I am pleased to announce that production work is now complete for the Piano Therapy Virtual Tour and we are ready to begin!
The tour is a series of hybrid events featuring the private screening of my solo piano concert film where I perform my compositions based on my own challenges and successes battling depression. The performance is interspersed with storytelling about my journey. Following the screening, I will join a live event via video chat for a discussion, facilitated by the host organization’s mental health professional, where attendees can ask questions, share their thoughts and experiences.
The event is geared to college/university music students, specifically addressing the challenges of a life in music. It’s intended to be empathetic and inspiring — whether someone is battling a mental health issue themselves or they have a colleague or loved one who is. The event can also be an opportunity for the hosts to promote the mental health resources and services they have available to their community.
Production took place this past summer, first filming the solo piano performance at Noble Street Studios…
Then we moved on to film the b-roll and interview portions…
Public speaking is something that I have regularly done over the years but having specific points to cover, especially on emotionally sensitive topics related to one’s mental health, made this process challenging. I got through it though and I’m happy I did it.
This journey would not have been possible without the support, guidance and vision of director, Andrew Lamb. I am also grateful to Erin, Alex and Iain at Endless Films for their professionalism and creativity. From an audio standpoint, the crew at Noble Street were top notch and my friend and long-time collaborator, Dennis Patterson, has done a masterful job of providing pristine-sounding audio.
Many thanks also to the Canada Council for the Arts for funding this project.
If you are a Faculty member at a post-secondary music school and are interested in having the Piano Therapy Virtual Tour “visit” you, please email me. Stay tuned to my social media channels and my e-newsletter to find out which schools the Piano Therapy Virtual Tour will visit.
