You are invited to transform your life from someone who owns an instrument to someone who lives as a musician

Your music training gives you skills. The Musician’s Chrysalis gives you the structure that allows your life to transform thru the music you play.

Like a butterly’s chrysalis, we need safety, structures and vision to support our transformation.  It’s the most natural thing in the world – but we humans often stop the process, shut ourself off from our own vision of freedom and take on habits of body and mind that inhibit our creative transformation.

“The Musician’s Chrysalis” provides creative structure, safety and vision whether you’re studying privately with a teacher, or in an online community like Hip Harp Academy.

Join us for the filming of this new Pilot Program!

Sat. May 3 – Three 2-Hour Sessions – 11 AM ET- 2:30 PM ET – 6:00 PM ET
Self-Paced Video Trainings will be Available within 48 Hours after the filming

Live Online: Sat. May 3, 2025

In Three 2-Hour Sessions, you’ll learn:

    • To Clarify Your Creative Vision (even if you think you don’t have one)
    • To Create a customized simple daily warmup to support that vision
    • How to Observe your own and others’ work for discovery instead of constantly assessing
    • How to collaborate with a Creative Buddy
    • How to use the “Half-Bake” and “Final-Beginning” project system used in Hip Harp Academy
    • How to create a timeline structure that will support your creative vision without stressing you out

These trainings were created to support Hip Harp Academy members in the upcoming Quarter in getting the most of the Academy and directly addressing perfectionism and other inhibitors to creative freedom.  We realized that these concepts and materials will support any musician, whether studying privately, in a community or in self-study or advanced professional development.

All sessions will be recorded, and available for self-paced learning May 6, 2025; all handouts are downloadable.

Note: This is part of the Hip Harp Academy Training and free to all current members as well as those who purchased it or received it as a bonus for another program.

This program is perfect for you if:

You struggle with perfectionism that holds back your creativity

You want to develop daily practices that support your musical growth

You’ve taken courses before but struggle to implement what you’ve learned

FAQs

PROGRAM BASICS

What exactly is the Musician’s Chrysalis program?

The Musician’s Chrysalis is a 6-hour transformational framework divided into three 2-hour sessions that helps you develop the structure, mindset, and daily practices to transform from someone who owns a harp to someone who lives as a musician in your daily life.

Is each 2-Hour Session the Same?

No – each 2-Hour Session is different and realistically they may last a little longer, since this is the first time we’re doing the program this way – but our goal is to have substantial breaks between sessions.

Who is this program for?

This program is for musicians at any level – from fledgling to professional – who want to create a sustainable structure for their musical growth. Whether you’ve taken my other courses, study privately, or are self-taught, the principles apply to all learning paths.

Is this just for harp players?

The Musician’s Chrysalis is for all musicians regardless of your instrument.

Do I need to be technically advanced to benefit from this program?

Not at all! The beauty of the Chrysalis framework is that it works at YOUR technical level. Whether you’re just starting out or are an advanced player, the structures help you maximize your current abilities while creating pathways for growth.

LOGISTICS

Do I need to attend live on May 3rd, or can I watch the recordings?

Do I need to attend live on May 3rd, or can I watch the recordings?
May 3rd will be the filming date of the “Pilot” for this project – all sessions will be recorded and available by May 6th. Being there live will be fun, but one value of the replays is the ability to speed them up and slow them down and being able to review at your own pace.

How long will I have access to the materials?

You’ll have access to all recordings, handouts, and transcripts for one full year from the program date. Downloadable materials are yours to keep forever.

What if I can only attend part of the live sessions?

That’s perfectly fine! You can attend what works for your schedule and catch the rest through the recordings. But if only come for later sessions please don’t ask for catch-up information from the previous sessions. Just enjoy what you learn and know that you can go back and watch earlier sessions later.

What technology do I need to participate?

You’ll need an internet connection, a device (computer is recommended, rather than tablet or smartphone for the live filming) and your instrument – although it’s likely we won’t use instruments as this program is about all the things that support the playing. The Live Filming Sessions take place on Zoom. The recorded version will be in a virtual classroom which we call a “Learning Hub”

Do I get this for FREE with any other classes I purchase?

Hip Harp Academy Members have access to the program along with all other Academy Programs. In spring 2025, we have a special offer for those taking “Baroque Flamenco Beyond the Page” as a stand-alone class

PROGRAM CONTENT

What practical outcomes can I expect from this program?

By the end of the program, you’ll have: 1) A clear creative vision, 2) A customized daily warm-up routine, 3) Observational skills for growth, 4) Tools for creative collaboration, 5) A project timeline framework for completion and a basic understanding of the concept of imperfect completion.

How is this different from traditional music education?

Traditional music education often focuses primarily on technique and repertoire. The Musician’s Chrysalis addresses the foundational mindset and structures that support your musical training, regardless of what pieces you’re working on.

Will I need to bring music to the sessions?

Will I need to bring music to the sessions?
No specific music is required. We’ll be working with principles and structures that you can apply to any music you’re currently playing or want to play.

Is this focused on improvisation like your other programs?

While the principles certainly support improvisation, this program is broader – focusing on the structures that support ALL forms of musical expression, whether you’re playing written music, improvising, or composing.

CONNECTION TO OTHER PROGRAMS

Is this included in Hip Harp Academy membership?

Yes! Current Hip Harp Academy members receive this program as part of their membership. If you’re considering joining the Academy, this pilot program gives you a taste of the transformational approach used throughout the Academy.

If I take Baroque Flamenco Beyond the Page, do I also get this program?

Yes! As a special bonus for our spring programs, the Musician’s Chrysalis pilot is included free when you register for either Baroque Flamenco Beyond the Page OR Hip Harp Academy.

How does this complement private lessons I’m taking?

The Musician’s Chrysalis provides the structural framework often missing from private lessons. Many students find that these principles help them get more value from their lessons by providing clarity about practice, progress, and musical development.

IMPLEMENTATION

How much practice time should I allocate after taking this program?

The beauty of this framework is its flexibility. You’ll learn how to design a practice structure that works with YOUR schedule – whether that’s 15 minutes a day or several hours. The key is consistency rather than duration.

Will there be support after the program ends?

Will there be support after the program ends?
If you join Hip Harp Academy, you’ll have ongoing support in implementing these principles throughout the year.  For non-Academy Members taking Baroque Flamenco as a Stand-Alone class, or purchasing the Musician’s Chrysalis separately we don’t have follow-up support planned, but if that changes we’ll notify you.

Do I need a practice partner?

While not required, having a creative buddy enhances the experience. During the program, we’ll discuss how to find and work with a creative buddy.

What if I get stuck after the program?

The best way to get support after the program is to join Hip Harp Academy. That’s where we offer ongoing support and guidance.

SPECIAL GUIDANCE

What does it mean that this is a “pilot” program?

As the first offering of this program, pilot participants receive special pricing. You’ll also have the opportunity to provide feedback that shapes the program’s future development. If you’ve purchased this class or gotten it as a bonus for another class like “Baroque Flamenco Beyond the Page” then you’ll have the option to upgrade to Hip Harp Academy for up to 30 days after you purchase and apply the purchase price to your Academy membership.

Will this program be offered again?

We do plan to offer versions of this program in the future, but this pilot opportunity with its special pricing is a one-time offer.

Is there any advantage to registering early?

Yes! Early registrants receive advance access to the “Creating Conducive Conditions” Bonus class and the “Making Meaningful Music” Guide & Worksheet, allowing you to begin your transformation journey before the formal sessions begin.

Meet your creative coach Deborah Henson-Conant

I’m Deborah Henson-Conant, and I’ve been composing, arranging and creating shows since I was a kid. I now play shows with symphonies and on solo stages with the electric harp that was created for me by CAMAC Harps, the “DHC” Harp.

But I started on the ukulele, playing and singing my own little-kid arrangements, telling stories, improvising and playing and singing with other people. And guess what? I use many of the same skills and principles to arrange the music I record and perform today – including the Grammy-Nominated album “Invention & Alchemy” and the song that won first prize in the International Songwriting Competiton (ISC).

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© Deborah Henson-Conant, Golden Cage Music • Box 1039 • Arlington, MA 02474 • Privacy Policy

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