Becoming mBODYed

Indiana University

We are excited to propose Becoming mBODYed, specifically tailored to meet the needs and positioning of Indiana University. Becoming mBODYed employs the Alexander Technique and Body Mapping, enhanced with Somatic Awareness, Cognitive Science, Mindfulness, and best practices for Injury Prevention. We work diligently to uphold a cutting-edge, research-based approach to the material. Guided by our values of safety, self-belonging, creativity, embodiment, and sustainable transformation, we strive for a person-centered, trauma-informed educational approach that ensures spaces fostering a mutually creative learning environment.

MEET THE FOUNDER

Shawn Copeland

Shawn L. Copeland is a pioneer in the fields of musician wellness and performance training. His innovative, creative, and transformational approach has set him apart as a multidimensional musician, pedagogue, and entrepreneur. His unique methods have established him as a leader, culminating in the founding of mBODYed, LLC, a company that is reshaping the landscape of performance training for musicians.

An accredited teacher and esteemed clinician, Shawn masterfully fuses the Alexander Technique and Body Mapping with various somatic modalities, including Somatic Trauma Therapy and Integrative Somatic Coaching. Shawn is passionate about infusing these somatic arts with current Neuroscience, Cognitive Learning Theories, and Best Practices for Injury Prevention.

His journey into this holistic world began in 1997 at the Brevard Music Center, igniting a lifelong passion for inclusive teaching. He believes that the body is an integral part of the creative process and cultivates nurturing spaces where individuals can explore their full potential. His unique pedagogy validates lived experiences and champions growth, having transformed the lives of countless musicians struggling with performance-related challenges.

Download Bio & CV

This proposal outlines educational and certification pathways designed to empower faculty and students to cultivate well-being, enhance performance, improve work-life balance, and optimize teaching effectiveness through the study and pedagogical application of Somatic Practices.

Cohort Details:

Cohort size: minimum of 5, maximum 10 participants

Participation is a minimum 2-year commitment, 3 years for certification through Alexander Technique International, Inc.

The Educator/Studio Implementation Track is for those interested in applying this work in their practice, performance, and pedagogy. We first build a foundational understanding and functional application of Somatic Practices. We then develop pedagogical tools that allow you to teach both the content and the principles in your teaching spaces, allowing you to provide transformational learning for your students.

Completing this two-year track certifies individuals to use Body Mapping and the principles of the Alexander Technique as pedagogical tools.

The Professional Certification Track is a three-year certification program that does not interrupt your current career trajectory. It provides a mentoring pathway centered on pedagogical best practices and trauma-informed teaching and ensures the necessary teaching and professional skills for success upon the completion of your certification. This program's principal area of development is hands-on teaching, the traditional teaching method of The Alexander Technique.

Completing this three-year track prepares individuals for certification through Alexander Technique International.

Content Delivery Systems & Assessments

On-site Educational Intensives for Students and Faculty:

Twice a semester: September/November and February/April.
Each visit is two days and will consist of cohort meetings, group classes, master classes, and private lessons for students and cohort members.

Cohort Members are required to meet 1:1 with mBODYed Faculty once per month, 2+ meetings are encouraged.
Faculty are closely monitored for progress toward benchmark standards for each semester of study.

Cost:

Becoming mBODYed Cohorts

$7,500.00

Per Individual, Per Year

price includes all travel expenses associated with the program

Next Steps

Please review the proposal and reach out if you have any questions.

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Objectives For Becoming mBODYed

To understand nervous system regulation as a means of mitigating performance-related stress and anxiety.
To integrate the principles of somatic practice into their individual performance methodologies.
To incorporate injury prevention principles, including the assessment of individual student needs through the development of observational skills to discern the interplay between personal habits, physical conditions, and environmental factors.
To establish conditions conducive to healthy performance practices and facilitate injury recovery through an understanding of neuroplasticity.
To develop individualized recovery plans for students based on an understanding of common performance-related injuries and the adaptation of practice and performance habits.

Testimonials

Elizabeth Bley, Owner, Betty Bley Studios, Northern Virginia

“Being a member of the mBODYed Teacher Training Cohort 3 has been life-changing for me. It has revolutionized how I think about practicing and performing, and has greatly enhanced the way I teach my students. I’m excited to continue in this journey of learning new and better ways to be an effective teacher and play without pain and tension.”
Kirsten Yon, DMA, Associate Professor of Violin, University of Houston

“The first year of mBODYed training with Shawn Copeland has been an incredible learning experience for me. I have gained valuable physical and practical knowledge, countless insights into my own practices, thinking, and proprioception, and a wealth of amazing tools for teaching. At the heart of Shawn’s mentorship is his unwavering commitment to creating deep, personal, unique body connections combined with a sincere trust of one’s instincts. I feel like he has shone a clear, bright light on a path I was already walking but was slowly feeling my way. My mBODYed work has translated into profoundly impactful teaching moments and deeply fulfilling performances- what a transformative gift for my body and soul!!”
Tali Morgulis, DMA Associate Professor of Piano, University of Houston

“My work with Shawn this past year was transformational. My ability to spot the connection between my students’ playing and the dynamics of their movements gave me an entirely new teaching tool box. Over and over again, I come back to Shawn’s idea of focusing on learning organic movements rather than learning correct notes. This concept helps my students internalize piano music in a more intuitive, fluid way.”
Member of Cohort 3, mBODYed Learning Teacher-Training Program

Regarding a recent performance, from someone who is recovering from focal dystonia:
“Using the techniques I have learned through mBODYed Teacher-Training, I had an incredibly successful performance with none of the tension and finger misfires that normally occur in my right hand. I am looking forward to the day that I can say that I am no longer affected by focal dystonia."