Abstract
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on individuals’ personal and work life is undeniable, having exacerbated social, psychological, financial, and work-related challenges. After three years since the beginning of a world pandemic, the rise of mental health challenges makes us question how our approaches to performance practice and how research questions are addressing the emotional, motivational, and social needs in music learning and teaching.
This presentation will focus on a cross-cultural case series examining the wellbeing, learning and teaching experiences of performing arts students and teachers at critical times of the pandemic (e.g., during or post lockdown) across western and eastern countries. Findings unveiled critical issues related to cultural and contextual determinants, including inequalities in students’ access to space and resources; reduced sense of accomplishment, competence and autonomy among students and instructors; and high risk of stress and burnout, especially among instructors.
In a field of study centered on experiential and embodied learning and social connection, it is urgent to discuss how to better equip instructors and students to adjust, manage and thrive through adversity while recognising cultural and contextual determinants.
Biography
Dr Liliana Araújo is an academic, researcher and consultant specialised in performance psychology and performance science. Liliana worked as Programme Leader in Dance Science and Senior Lecturer in Performance Psychology in Music and Dance at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance (London, UK). Before joining Trinity Laban, she worked at the Centre for Performance Science (Royal College of Music, London, UK) as Research Associate for Musical Impact, a major research project investigating Musicians’ Health and Wellbeing.
She is Senior Fellow of Higher Education, having lectured in Psychology, Social Sciences, Sports, Arts and Performing Arts Medicine courses in the UK and Portugal since 2006. Her research interests are cross and interdisciplinary, with a focus on health and wellbeing, career development and excellence in performance. Recently, her research is focused on performing arts students and teachers’ mental health in collaboration with researchers in the UK, USA, Australia and Hong Kong.
Liliana works closely with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic as consultant for culture change and performers’ wellbeing. She designed and delivered psychological wellbeing training for Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (Malta), Southbank Sinfonia (UK), and London Philharmonic Orchestra (UK), among other organisations. Being committed to develop as a cultural leader, Liliana was recently awarded an Arts and Humanities Research Council bursary to pursue the Leadership Pulse programme by Clore Leadership (UK). She holds a PhD in Psychology, she is a chartered psychologist in the UK (BPS) and Portugal (OPP), and a certified stress management, health, and wellbeing coach.