Music | Mind: Exploring the Inner World of Musicians

Music | Mind is a blog dedicated to the intersection of music and mental health—an exploration of the psychological, emotional, and philosophical dimensions of a musician’s life. Written by Heather O'Donnell, pianist and psychologist, this space delves into the unseen aspects of artistic existence: the motivations, struggles, and deeply personal rewards of a life devoted to music.

Musicians navigate a world rich with meaning but also fraught with challenges—self-doubt, performance anxiety, the pressures of a competitive industry. At the same time, they experience profound moments of connection, transcendence, and purpose. Music | Mind seeks to articulate these complexities, drawing on personal experiences, insights from clients, and perspectives from renowned artists and thinkers.

What does it mean to “feel alive” on stage? How can musicians cultivate resilience, balance, and artistic integrity in a demanding world? Can music truly bridge societal divides? Through reflections, anecdotes, and discussions on topics like self-leadership, boundary-setting, and artistic purpose, Music | Mind offers a thoughtful, compassionate, and sometimes provocative look at what it means to be a musician today.

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About Heather:

Heather O’Donnell is a psychologist (M.Sc.), Artistic-Systemic Therapist (DGSF), and the founding director of TGR The Green Room. Drawing on her own transformative journey from professional pianist to therapist after career-disrupting injuries, Heather has spent years developing innovative approaches to support individuals seeking health recovery, self-actualization, and sustainable well-being.

Her academic path began with a B.Sc. in Psychology from Freie Universität Berlin, followed by an M.Sc. in Prevention and Health Psychology from SRH Hochschule. She also holds a certificate in Musicians’ Health from the Kurt Singer Institute / Universität der Künste Berlin and is trained as a mindfulness teacher (MTTC) by Christopher Titmuss and Ulla König and as an Artistic-Systemic Therapist (DGSF).

Heather specializes in helping clients move beyond dead-end situations, exploring the root causes of blockages and uncovering blind spots. She works with individuals navigating illness and health challenges, career transitions, and major life restructurings. Having lived across multiple continents, Heather also supports clients in understanding and navigating intercultural dynamics, providing guidance rooted in personal experience and cultural insight.

Beyond her one-on-one work, Heather advises organizations on systemic change and leadership development, fostering healthier, more sustainable workplace cultures. She has presented at international conferences, including the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA) Symposium at University College London (2024) and Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City (2017, 2021), the European Network of Cultural Centers’ (ENCC) conference in Spain (2022), OTM On The Move’s forum on Mental Health & International Cultural Mobility (2023), the World Piano Conference in Serbia (2016), and the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Germany (2015).

As a guest lecturer, Heather has worked with institutions such as Columbia University, the New England Conservatory, Rhodes University in South Africa, and the Lebanese Higher Conservatory of Music. From 2017 to 2019, she served as a faculty member at the Eastman School of Music, offering workshops on well-being and professional development. In 2024, she was elected to the Board of Directors of the European Network of Cultural Centres (ENCC).

Heather’s mission is to help clients (re)discover their potential, find resilience, and design ways of living that align with their values and aspirations.