First edition of The Exhale is a resounding success

When it became clear to Gwendolyn Masin, violinist and creator of The Exhale, that it would not be possible to host her retreat for musicians as a physical event in Switzerland over the Easter break, in a matter of a few weeks, she transformed it into an online event, offering participants a series of courses with leading artists and practitioners, covering a wide range of subjects from Baroque violin to Bircher muesli. Each day began and ended with a yoga session led by Clare Nicholls, while classes on technique, repertoire, teaching beginners, playing with freedom, improvisation and much more were interspersed with sessions on Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais, meditation, career development, and even food and nutrition.

Some 250 people signed up to take part in The Exhale, with over 1000 tickets sold and many sessions selling out quickly. The popular Artist Café events offered faculty and participants a forum to discuss aspects such as managing stage fright, the value of scales and studies, and breath control. And at a time when so many musicians and audience members are not able to engage in the concert hall or the classroom, leading international musicians Natalie Clein, Gary Hoffman, Roberto González-Monjas, Peter Sheppard Skærved and Máté Szücs joined Gwendolyn Masin and other faculty in conversation, giving participants the opportunity to gain valuable insights and inspiration from world-class professionals. The event has also demonstrated that it is possible to successfully offer online masterclasses and group workshops with the right technology and ef?cient administration to ensure sessions run smoothly.

“a very special place where there is a mutual respect and open trust for sharing resonating thoughts and ideas that come from an honest and sincere place in all of us” – feedback from faculty member

The aim of The Exhale has always been to create a “safe space”, free from the competitiveness of the profession, where musicians can come together without outward expectation, to develop and grow, learn from others, and nurture their inner wellbeing as well as hone their musical skills. The classes are open to professional, student and amateur musicians, and while the emphasis in this ?rst edition of The Exhale has been on string players, everyone has been made to feel very welcome. At a time when many musicians are in straitened ?nancial circumstances, The Exhale has sought to keep course fees to a minimum, with some classes being free of charge. It has also supported charities Caritas Switzerland, Yoga Stops Traf?ck and Purple Valley Yoga Retreat.

Gwendolyn Masin believes that The Exhale should continue as a legacy project both online and of?ine, when possible. The enthusiastic response to The Exhale has demonstrated the need musicians feel at this dif?cult time to come together, albeit in the virtual world, to learn, share insights, and draw support and encouragement from leading teachers and also one another.

“it's really changing the world for musicians” – Jennifer Johnson, faculty member, violinist and author of What Every Violinist Needs to Know About the Body.

Participant feedback:

“huge thanks for the wonderful opportunity over the last two weeks to immerse myself in this new learning environment. I have gained a lot of insight and it has helped shift my moments of uncertainty and fearful mindset into one of positivity and hope”

“Incredibly uplifting and inspiring”

“The Exhale classes felt incredibly honest, grounded, healthy, inspiring and open. I cannot describe the sense of relief in observing such a natural and ?uent approach to music performance…”

“Such a wonderful introduction to improvisation….It was so much fun and incredibly interesting. I’m certainly inspired”

“Thank you for an incredible and motivating experience!”

www.the-exhale.com