MWL Workshop and cohort coaching course Testimonials
"Gwen focused on developing the overall health of participants, and excelled in the way she intertwined practices designed to help mental, physical, or emotional health. She perfectly exemplified the idea that all aspects of our health are related, and we must strive to simultaneously take care of every aspect of ourselves......Gwen consistently led classes with her infallible sense of humor and an honest perspective from the eyes of an accomplished professional musician.... I always knew that the morning class would bring laughter and insightfulness....Gwen excels at teaching people to recognize and appreciate the people around them....Gwen created the friendly, encouraging, and supportive environment....”Sarah Meidel, Flute and Piccolo Faculty (Idyllwild Arts Academy Summer Sessions) and USC Student
"With Gwen we learned so much about how our unique voice can really inform the stories we tell. She gives us the freedom to do that without fear"
Dr. Julia Barnett 3rd flute/ Piccolo with Billings Symphony and Midland Odessa Symphony
"In discussions ranging from creativity to resilience, Gwen was willing to share her own personal experiences, allowing the floor to open up as a safe space for us all to take part in these very important conversations. The morning classes not only brought us closer in this way, but were a refreshing reinforcement that it takes a whole person to be a flutist - and that acknowledging our own as well as others' humanity can lead to more beautiful music than we could've dreamed of.”
Margaret Sloyer Sophomore, University of Colorado.
"...with Gwen’s classes, we incorporated Brain Gym, Qi Gong and Yoga in order to get as comfortable as possible in our bodies. Breath was then used as a door to our inner selves, as was tuning into the “now”, allowing the next step forward to more easily present itself. Performance anxiety was addressed in the larger context of mindfulness, a proven stress release method for all areas of life. Various techniques (laugh yoga, sharing our experiences, understanding left brain/right brain, as well as looking at the transition stages in our lives and our own resilience) helped the removal of personal blocks which left space for more creativity to blossom. We gave room to stillness and quiet which are the canvas on which we paint our music and ultimately our lives......Gwen’s incisive coaching techniques and well organized inner work topics opened new vistas for me and gave me the nudge forward that I have been looking for. Her work on the spiritual side as well as the practical side of flute playing was invaluable – a literal mine of information."
Kathy Baker, former CPO flutist. Resident and artist in Germany.
"The Impeccable Flutist" The Art of Flute Playing as a Template for How to Live Life with William Bennett, Lorna McGhee and Gwen Klassen
"With Gwen we learned so much about how our unique voice can really inform the stories we tell. She gives us the freedom to do that without fear"
Dr. Julia Barnett 3rd flute/ Piccolo with Billings Symphony and Midland Odessa Symphony
"In discussions ranging from creativity to resilience, Gwen was willing to share her own personal experiences, allowing the floor to open up as a safe space for us all to take part in these very important conversations. The morning classes not only brought us closer in this way, but were a refreshing reinforcement that it takes a whole person to be a flutist - and that acknowledging our own as well as others' humanity can lead to more beautiful music than we could've dreamed of.”
Margaret Sloyer Sophomore, University of Colorado.
"...with Gwen’s classes, we incorporated Brain Gym, Qi Gong and Yoga in order to get as comfortable as possible in our bodies. Breath was then used as a door to our inner selves, as was tuning into the “now”, allowing the next step forward to more easily present itself. Performance anxiety was addressed in the larger context of mindfulness, a proven stress release method for all areas of life. Various techniques (laugh yoga, sharing our experiences, understanding left brain/right brain, as well as looking at the transition stages in our lives and our own resilience) helped the removal of personal blocks which left space for more creativity to blossom. We gave room to stillness and quiet which are the canvas on which we paint our music and ultimately our lives......Gwen’s incisive coaching techniques and well organized inner work topics opened new vistas for me and gave me the nudge forward that I have been looking for. Her work on the spiritual side as well as the practical side of flute playing was invaluable – a literal mine of information."
Kathy Baker, former CPO flutist. Resident and artist in Germany.
"The Impeccable Flutist" The Art of Flute Playing as a Template for How to Live Life with William Bennett, Lorna McGhee and Gwen Klassen
I think (the MWL Intro classes) were meaningful because we touched on topics that aren't typically discussed within the academic setting. It is important to talk about the mental and emotional aspect of music and I wish I would have been exposed to this kind of stuff much earlier in my undergraduate. I think it would have helped me cope with music school much better.
The classes gave me the opportunity to slow down once a week and check in on my physical and mental health. It also brought more intention and meaning into my daily practice that I didn't have before. Providing a space to talk about important and vulnerable issues in music and life, and challenging me to dive deeper and ask questions about who I am and why I make music.
I learned a lot of techniques on how to be calm in the practice room, as well as grounding techniques. I also enjoyed hearing other people’s experiences and being able to share information I found useful :)
Takeaways from the course….
1.We feel emotions in our entire body and we need to allow ourselves to finish the stress cycle to avoid burnout.
2. I need to create boundaries for myself in the practice room as well as in rehearsals.
3. I need to remind myself that I am worthy of taking care of my mind and body. Being creative and humorous with practice, boundaries in the practice room, and the importance of being kind to myself.
The power of mantras, the power of both/and/at the same time, and the fact that there is always a way to connect music to life and to our bodies.... take the time to breathe before you practice and before you do anything stressful because it helps focus your mind and body. I also really liked all of the alliterations and quotes and sayings you gave us which are all really positive! I did feel a sense of safety in the group, mainly because it was so small. If it had been larger than I would have felt less comfortable.
Verbal acknowledgment of my thoughts as valuable and respected. Circle of respect within the group. Definitely (felt safe)! Everyone was open about sharing their answers and everyone was positive-smiling and nodding when others answered. We were all there to learn which was great. I like how everyone always had to answer every question so no one was singled out.
The classes gave me the opportunity to slow down once a week and check in on my physical and mental health. It also brought more intention and meaning into my daily practice that I didn't have before. Providing a space to talk about important and vulnerable issues in music and life, and challenging me to dive deeper and ask questions about who I am and why I make music.
I learned a lot of techniques on how to be calm in the practice room, as well as grounding techniques. I also enjoyed hearing other people’s experiences and being able to share information I found useful :)
Takeaways from the course….
1.We feel emotions in our entire body and we need to allow ourselves to finish the stress cycle to avoid burnout.
2. I need to create boundaries for myself in the practice room as well as in rehearsals.
3. I need to remind myself that I am worthy of taking care of my mind and body. Being creative and humorous with practice, boundaries in the practice room, and the importance of being kind to myself.
The power of mantras, the power of both/and/at the same time, and the fact that there is always a way to connect music to life and to our bodies.... take the time to breathe before you practice and before you do anything stressful because it helps focus your mind and body. I also really liked all of the alliterations and quotes and sayings you gave us which are all really positive! I did feel a sense of safety in the group, mainly because it was so small. If it had been larger than I would have felt less comfortable.
Verbal acknowledgment of my thoughts as valuable and respected. Circle of respect within the group. Definitely (felt safe)! Everyone was open about sharing their answers and everyone was positive-smiling and nodding when others answered. We were all there to learn which was great. I like how everyone always had to answer every question so no one was singled out.
Coaching Testimonials
"I found Gwen to be very to the point, helpful but not interfering in our coaching session. Her questions helped me find the direction I had in mind but hadn't completely formulated yet. I found her suggestions and hints to be just what I needed to go forward with the ideas that were incubating in my subconscious. Without leading me off my path, she offered ideas and experiences from her own life that reflected issues I have been having in mine. I would strongly recommend her as a coach to anyone who wants more clarity in their lives and could use some guidelines offered by a long time professional to find it."
~ Kathy Baker, professional flutist, teacher recording artist in Germany. www.nandinbaker.com
Empathetic Pragmatism-
"As a life coach, Gwen helped me to clarify my goals, and pursue them with renewed vigor and focus. I am blessed to have lots of wonderful opportunities in my life, and I felt that I needed to pursue them all equally. This left me feeling like I didn't have the time or energy to devote to perusing anything. In our coaching sessions, Gwen helped me identify what I wanted and got me to say it out loud, something I had never done before. We talked through strategies on how to clear some space for this goal and made a short-term and a long-term plan. As a fellow musician, I found her advice particularly insightful. It was refreshing to have an outside perspective from someone who knows the business. If you are considering a session with Gwen, go for it, you won't regret it!"
~ Dr. Alex Conway, second flute/piccolo Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
www.alexconway.net
Administrative testimonials
Gwen Klassen is the Founder and Director of truly unique The Pender Island Flute Retreat Inc 2009-2021.
We endeavour to cultivate a sense of safety, inclusion, community & connection,
while we explore the physical, mental and emotional aspects of flute performance and pedagogy.
Gwen was responsible for marketing, promotions, fundraising, book-keeping, social media, creating programme content,
as well as the care and safety of the participants, faculty, audience and community.
for more PIFR Testimonials, please visit
We endeavour to cultivate a sense of safety, inclusion, community & connection,
while we explore the physical, mental and emotional aspects of flute performance and pedagogy.
Gwen was responsible for marketing, promotions, fundraising, book-keeping, social media, creating programme content,
as well as the care and safety of the participants, faculty, audience and community.
for more PIFR Testimonials, please visit
"...Gwen, you have put together an amazing, so well thought out retreat imbued with your positive, enthusiastic, and open attitude! I loved meeting everyone and hearing them play! Your coaching sessions were great and a perfect way for all of us to open up and learn new techniques for helping our flute and life practice. Ruth Kasckow - www.flutemuse.com
"The really unique part of the Pender Island Flute Retreat is the time given to nurturing a healthy mind and spirit. It seems to me that in the cut throat music industry this element of life and musicianship needs to be the most important foundation from which students can grow. And yet it is often neglected entirely. This week has been a comprehensive exploration of healthy thinking patterns and habits. Some themes have stuck out in particular, either because they came up repeatedly, or because they are so important.
Firstly, we have a choice. No matter the circumstance, I get to choose how I will act and react. I do not need to be a victim of what happens around me. We all can access creativity. A part of this is knowing what I want, what my dream is.... If I am comfortable with who I am, it allows me to make healthy choices, and also to engage with and help others around me.
Resilience. This is so important – it can be grown through the above ideas, through mindfulness, through caring for yourself (as well as a compassionate outlook), through positive attitudes and a willingness to honestly examine our emotions, thoughts and how our body feels. I feel like the last point is particularly essential to take away from PIFR. It is easy to carry on these practices in a supportive environment that has been created by others – it is much harder to take a confident resilience with me no matter what situation I find myself in. Yet what a tool of empowerment that will be!" John Sutton - Flute Teacher, Performer Glasgow, Scotland.
For more click here.
"The Pender Island Flute Retreat is a gift to yourself. As a participant, the most important things I learned were self-acceptance and the tools to create a deeper level of artistry. Self-acceptance comes from the intense work....but more importantly, from the sense of community and caring of all the musicians in attendance. To this, I credit Gwen Klassen.... who constantly supported all our artistic and emotional needs as a worldwide community and what we contribute as artists. The Pender Island Flute Retreat experience is one I will hold in my heart for the rest of my life." Laura Schulkind, M.M., M.A.E.
"The really unique part of the Pender Island Flute Retreat is the time given to nurturing a healthy mind and spirit. It seems to me that in the cut throat music industry this element of life and musicianship needs to be the most important foundation from which students can grow. And yet it is often neglected entirely. This week has been a comprehensive exploration of healthy thinking patterns and habits. Some themes have stuck out in particular, either because they came up repeatedly, or because they are so important.
Firstly, we have a choice. No matter the circumstance, I get to choose how I will act and react. I do not need to be a victim of what happens around me. We all can access creativity. A part of this is knowing what I want, what my dream is.... If I am comfortable with who I am, it allows me to make healthy choices, and also to engage with and help others around me.
Resilience. This is so important – it can be grown through the above ideas, through mindfulness, through caring for yourself (as well as a compassionate outlook), through positive attitudes and a willingness to honestly examine our emotions, thoughts and how our body feels. I feel like the last point is particularly essential to take away from PIFR. It is easy to carry on these practices in a supportive environment that has been created by others – it is much harder to take a confident resilience with me no matter what situation I find myself in. Yet what a tool of empowerment that will be!" John Sutton - Flute Teacher, Performer Glasgow, Scotland.
For more click here.
"The Pender Island Flute Retreat is a gift to yourself. As a participant, the most important things I learned were self-acceptance and the tools to create a deeper level of artistry. Self-acceptance comes from the intense work....but more importantly, from the sense of community and caring of all the musicians in attendance. To this, I credit Gwen Klassen.... who constantly supported all our artistic and emotional needs as a worldwide community and what we contribute as artists. The Pender Island Flute Retreat experience is one I will hold in my heart for the rest of my life." Laura Schulkind, M.M., M.A.E.
