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 education
  
  Breaking down traditional barriers in music theory teaching


• The value of authenticity in musical expression


• Expanding career possibilities for musicians beyond performing and teaching

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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