The musicians who make a real difference in our communities aren’t household names – they’re the musicians creating meaningful social connections through participatory music-making.
Join Dr Melissa Forbes - singer, researcher, educator, and community music leader - as she explores how these remarkable but unsung music leaders revitalise our social health.
Drawing on insights from positive psychology, social psychology, and leadership research, each episode features conversations with musicians who are building connection through their work.
Whether you’re a musician seeking meaningful work, a music educator training future musicians, or a health professional interested in music’s social impact, discover practical strategies for creating positive change through music.
Let’s make music that matters.
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The musicians who make a real difference in our communities aren’t household names – they’re the musicians creating meaningful social connections through participatory music-making.
Join Dr Melissa Forbes - singer, researcher, educator, and community music leader - as she explores how these remarkable but unsung music leaders revitalise our social health.
Drawing on insights from positive psychology, social psychology, and leadership research, each episode features conversations with musicians who are building connection through their work.
Whether you’re a musician seeking meaningful work, a music educator training future musicians, or a health professional interested in music’s social impact, discover practical strategies for creating positive change through music.
Let’s make music that matters.
6. From wrong to strong: Positive psychology and character strengths for musicians with Raina Murnak
Leading Notes Podcast
44 minutes 37 seconds
3 months ago
6. From wrong to strong: Positive psychology and character strengths for musicians with Raina Murnak
From wrong to strong: Positive psychology and character strengths for musicians
Both positive psychology and music leadership focus on human potential and growth. While traditional psychology often focuses on fixing what's wrong, positive psychology emphasizes developing what's strong - a principle that aligns perfectly with effective music leadership. Understanding our character strengths helps us lead authentically, create psychologically safe spaces for music making, and guide others toward meaningful musical experiences.
In this episode, Dr. Raina Murnak explores how positive psychology's emphasis on character strengths can transform music education and leadership. Whether leading a classroom, choir, or ensemble, knowing your strengths signature helps you lead from a place of authenticity rather than trying to emulate others.
Key Topics
What is positive psychology, and how does it differ from "toxic positivity"?
Character strengths assessment and development
Breaking free from the performer/teacher binary in music careers
The importance of authenticity in teaching and performance
Challenging traditional approaches to music education
Notable Quotes
"Nothing leads with its worst part and becomes something that we love. But music training ends up being that way."
"Every moment that I perceived as a failure or something I wasn't really great at doing is because I was violating my own principles."
"When you are really in flow with yourself, great things happen."
Resources Mentioned
VIA Character Strengths Survey
"Positive Psychology for Music Professionals: Character Strengths" by Raina Murnak and Nancy Kirsner (Routledge)
Dr Rick Hanson's HEAL method for hardwiring positivity: Have the experience, Enrich it, Absorb it, Link it
About Dr. Raina Murnak
Assistant Professor and Director of Contemporary Voice and Performance Artistry at the University of Miami's Frost School of Music. With over 20 years of collegiate music teaching experience, Dr. Murnak has developed innovative approaches to music education combining positive psychology with practical industry skills.
Follow Raina on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rainasiforbeauty/
Raina's website
Episode Highlights
The importance of understanding and working with your character strengths
How positive psychology can transform music educationBreaking down traditional barriers in music theory teaching
The value of authenticity in musical expression
Expanding career possibilities for musicians beyond performing and teaching
Connect with Melissa Forbes on LinkedIn Join the conversation about positive music leadership and community music making and share your thoughts about this episode using #LeadingNotes
Leading Notes is a podcast exploring innovative approaches to music leadership and education. Find more episodes at https://leadingnotespodcast.podbean.com/
This project was made possible by The Winston Churchill Trust’s Impact Fund, supporting Churchill Fellows to achieve impact in Australia following their Fellowship travels. Read more about the Churchill Trust and other Fellowship stories at ChurchillFellowship.com.au
Leading Notes Podcast
The musicians who make a real difference in our communities aren’t household names – they’re the musicians creating meaningful social connections through participatory music-making.
Join Dr Melissa Forbes - singer, researcher, educator, and community music leader - as she explores how these remarkable but unsung music leaders revitalise our social health.
Drawing on insights from positive psychology, social psychology, and leadership research, each episode features conversations with musicians who are building connection through their work.
Whether you’re a musician seeking meaningful work, a music educator training future musicians, or a health professional interested in music’s social impact, discover practical strategies for creating positive change through music.
Let’s make music that matters.
