Health and Wellness
CCM is committed to preparing whole artists and scholars to take their places on the world's stage. Whole artists and scholars are not only well-trained in their chosen art form, they are also prepared to thrive in high-stakes, high-pressure media and performing arts environments.
CCM’s integrative program of health & wellness for artists teaches students to manage stress, anxiety and burnout. Our goal is to position CCM graduates for long, healthy and productive lives and careers.
- Campus Health Updates
- Counseling And Psychological Services (CAPS)
- Mind-Body Skills Courses
- Hearing Health Resources
- Neuromusculoskeletal and Vocal Health Resources
- NovaCare Performing Arts Medical Team
- Other Health & Wellness Resources
- Tune-In Tuesdays: Wellness in Harmony Resource Fairs at CCM
- University Health Services
- UC's Center for Integrative Health
- Vocal Athlete Care
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) embedded in CCM
Counseling services are available by appointment through virtual (Zoom) and in-person appointments Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Please call UC CAPS at 513-556-0648 to schedule.
Dalziel Reliford-Stone,
Staff Clinician-Counseling Center; CCM Embedded Counselor
513-556-0648
Dalziel Reliford-Stone ("Ms. D"), MA, LPCC-S, is the CAPS embedded clinician at CCM. She is in residence in CCM’s College Office Suite, which is located in Mary Emery Hall Room 3235, from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday. CCM students can schedule in-person or virtual (Zoom) appointments with Ms. D by calling CAPS at 513-556-0648.
Ms. D's therapeutic approach is general and broad, and her primary focus is to provide a safe place for validation, affirmation and acceptance.
Schedule a CCM Counseling Appointment
Are you interested in meeting with the CCM therapist? Most of our services are free! Make an appointment by following the steps below:
- Call UC CAPS at 513-556-0648
- Indicate that you are a CCM student
- UC CAPS will schedule your initial 40-minute appointment
- UC CAPS will provide an email with instructions for completing pre-appointment paperwork and how to connect to your appointment.
Ms. D also hosts virtual “Let’s Talk” sessions from 4 p.m.-5 p.m. each Wednesday. These 15-20 minute one-on-one mental health consultations are free and confidential, which makes them a great resource for students who may not need traditional counseling but who could benefit from one-on-one support.
Here's what to expect when you meet with Ms. D for a "Let's Talk" consultation:
- Feedback
- Support Collaboration
- Problem Solving
- Connecting to On-Campus and Off-Campus Resources
Sessions are offered on a "first come, first served" basis. Learn more about CAPS' "Let's Talk" sessions.
About CAPS
University of Cincinnati Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) prioritizes accessible and effective services that you can access when you need them. We take a collaborative, strengths-based approach to help you identify tools, resources, and strategies to meet your mental health goals. This might only take one meeting, or it might take a little more support. Either way, we’re here to help you on your Bearcat journey. Learn more about CAPS.
Mind-Body Skills Courses
Mind-Body Skills Workshop
Looking for practical tools to manage stress and support your well-being?
This 9-week wellness course introduces CCM students to mind-body practices that support well-being, stress management, and resilience. Techniques include mindfulness meditation, guided imagery, biofeedback, breathing exercises, and creative practices such as art, music, and movement.
This zero-cost, zero-credit course is led by trained faculty in a small-group setting and includes a brief daily practice commitment.
CCMS 5105/6005 CCM Mind-Body Skills Workshop
Monday, 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Zero credit)
Learn practical mind-body skills to support your well-being, manage stress and build resilience. Over nine weeks, you'll explore mindfulness meditation, guided imagery, biofeedback, breathing techniques, creative arts and movement practices in a small-group setting led by trained CCM faculty. You'll receive personalized guidance, connect with fellow students, and develop habits that support both personal and professional growth. The course is free, carries no academic credit and includes a brief daily practice outside of class. Watch the short video to learn more about the benefits of this course.
Other CCM Wellness Courses Fall 2026
CCMS 5120/6020 Body Mapping for Musicians
Monday, Wednesday 12:20 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. (one credit)
This course helps musicians build a stronger mind-body connection to support healthy, expressive performance. Students learn how their bodies move while making music and develop techniques to play, sing, conduct or perform with greater ease, awareness and confidence. Through a somatic approach, the course promotes injury prevention, helps reduce performance anxiety and supports more natural, effective artistic expression.
For questions, contact Dr. Quinn Patrick Ankrum at ankrumqp@ucmail.uc.edu
CCMS 1010 Sound Meditations
Monday 12:20 p.m. - 1:40 p.m. (one credit)
Explore mindfulness and expressive meditation through music, sound and creative practice. In this course, students use electronic music production, instruments and sound-making activities to build focus, deepen self-awareness and strengthen creative expression. Weekly sessions include guided sound meditation, group discussion and exploration of topics such as creativity, emotional intelligence and leadership. Collaboration, reflection and open participation are central to the experience.
This course is offered periodically and is not currently available as a graduate section. For questions or to express interest, contact Josh Chal at chaljh@ucmail.uc.edu.
CCMS 5140/6040 Feldenkrais Technique: Awareness Through Movement for Musicians
Thursday, 4 p.m.–5:50 p.m. (2 credits)
Learn the Feldenkrais Method, a movement-based approach that helps musicians perform with greater comfort, efficiency and ease. Students develop awareness of how they move, reduce unnecessary tension and discover new ways to support healthy, expressive performance. The course emphasizes self-awareness, freedom of movement and process-focused learning to help performers build sustainable habits for long-term success.
For questions, contact Catharine Lees at leescc@ucmail.uc.edu.
MUHS 5163/6063/6066 Sound, Music, and Trauma (Special Topic)
Various times available (3 credits)
Explore how music and sound can both reflect and respond to trauma across individual, cultural and institutional contexts. Through discussion, research and collaborative projects, students examine connections between music, trauma and resilience, with an emphasis on trauma-informed music teaching and learning. The course encourages interdisciplinary inquiry and provides opportunities to investigate topics related to students' own interests and areas of study.
This course is not offered every year. Independent Studies and MUHS 8070 Directed Readings are possible. For questions or to express interest, contact Dr. Kristy Swift at swiftak@ucmail.uc.edu.
Performance Health Support
Hearing Health Resources
Protecting your hearing is essential for maintaining your overall well-being and quality of life. Below are links to information on practical tips and strategies to help you preserve your hearing health.
Protect Your Hearing
Need financial assistance to purchase musicians' earplugs for hearing protection in practice rooms, rehearsal spaces and performance halls? Contact Assistant Dean of Student Services Dr. Jessie Grant at grant2jt@ucmail.uc.edu.
Neuromusculoskeletal and Vocal Health Resources
Safeguarding your neuromusculoskeletal and vocal health is crucial for sustaining your performance and well-being. Below are links to essential information and practical recommendations to help you maintain your health and prevent injuries.
Vocal Athlete Care
Dr. Wendy DeLeo LeBorgne, B.F.A., M.A., Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is an internationally recognized voice pathologist, researcher and educator with more than 25 years of experience in vocal health and performance. A pioneer in vocal athlete care, she established the nation's first vocal athlete wellness screening and injury prevention program at CCM and has worked with everyone from voice/opera students to Broadway performers, opera singers and recording artists. Through her clinical practice, teaching and research, Dr. Wendy continues to advance the science and care of professional voice users.
Performance Health Team
Students can quickly get help for pain or injuries by contacting the wellness team for support. Specialists are available in nonoperative sports medicine, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. The goal is to help performers stay healthy, prevent injuries, and return to their best level of playing, moving, or performing. The team is also provides answers to general questions on available performance health support and information.
Resources for Coping with Music Performance Anxiety (MPA)
Music performance anxiety (MPA) is common, and you are not alone. All CCMS courses listed above include components designed to help musicians understand and manage performance anxiety while building resilience and well-being.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, seek immediate support.
To learn more about MPA, explore these resources:
- Kenny, Dianna T. "Music Performance Anxiety: Theory, Assessment and Treatment." Available through PubMed.
- Green, Barry, and W. Timothy Gallwey. The Inner Game of Music (1986).
- Helding, Lynn. The Musician's Mind: Teaching, Learning and Performing in the Age of Brain Science (2020).
- Juncos, David G., and Elvira de Paiva e Pona. ACT for Musicians: A Guide for Using Acceptance and Commitment Training to Enhance Performance, Overcome Performance Anxiety, and Improve Well-Being (2022).
Tune-In Tuesdays: Wellness in Harmony Resource Fairs at CCM
What to Expect:
- Free tips, tools, and activities to support:
- Physical & mental wellness
- Academic success
Belonging & connection at CCM
Who You’ll Meet:
- UC Hearing Clinic – Vocal health, hearing protection and giveaways
- Campus Rec – Movement tips and mini challenges
- CCM Library – Resource help, trivia, candy and bookmarks
- Plus: Accessibility Resources, Embedded Counseling, Health Services and more!
When and Where:
- Location: CCM Atrium
- Time: 10:45 a.m-12:45 p.m.
- Fall Dates: Sept. 15 | Oct. 13 | Nov. 17 | Dec. 1
- Spring Dates: Jan. 12 | Feb. 16 | Mar. 23| Apr. 20
Other Health & Wellness Resources
If you see something odd, or suspicious, call UCPD: 6-1111 from a UC office phone line or 513-556-1111 from a cell phone.
In the event of an emergency, call 911.
CCM Health & Wellness Leadership
Jessie L. Grant
Assistant Dean of Student Services, CCM Student Services
Dr. Grant brings three decades of dedication as a higher education leader who works to enhance student success, promote belonging and promote holistic development. Throughout his career, he has maintained an unwavering dedication to enabling students from all backgrounds to reach their highest potential.
Dr. Grant advanced through progressively higher positions in student affairs, including roles as Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at the Cleveland Institute of Art and Associate Vice President for Student Life and Success at Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College, before taking a similar position at the University of Alaska Southeast. Throughout his career, he implemented programs to boost academic success and student development during each leadership role.
Dr. Grant’s leadership demonstrates a student-centered philosophy that establishes supportive environments where all students experience a sense of value. His leadership integrated academic and student affairs departments through partnerships that increased student engagement and improved persistence rates. At Bemidji State University, Dr. Grant developed a coordinated care model that brought together counseling services with academic support and student services to comprehensively support student needs. He started mental health and leadership development programs at the Cleveland Institute of Art, which enhanced community engagement to provide necessary resources and support for student success.
Dr. Grant’s professional approach stands out because of his steadfast dedication to student success. His relentless efforts focus on progressing programs that eliminate obstacles to success while building a welcoming environment for every student. He established training programs for faculty and staff that enhance cultural competency and welcoming behavior. He established mentorship programs that link students from historically marginalized backgrounds with industry leaders to build their confidence and prepare them for their careers.
Dr. Grant applies strategic thinking to utilize data-driven approaches for achieving student success results. He identified retention problems through assessment tools while setting up early alert systems and monitored advancement toward essential performance indicators. Dr. Grant's translation of data into practical strategies improved student engagement, retention and graduation rates across several academic institutions.
Dr. Grant expanded his impact on higher education by presenting at conferences and researching student affairs best practices while joining professional associations. He devotes himself to guiding new student affairs professionals through knowledge transfer and passion sharing to build future leadership talent.
Throughout his career, he has obtained a PhD in Higher Education Leadership at Western Michigan University, a master’s degree in Counselor Education from the University of Iowa and an undergraduate degree in Sociology from Kent State University. His academic qualifications and wealth of professional experience demonstrate his commitment to helping students achieve academic success alongside personal and professional development.
Dr. Grant demonstrates dedicated leadership by creating dynamic learning spaces that support student success and encourage them to participate actively in global citizenship.