Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Training for musicians
My name is David Peralta Alegre. I am a certified professional coach (PCC – ICF), specialized in emotional intelligence and mindful coaching for musicians. In addition, I am a certified MBSR teacher, registered with the Mindfulness Register and a Category 1 member of the Dutch Association of Mindfulness-Based Trainers (VMBN).
As a professional violinist and principal second violin of the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, I combine over 40 years of experience in the music world with evidence-based mindfulness training to support musicians in their personal and professional growth.
MBSR for Musicians
I regularly offer 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programs, tailored to the specific needs of musicians and performing artists. This training is based on the original MBSR protocol developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, internationally recognized as one of the most effective methods to reduce stress and promote well-being.
Through practical mindfulness exercises, guided meditations, and self-reflection, you will learn to:
Stay centered under pressure
Regulate emotions during rehearsals and performances
Cultivate self-awareness and resilience
Reconnect with the joy of music-making
What to Expect
Before the training begins, you'll have a personal intake conversation, where we discuss your goals and explore how the course can best support you.
The full MBSR for Musicians program includes:
Eight weekly group sessions (2.5 hours each)
Guided mindfulness meditations
Gentle movement and mindful stretching
Awareness exercises to recognize stress reactions
Reflections and sharing in a supportive environment
A Silent Retreat Day to deepen your practice and integrate what you've learned
Audio recordings of meditations
A digital workbook with weekly guidance and reflections
Who Is This Training For?
This program is for musicians of all ages and backgrounds who want to improve their relationship with stress and tension—whether on stage, in rehearsal, or in daily life.
Whether you're facing performance anxiety, professional challenges, or simply seeking more calm and clarity,
MBSR offers practical tools to navigate stress with awareness and resilience
.
Practical information
Start date: September 10, 2025
Sessions: September 10, 17, 24 and October 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
Time: Wednesdays from 19:00 to 21:30 (CEST)
Silent Retreat Day: October 12, from 11:00 to 17:00 (CEST)
Location: Online via Zoom
Language: English
Fee: €450 (includes all sessions, digital materials, audio meditations, intake session, and retreat day)
Group size is limited. Spots are assigned on a first come, first served basis after intake and payment
TESTIMONIALS
What others are saying about the MBSR for musicians
"This awareness has brought a sense of calm"
"The MBSR program has been a truly eye-opening experience. I’ve learned to be more present and to create space between myself and my thoughts. While I still catch myself overthinking the past or worrying about the future, I’m now more aware that these are just thoughts-not reality. This awareness has brought a sense of calm, focus and clarity into my life. I highly recommend this journey to anyone seeking more mindfulness and peace in their everyday life.."
-Nir Rom Nagy
"My life changed forever"
"I am taking this new-found inner calm and connection to my natural needs and instincts. Letting go of perfectionism and actionism and prioritizing calm and mental clarity instead feels like a very valuable shift of perspective both for my professional and personal daily life. I feel like I am taking more responsibility for my life, my choices and reactions. Over all, I am much calmer and more in touch with my inner needs and subtle changes in mood and energy."
- Sophia Rasche
My name is David Peralta Alegre. I’ve lived in the Netherlands since 2000, where I completed my training as a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teacher at the Mindfulness Academie in Amsterdam, under the guidance of Mila de Koning and Rob Brandsma.
I am officially recognized as a Category 1 MBSR teacher by the VMBN (Dutch Association of Mindfulness-Based Trainers) and registered with the Mindfulness Register (SMR). I regularly teach 8-week MBSR programs online and in Heemstede, based on the scientifically supported method developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn. These courses help participants reduce stress, regain balance, and live with more awareness and intention. In addition to my work as a mindfulness teacher, I am a professional violinist and serve as principal second violinist with the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra.
The intensity of the musical profession has shown me—firsthand—how chronic stress affects both body and mind. Mindfulness made a profound difference in my life—not only in how I work, but in how I live.
My mission is to make the power of mindfulness accessible to anyone seeking calm, clarity, and greater control over their life. Whether you're looking for a practical way to reduce stress, live more fully in the moment, or make more conscious choices, this training could be a valuable step. Curious about how mindfulness might support you as a musician? Feel free to reach out or sign up for the next MBSR program.
Practical information
Start date: September 10, 2025
Sessions: September 10, 17, 24 and October 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
Time: Wednesdays from 19:00 to 21:30 (CEST)
Silent Retreat Day: October 12, from 11:00 to 17:00 (CEST)
Location: Online via Zoom
Language: English
Fee: €450 (includes all sessions, digital materials, audio meditations, intake session, and retreat day)
Group size is limited. Spots are assigned on a first come, first served basis after intake and payment
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness means being fully present with your attention in the here and now. Your body and mind are in the same place, at the same time—completely engaged in what you're doing.
But there's more to mindfulness than just focus. To truly be mindful, your attention must carry a certain quality: the quality of kindness and gentleness.
In other words, mindfulness is not just being aware— It’s being kindly aware of what’s happening, both within and around you. This may sound simple—and in theory, it is. But in daily life, it’s often surprisingly challenging.
Today, MBSR is taught worldwide and is one of the most well-researched mindfulness programs available.
Origins of MBSR
Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, a molecular biologist and meditation practitioner, developed the original 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program in the late 1970s at a university hospital in the United States.
The program was initially designed to help patients with chronic illness and pain learn to cope more effectively with their condition.
Over time, research showed that mindfulness could benefit a much wider audience—helping to prevent mental health issues, reduce stress, and support a healthier and more balanced life.
If you're unsure whether this program is right for you, or if you’d simply like to know more before signing up — I’d be happy to help. Feel free to reach out personally.
You can send me an email or request a short Zoom call to talk things through.
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