
"Gwen focused on developing the overall health of participants, and excelled in the way she intertwined practices designed to help mental, physical, or emotional health. She perfectly exemplified the idea that all aspects of our health are related, and we must strive to simultaneously take care of every aspect of ourselves...
...Gwen consistently led classes with her infallible sense of humor and an honest perspective from the eyes of an accomplished professional musician.... I always knew that the morning class would bring laughter and insightfulness....Gwen excels at teaching people to recognize and appreciate the people around them....Gwen created the friendly, encouraging, and supportive environment....”
--Sarah Meidel, Flute and Piccolo Faculty (Idyllwild Arts Academy Summer Sessions) and USC Student
"In discussions ranging from creativity to resilience, Gwen was willing to share her own personal experiences, allowing the floor to open up as a safe space for us all to take part in these very important conversations. The morning classes not only brought us closer in this way, but were a refreshing reinforcement that it takes a whole person to be a flutist - and that acknowledging our own as well as others' humanity can lead to more beautiful music than we could've dreamed of.”
--Margaret Sloyer, Sophomore, University of Colorado.
"...with Gwen’s classes, we incorporated Brain Gym, Qi Gong and Yoga in order to get as comfortable as possible in our bodies. Breath was then used as a door to our inner selves, as was tuning into the “now”, allowing the next step forward to more easily present itself. Performance anxiety was addressed in the larger context of mindfulness, a proven stress release method for all areas of life. Various techniques (laugh yoga, sharing our experiences, understanding left brain/right brain, as well as looking at the transition stages in our lives and our own resilience) helped the removal of personal blocks which left space for more creativity to blossom. We gave room to stillness and quiet which are the canvas on which we paint our music and ultimately our lives......Gwen’s incisive coaching techniques and well organized inner work topics opened new vistas for me and gave me the nudge forward that I have been looking for. Her work on the spiritual side as well as the practical side of flute playing was invaluable – a literal mine of information."
--Kathy Baker, former CPO flutist. Resident and artist in Germany.
"The Impeccable Flutist"
The Art of Flute Playing as a Template for How to Live Life.
with William Bennett, Lorna McGhee and Gwen Klassen.
...Gwen consistently led classes with her infallible sense of humor and an honest perspective from the eyes of an accomplished professional musician.... I always knew that the morning class would bring laughter and insightfulness....Gwen excels at teaching people to recognize and appreciate the people around them....Gwen created the friendly, encouraging, and supportive environment....”
--Sarah Meidel, Flute and Piccolo Faculty (Idyllwild Arts Academy Summer Sessions) and USC Student
"In discussions ranging from creativity to resilience, Gwen was willing to share her own personal experiences, allowing the floor to open up as a safe space for us all to take part in these very important conversations. The morning classes not only brought us closer in this way, but were a refreshing reinforcement that it takes a whole person to be a flutist - and that acknowledging our own as well as others' humanity can lead to more beautiful music than we could've dreamed of.”
--Margaret Sloyer, Sophomore, University of Colorado.
"...with Gwen’s classes, we incorporated Brain Gym, Qi Gong and Yoga in order to get as comfortable as possible in our bodies. Breath was then used as a door to our inner selves, as was tuning into the “now”, allowing the next step forward to more easily present itself. Performance anxiety was addressed in the larger context of mindfulness, a proven stress release method for all areas of life. Various techniques (laugh yoga, sharing our experiences, understanding left brain/right brain, as well as looking at the transition stages in our lives and our own resilience) helped the removal of personal blocks which left space for more creativity to blossom. We gave room to stillness and quiet which are the canvas on which we paint our music and ultimately our lives......Gwen’s incisive coaching techniques and well organized inner work topics opened new vistas for me and gave me the nudge forward that I have been looking for. Her work on the spiritual side as well as the practical side of flute playing was invaluable – a literal mine of information."
--Kathy Baker, former CPO flutist. Resident and artist in Germany.
"The Impeccable Flutist"
The Art of Flute Playing as a Template for How to Live Life.
with William Bennett, Lorna McGhee and Gwen Klassen.