookkeeping) of the highly successful and unique Pender Island Flute Retreat Inc 2009-2021, with William Bennett and Lorna McGhee.
Wellness and Leadership Inc's recent productions include International zoom coaching circles for Women in Classical Music, a 12 part video series Mental Skills and Mindfulness for Musicians, partnering with Carolyn Christie, and a curated 13 workshop series for Mount Royal University Conservatory Advanced Performers Program Movement, Mental Skills, and Mindfulness for Musicians, with Guests and Gwen. WLI was also a NAAS sponsor for the Calgary Phil.
Gwen has published articles with Flutist Quarterly (USA flute society), PAN (British flute society), Una Voce (Orchestra Canadienne Symphony Musicians) and Prelude Magazine (Calgary Phil). In August 2023, Ms. Klassen presented a workshop at the National Flute Convention (US) with the support of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts grant.
In addition to performing all but one of the orchestral excerpts (flute solo in Daphnis) in her roles as acting principal flute, second flute/assistant principal flute, and piccolo of the Calgary Phil, Gwen has also performed 9 concerti with them, receiving many positive reviews in the Calgary Herald and Vancouver Sun. As a Chamber musician, Gwen has recorded for CBC, and independent labels. She also recorded and produced an album with International flutists William Bennett, Lorna McGhee, and pianist Colleen Athparia for the Pender Island Flute Retreat, of which she was the Founder and Director for 12 years. Ms. Klassen was a founding member of the Calgary chamber group Rosa Selvatica, and has frequently performed in recitals for the University of Calgary Celebrity Series and Instrumental Society of Calgary.
As a teacher, Ms. Klassen's students have gone on to win orchestra and teaching positions, have competed successfully in National and International competitions, as well as being accepted to prestigious graduate schools. In addition to leading Masterclasses/workshops at University of Calgary and Mount Royal University, Ms. Klassen has been a visiting guest lecturer at Acadia University, McGill University, University of Manitoba, and Victoria Conservatory. Gwen is a lifelong learner and is committed to both excellence and compassion in service of music and the community.
Ms. Klassen is a founding member of Calgary Phil's Health & Wellness committee and the Anti Racist Equity Diversity and Inclusion committee. Gwen has produced and performed in several fundraising recitals for the Cochrane Humane Society (4), Pender Island Flute Retreat (3), Red River Relief, and Syrian Refugees.
Gwen has performed in over 2500 professional orchestra concerts, over 40 chamber recitals, taught more than 7000 one-one flute lessons, coached over 300 hours (private, group, and workshops), and continues to delight and dance with what hasn't been discovered yet.
There are 2 more passion projects on the go; Conference for Women in Classical Music, and a Sensory Accessible chamber music series. Stay tuned!! If this sparks an interest for you, please do reach out!
Employed
Tenured musician of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra - Assistant Principal Flute/Piccolo, endowed chair 1995-present
Flute Instructor at the University of Calgary 2003-present
Founder & Director, coach, teacher, performer, producer - Pender Island Flute Retreat Inc 2009-2021
Founder & Director - Wellness and Leadership Inc 2022-present
Guest lecturer - Acadia University, McGill University, University of Calgary, Mount Royal University, Victoria Conservatory, University of Manitoba 2014-present
Life Coach 2017-present
Occasional Adjudicator - Canadian Music Competition, Syrinx Flute Festival, Victoria Music Festival 2003-present
Chamber musician, free lance musician, recording artist, concerto soloist 1990-present
Founding member of Chamber Group Rosa Selvatica 1996-2007
Education
Tenured musician of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra - Assistant Principal Flute/Piccolo, endowed chair 1995-present
Flute Instructor at the University of Calgary 2003-present
Founder & Director, coach, teacher, performer, producer - Pender Island Flute Retreat Inc 2009-2021
Founder & Director - Wellness and Leadership Inc 2022-present
Guest lecturer - Acadia University, McGill University, University of Calgary, Mount Royal University, Victoria Conservatory, University of Manitoba 2014-present
Life Coach 2017-present
Occasional Adjudicator - Canadian Music Competition, Syrinx Flute Festival, Victoria Music Festival 2003-present
Chamber musician, free lance musician, recording artist, concerto soloist 1990-present
Founding member of Chamber Group Rosa Selvatica 1996-2007
Education
- Masters of Music; Northwestern University, Award for Performance Excellence
- Bachelors of Music, University of Manitoba, Deans List
- Life Coach Certification through ILCT 2017
- Reiki Master 2023
- ongoing professional development and CV - please download files below
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Experience
Workshop facilitator
Producer/Administrator/Performer
Arts administration
Pender Island Flute Retreat Inc Founder and Director 2009-2021 sold out, balanced budget every year.
Workshop facilitator
- 2024-present: curator and facilitator for Mount Royal University Conservatory Advanced Performers Programme. 13 workshops "Movement, Mental Skills and Mindfulness for Musicians"
- 2021-present: International Coaching Cohort Circle for Womxn in Classical Music Series, Musician Wellness and Leadership cohort coaching and courses Series, Flute Tapestry Series, Mental Skills & Mindfulness video series with Carolyn Christie and Gwen Klassen.
- 2023 National Flute Convention (USA) Presentation "Wistful Words of William Bennett". Video compilation of William Bennett teaching the first 8 of Moyse's "24" at the Pender Island Flute Retreat
- 2018 - Orchestra Canadienne Symphony Musicians conference - led mindfulness breathing
- 2014 - present: U of C, MRU, McGill, University of Manitoba, Victoria Conservatory, Alberta Teachers' Association, Pender Island Flute Retreat, Calgary Concert Band Association
- Mindful Musician Series - the impact of mindfulness practice on us in the practice room, teaching studio, stage
- Musician Wellness and Leadership Series - Introduction to "Brain, Body, Breath & Boundaries", Bend and Blend, Resonance, Resilience, Radiance, Team dynamics on stage, Flow and Finances, Core Values, Impact & Influence Series
- 2020 - present MWL Free Book Series: Brown, Pries, Moore, Nagoski, Saad. One chapter/week, meet once/week on zoom to unpack in community.
- 2023 National Flute Convention (USA) Presentation "Wistful Words of William Bennett". Video compilation
Producer/Administrator/Performer
- CD recording with International flute soloists (Pender Island Flute Retreat faculty), graphics design, and producer - 2011
- Pender Island Flute Retreat fundraising concerts and auction with members of the Calgary Phil and PIFR faculty - 4 years
- Strings for Strays with members of the Calgary Phil - Cochrane Humane Society - 4 years
- Red River Flood Relief with members of the Calgary Phil - Janina Fialkowska, Hans Graf concert in support of Calgary Phil musicians 2000
- Syrian Refugee fundraising concert with members of the Calgary Phil, partnership collaboration with PIFR, ISC and MCC. 2015
Arts administration
- Founding Chair of Health and Wellness committee - Calgary Phil - facilitating workshops with experts in the field. Leadership, team building, mindfulness, and hearing health. 2014-2016
- Founding member of Anti-Racist, Equitable Diverse and Inclusive committee, Rotating Chair - Calgary Phil 2020-2022
- Founding member of Presentation committee - Calgary Phil 2000-2002
Pender Island Flute Retreat Inc Founder and Director 2009-2021 sold out, balanced budget every year.
- programme creator, producer, director and developer
- Fundraising, grant applications, donations, sponsorship and donor relations
- marketing, promotions, social media, bookkeeper, graphics and website design and maintenance
- application, scholarship, fellowship, bursary adjudicator
- schedule, travel, food, facility, accommodation, insurance, coordinator for participants and faculty
- care and support of faculty, staff, assistants and participants, as well as for the vision
Articles published in OCSM (Orchestra Canadienne Symphony Musicians), Prelude (Calgary Phil), PAN (British Flute Society) and Flutist Quarterly (National Flute Association).
Musician Wellness and Leadership is produced by Wellness and Leadership Incorporated
on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (District 5 & 6), and all people who work, create and play in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (District 5 & 6), and all people who work, create and play in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
