Just as a conductor’s preparatory “upbeat” gesture at the beginning of a performance influences the way an ensemble plays, we too get to choose our “upbeat”—our thoughts and attitudes—at the start of each day, at the beginning of each class, and in our interactions with students and colleagues.

With this clever premise at its core, Upbeat! presents a winning combination of mindset and mindfulness strategies as well as leadership principles that will motivate, inspire, and transform not only your internal world but the culture of your music program.

Divided into three parts—Ignite, Inspire, and Lead—Upbeat! takes readers on a journey from internal self-reflection to outward expressions of leadership, with chapters addressing such topics as:

• Self-care for optimal mental, emotional, and physical wellness

• The transformative power of positivity and gratitude

• Growth mindset

• Mindful breathing and listening in an ensemble setting

• Fostering a culture of excellence and connection

• Creating vision and mission statements for your organization

• The essential qualities of an effective leader

• How to develop a thriving student leadership program

As the conductors and composers of our own lives, we can choose to live an “upbeat” life from a posture of gratitude, positivity, and enthusiasm. As a result, we experience greater fulfillment and achieve personal and professional goals. Students also benefit from the clarity of our example as they embark on their own leadership journeys.

With immediately applicable ideas and strategies that work for students, teachers, and professionals in any field, Upbeat! affirms the importance of living and working with intentionality and establishes that what we do, why we do it, and how we do it matters.

Matthew Arau, founder of Upbeat Global and Upbeat! Leadership Workshops, Coaching, and Keynotes, is an Associate Professor of Music and the Chair of the Music Education Department and the Symphonic Band Conductor at the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music in Appleton, Wisconsin. Dr. Arau has guest conducted and presented on student leadership, mindfulness, growth mindset, rehearsal techniques, and creating positive cultures in person in more than twenty-five states and four continents.