Coming soon to City College, Sonic Connections, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to combating the challenges associated with mental health by providing support to students through the healing power of music.

One of the organization’s main efforts is to guide students in navigating emotions while instilling lasting values through their workshops that utilize the healing properties of music. 

Sonic Connections travels around the country, extending their support to college students nationwide.

The WELL and the Basic Needs Center have collaborated to bring Sonic Connections to City College on Wednesday, March 6 at 3 p.m., in the Administration Building Room-21 on East Campus.

“We feel that this event is touching on a lot of different people’s passions,” Becky Bean, The WELL student program advisor, said. “Many students are passionate about music, and we hope that students can translate their passions into mental health practices.”

Founders of Sonic Connections Andrew Kirschner and Beth Killian blend their musical expertise with backgrounds in mental wellness. They passionately believe in music’s healing power and aim to share its benefits with others.

Sonic Connections utilizes music because of its ability to support emotions, regulate mood, and reduce stress. As stated on their website, “Music plays a key role in personal empowerment. It can inspire us, motivate us, and give us the courage to face our challenges. It can be a source of comfort and strength, reminding us of our resilience and capability.”

The workshop covers a wide range of topics, including interpersonal relationships, achievement, mental states, and many more. 

The Sonic Connections experience is inclusive and open to everyone, despite one’s life stage, psychological knowledge, or mental struggles. The curriculum is created for students to explore the receptive side of music therapy, making it accessible to all, regardless of their music background or skills. 

The organization emphasizes how students can retain the benefits of the learned material even after the workshop by providing articles, videos, and exercises for later reference. 

All City College students, staff, and faculty are welcome to attend the workshop. Those interested can register at https://lu.ma/wotqt3ur. 

For more information, contact Becky Bean at The WELL by emailing [email protected] or calling 805-965-0581 ext 4702. 

“We’re really excited to have this organization on campus,” Bean said. “The hope for the Sonic Connections workshop would be to inspire students to use music as a tool for their overall mental health and well being.”