In this episode of Music on Mushrooms, I chat with classical guitarist and meditation teacher Manuel Bon (@thecenteredmusician) about how mindfulness can transform the way musicians show up to their practice, performance, and lives.Manuel shared how mindfulness practices like grounding, meditation, and somatic awareness can help us move through performance anxiety, creative blocks, and the pressure to be perfect. We also talked about the role of the music educator in holding space for students’ emotional experiences, and how we can begin to shift the culture of classical music toward one that supports mental well-being and authentic expression.

Whether you’re navigating stage anxiety or just craving more presence in your artistry, this conversation is full of grounded wisdom and gentle reminders to come back to yourself.

✨ Learn more about Manuel and his offerings at thecenteredmusician.com
✨ Find me at marykray.com or on Insta @marykray.studios to stay inspired on your creative journey!

In this episode of Music on Mushrooms, I explore the urgent need for compassion in music education. Speaking from personal experience and my trauma-informed training, I dive into what it means to be a safe, inclusive, and supportive educator and why it matters for students' artistic and personal growth. You'll hear about common but harmful dynamics like perfectionism, elitism, fatphobia, and unchecked egos, and learn how curiosity, nervous system regulation, and humility can help shift the culture. Whether you're a teacher or student, this episode is an invitation to embody the change our music spaces so deeply need.Follow the podcast on Instagram @musiconmushrooms to stay inspired & connected or visit marykray.com to collaborate! Let’s keep building a creative world where we all feel safe to be seen.

In this episode of Music on Mushrooms, I’m diving into something that so many of us struggle with: being seen. Whether it’s sharing your art, speaking your truth, or just showing up authentically, visibility can feel really scary. But it can also be one of the most powerful things we do for our growth, our goals, and our healing!

This solo episode is part pep talk, part reflection, and a reminder that you don’t have to be fearless to move forward, you just have to be willing.

We’ll explore:

- Why visibility feels so scary and why that fear is totally valid
- How to shift your mindset from fear-based action to heart-centered aligned action.
- The power of starting small and building confidence through intentional steps
- Why your goals become magnetic when you lead with love, not dread

This one’s for anyone who’s ready to stop hiding and start stepping into their purpose.

Follow the podcast on Instagram @musiconmushrooms to stay inspired and connected or visit marykray.com to collaborate! Let’s keep building a creative world where we all feel safe to be seen.