Is there a creative project aching in your soul?

Are you longing for skills to liberate your creative voice?  

Is your untapped talent yearning for someone who SEES it?

I have created a step-by-step program to walk you through this journey of self-expression.

Welcome to…

Now Accepting Applications for
Harness Your Muse

Starting January 2018

Applications are accepted quarterly. Once you’re accepted and have completed the onramp training, you’ll get to join the other impassioned musicians in the program who are changing their lives, building their dreams and sharing their unique creative voices in ways they’ve never done before.

Many people feel that simply going through the application process helps them clarify their creative ideas, so I encourage you to fill out the application if you’d like to get that kind of clarity.

• Are you ready to transform from being “A” something to being “THE” quintessential you?
• Ready to release the definitions others give of what you can and can’t be?
• Ready to define yourself in ways you don’t even have words for yet?
• Ready to embrace the emotional and physical work of revealing your true creative voice, your unique genius … and ready for the methodical work of building the infrastructure and habits that support that genius?

Then you are ready to Harness Your Muse.

• Structure is the foundation that supports creative expression.
• Practice slowly spins the dream into a real life.
• Accountability brings you back to balance when you drift … and drifting is inevitable.

This is your quest: To discover, to reveal, to share
your true creative voice.

The treasure you’re ready for is your unique creative voice.  And the quest is to find and release it.  For you that may be in a show, an album, a new repertoire – whatever you need to complete and release to move forward in your quest and shift you to the next level in your creative life.

My commitment is to coach you to complete the project, enhance your ability to create or create it, build your audience for it and help you build the infrastructure to support your sharing it with the world – whether that’s in theaters, concert halls, schools, the internet or the place that brings you most alive.

Yes … this IS possible.

“Our greatest dreams often look IMPOSSIBLE until the moment WE transform. That’s the moment our impossible dreams become INEVITABLE – and your ‘blocks’ are the catalyst for this transformation.”

Deborah Henson-Conant

THE PROGRAM

“Harness Your Muse” is a Group Program, to support and complete you as an artist.  You can choose the 6-month program or the 12-month program – though I recommend the 6-month. There are 3 basic ways you can engage in the program. You can choose to complete a project, you can choose to develop your skills or choose a journey of exploration.   

There are generally 3 ways I work with people, depending on where they are in their creative process – and your personal program will likely be some combination of these three.

1. JOURNEY of DISCOVERY

Sometimes we don’t ‘know where we want to go.’ When that happens, I help you create an “Odyssey Project” – it’s a creative practice that takes you on a journey of discovery, to REVEAL the form that your expression will take. This option helps you clarify yourself as a creative source and define your next steps. This is perfect in between projects, or when you’re just getting started and aren’t clear in what form you want to be expressing yourself.  

This is the development of a consistent artistic practice in which you are both discovering and creating at the same time. 

Example: You’ve wondered if maybe you’re a composer or a performer, but you have no idea what that means or how to get started.  You may have blocks in terms of your basic skills as well as confusion within yourself about whether you really can call yourself a composer.  This is a perfect opportunity for an Odyssey Project to explore what it means to be a composer and where YOUR composer lives. 

You need to get past your fears, your resistance, your ‘confusion’, your uncertainty and simply set sail.  I’ll help you determine the skills you need, move beyond the self-limiting beliefs or fears that are keeping you from simply setting sail on your creative journey. 

2. CREATION to COMPLETION

You can choose to COMPLETE a creative project with my guidance and support – through a combination of group coaching, direct feedback, trainings, live retreats and one-on-one mentorship with me.  This project can be a book, a concert, a composition, a suite of compositions, a one-woman show – or whatever your creative genius is longing to express. 

This combines creative development with project management, publicity and marketing, as well as mindset.  This is the part of the program you focus on when you’re shifting from being 

Example: You’ve just booked a show called “Classics to Jazz,” with a show date 6 months away.  But you don’t have a show.  This is a perfect scenario to work with me.  We’ll create your show, we’ll outline the promotion and get you set on what you need for production.

3. PERFORMANCE SKILLS  

There’s creativity and there are skills.  Sometimes we simply need technical skills in order to move forward.  For example, we may need to know the basics of how to play jazz on the harp, or how to make the shift from playing pedal harp to lever harp, or how to integrate story and music.  

I help you with musical technical skills – so long as they’re skills I have – as well as the mindset, 

You’ll choose this if you’re trying to do something you simply can’t do because you don’t have the specialized skills.  For example, if you’re already an accomplished player but you want to create a jazz recording – this is the area of the program you’ll focus on because you need to develop the specialized skill of playing jazz.

My particular area of unique skills is in jazz harp, electric harp, use of the looper, creative uses of performance collaboration, combining theater & music and combining movement with playing. 

… and then there’s SYSTEMS & PRACTICES

These are never as sexy as the discovery, creation or performance – but these are the parts of the program that will give your project a future, so we talk about them from the beginning – and we keep talking about them, as support for your creative transformation all through the process.

Support • Completion • Skills • Transformation

You’ve sought me out because you need help completing your project, building your skills or transforming yourself in to artist you know you can be.  Let’s start now.

You’ll move forward on your dreams, using a specific project as a catalyst to build the systems, skills and momentum to support you as a creative artist. You will complete this project, and share it. The project can be grandiose or simple. Made for the PUBLIC … or created for one specific person. The scope doesn’t matter.

The point is to complete it, share it in its own right – and also as the catalyst to create systems and practices you’ll use over and over again to complete and share other projects (or to re-share this one!)

The  Mastermind Group combines in-person and virtual training, coaching and support. We’ll be connecting regularly to focus on your project so you get support, feedback and insight on every part of the process. 

To  bring your vision to reality, the program uses clarity sessions (where you map out your project), retreats with 1-on-1 performance, online check-ins and coaching and email support when needed, as well as the huge library of resources and examples from my own experience – like tech riders, stage diagrams, press releases, promotion plans, etc.

Most importantly: you get my complete belief in – and support of – your artistic voice, its profound value and the importance that it be shared with this world in the way you want to share it.  Once you’re accepted into “Harness Your Muse” my belief in you and the value of your work is absolute. I will see what you’re creating and its potential impact  – even if you are still looking for clarity on it.

Having someone who can hold that vision for you is one of the most powerful creative supports you can ever have.

Here’s a list of some of the support that comes with the program. 

1. Live Online Clarity Sessions to help you ‘see’ you project and create a Big-Picture Map so you can see where you’re going and what you need to coordinate, from the artistic to the marketing – so you always have one place you can go back to to regroup and get a bird’s-eye view.

2.  The Harness-Your-Muse Toolbox: Worksheets, How-Tos & Practice Plans and coaching in how to use them. – plus access to any of the materials in my own personal vault – worksheets, templates, etc. that I’ve created for my own work or my team. 

3. Bi-Weekly Check-ins and Coaching Sessions in which members who sign up for feedback can share segments of their work for guided feedback and input in a mastermind format.

4. Q&A Sessions:  where you can ask anything having to do with any phase of your project, from the inception through to how to make the most of a great review.

5. FREE access to ALL online trainings and programs I offer through the Academy during your mentorship

6. Access to all mini-retreats  for hands-on training, direction and performance coaching.  In the past this retreat has taken place either in the Boston Area or in Wales.  For members who can’t attend the live retreat, we open at least part of the retreat for virtual attendance.

7. Emergency Email Support: When your questions are urgent, you’ll be able to email them and I’ll respond as soon as I can.

8. A Private Facebook Group where you can get support and input from the group, and coaching from me when you need it between coaching sessions.

9. The Support & Camaraderie of a group of committed artists like you who will cheer when you succeed at your quest – and who will understand and support you when you experience the challenges.

A mentorship is all about helping you bring YOUR vision to light.  That means clarifying that vision, helping you create it and share it with the world.  In order to do that, you get 1-on-1 support from your mentor as well as the other members of the mastermind. 

In “Harness Your Muse” it also means that you get:

• 1-on-1 guidance, feedback & support both in the virtual mentorship sessions and in the live retreats and mini-retreats.
• The creativity tools that help you envision your project or journey
• The development tools that help you shape and hone your initial vision into an expression of your unique creative passion that is ready to share — whether you share it on stage, on disc, on video or in print
• The production tools – like your stage plot, lighting and  tech guide – that help you prepare both yourself and anyone who works with you on the project – whether that’s your best friend, the technical director of the theater, or a publishing partner
• The promotion tools – like the press kits and outreach that helps you connect to the people who can help broadcast your message to a larger audience
• Guidance in your web presence & social media campaigns — website, social media presence — that help you tell your story and reach your audience

PLUS: Full Access to Hip Harp Academy Programs

As a member of “Harness Your Muse” Mastermind, you get free REGISTRATION to every one of my online programs during while you’re in the program.  That includes every program in Hip Harp Academy plus any other online masterclasses or programs I offer through Hip Harp Academy while you’re a member of the “Harness Your Muse” program.

Now Accepting Applications for
Harness Your Muse

Applications are currently open. Once you’re accepted and have completed the onramp training, you’ll get to join the other impassioned musicians in the program who are changing their lives, building their dreams and sharing their unique creative voices in ways they’ve never done before.

Many people feel that simply going through the application process helps them clarify their creative ideas, so I encourage you to fill out the application if you’d like to get that kind of clarity.

Students Speak about working with DHC

Do I have to be an advanced player to be in this program?

Artists of many different technical levels have succeeded in this program.  My goal is to help you explore and share your unique  talent and expertise in a way that brings you to the next level of creative expression, and connection with your audience – even if you don’t know who that audience is yet – even if you’re not completely clear on what that particular creative expression is.

One of the first things we do in the program is a Clarity Session to help you start seeing your own creative expression more clearly.  One of my favorite things a member of the program said after that first session was “Wow, I have more vision than I thought I did.”

People have created shows, concerts, new albums, compositions, books, sheet music and even online learning platforms through “Harness Your Muse.”  Some people have spent their first year in the program on what I call an “Odyssey Project” where they simply explore a  question about creativity, which helps them discover their own unique expression.

How much does “Harness Your Muse” cost?

Before you think about money, first think about why you want to join this program.  How will it change your life? How will your creative life expand? What will you bring into the world by committing to the program? How will you grow as an artist from working so closely with me?

Are you willing to commit a project or the yearlong exploration of creative idea and sharing it through this program? Are you willing to consider that you could become the kind of artist you most deeply admire?

The 6-month program is currently $6975, the 12-month program is $12,950.  You can pay in full or arrange a deposit and payment plan.

Can I think about it and apply later?

You could…but spots aren’t always available. Once all the spots are filled, I’ll close registration – and sometimes I close it early if I feel the group is complete. So if you’re thinking about joining Harness Your Muse, APPLY NOW!

How do I apply? What’s the process?

1. Click this link to open the online application.

2. Fill out the application in as much detail as you can, but don’t worry about doing it wrong. Just answer honestly, knowing that you may end up changing some of the answers later after you enter the program. (I personally recommend answering the questions in a separate document and cutting and pasting them into the application form)

3. Click “Submit” – and you will receive a copy of what you just submitted (so you can remember what you wrote!)

4. I’ll contact you within 48 hours and arrange time for a quick chat if you have any questions about the program before joining or if I have questions about your application.

5. If you’re selected I’ll send you a payment link that will let you pay a deposit (if you’re choosing the payment plan) or the full amount (if you’re choosing to pay in full).

6. You’ll sign a contract, we’ll jump right into your first one-on-one call with me and begin a journey together that will change your life.

What if I don’t have a project??

Sometimes people have a sense of WHERE they want to be first and then they create the project to help them get there – and that’s just as valid as having the project idea first.

Some people just know they want to make a change. That’s also a valid reason to consider the program.

The best thing to do is to fill out the application and in the part that says “Is there anything else you want to tell me” – just explain any of your concerns, or thoughts.

How much of my time will this take?

That really depends on what you want to do. In a perfect world, we figure out how the program fits with what you’re already doing so what you learn in the program can enhance it, or so you can incorporate what you’re already doing – and not start completely from scratch.

For example, if your project was to create a website that showcases your music I’d want to know how you’re already sharing your music (even if you think you’re not) and then build up from there.

If your project is to create a concert, we’d start by looking at what music you already play and how to enhance that and put it into ‘concert’ form. Then we’d look at how to create the infrastructure a ‘concert’ needs to support it: a hall, tickets, programs, lighting, publicity, etc.

The program is tailored to each person in it so if you discover you don’t have as much time as you hoped, or you have more than you expected, we can adjust – which is what you always have to do in life with projects.

Thus said, anytime you want to create something new in your life, you can assume that you’ll want to spend 3 kinds of time on it:

• Regular ‘Habit-Setting’ time each day where you simply check in with each element of your project to stay in touch (that can literally start with 5 minutes a day)
• At least one focused Work-Play Session each week, where you’re focusing on the work and play of your project. The time we spend together in the program (Q&A’s, Online Group Coching, Training Segments)
• Realistically, there’s always some sort of crunch time at some point

You’ll also have trainings and coaching as part of the program.

The point of the program is to make a real shift – whether it’s in your career, your performance, your art, or how you’re showing up as an artist/musician in the world. And that does mean investing yourself and your time in the program – and the time you invest in the program is time you’re investing investing yourself and your time in you and your passion.

Why do I have to apply first? Can’t I pay now and get my spot?

I’m thrilled you’re so excited to join the group, but please complete the online application first so I have a better understanding of what you want to get out of the program – plus the questions in the application give me insight I need to have even once you’re in.

If you’re in the middle of another deadline right now, you want to save your place and you simply don’t have time to complete the application, just let me know (use the “Ask a Question” form – it always reaches me most quickly) — and we can work out a schedule for you to finish it. And if you’ve applied in the past for the solo 6-month version of the program and you’re still interested in applying with the same project, just let me know and I may be able to waive the application process.

I live outside the United States. Can I still apply?

Absolutely! You’ll still be able to do all the virtual work, the private calls with me and get feedback on your work –and we may be able to Skype you into parts othe live retreats. Depending on the size of the group and everyone’s schedules I may also be able to extend one of the retreats if it’s at a time that more people can attend – so that people will have a chance for individualized hands-on attention.

Some projects may not actually need live hands-on. For example, if you were creating an online musical storybook – or other web-based product – you might get just as much by Skyping into the retreat, sharing your book virtually and still getting the power of the mastermind in that way.

Can I bring my baby, spouse, pet, business partner, etc. to the live retreats?

You’re welcome to bring anyone you want with you to the Boston area – and my studio is close to public transportation and to many historical Boston-area locations (like … we’re located directly on the Minuteman bike trail from Cambridge to Lexington) – but in order to maintain the focus and privacy of the retreats, no-one outside the group will be present during the sessions.

However, I highly suggest extending your stay a few days before or after each retreat if you want to enjoy some of the attractions of the Boston area.

Where will we stay during the retreats?

You’ll be responsible for your own food and lodging during retreats, but thus said, there are a few guest rooms in my studio building and if you’re comfortable with rustic accommodations you’ll either be able to stay in the big house (between $75-$95/night depending on the space) or find AirBnB-type accommodations in the neighborhood.

We’ll have tea and light snacks available for break times, there are many shops and cafes in the neighborhood and we’re right on a bike path near a park where, during spring, summer & fall, there are usually rental bikes available.

Apply NOW to Hold Your Spot

Enrollment is limited – so click the image below and join me to harness your muse … and begin the journey of your creative lifetime.

Let’s DO this … together.

Questions?

If you have any questions about “Harness Your Muse” Mastermind and if it’s right for you,
use my “Ask a Question” form to get directly to me