The Trauma Informed Orchestra

Why I'm doing PhD research

Because people in orchestras deserve to feel safe at work. Too often, the pressure to perform—on stage and off—comes at the cost of wellbeing, respect, and trust. I’ve seen the impact of silence, conflict, unclear communication and toxic culture in classical music organisations, and I know it doesn’t have to be that way.

There’s a growing awareness that trauma—past or present—shapes how people show up at work. But the classical music industry hasn’t caught up.

I’m doing this research to bring trauma-informed thinking into orchestral workplaces to support safer, healthier workplace cultures, not as theory, but as a practical, values-led way to improve culture, leadership, and day-to-day working life.

On a more personal note, I’ve always believed that good research needs a bit of MEsearch — the researcher must have skin in the game. As someone who experienced abuse by a music educator and lives with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), I carry firsthand knowledge of both the impact of trauma and the transformative power of trauma-informed practice.

This research isn’t abstract to me. It’s grounded in my lived experience of harm, of healing, and of the possibility that emerges when safety is prioritised. I’m doing this work because I know, deeply, that safer cultures in classical music are possible.

What I’m researching

I’m looking at the conditions that erode trust and wellbeing—and the practices that can shift culture towards greater safety, collaboration and accountability. This is not about pathology or diagnosis; it’s about understanding human behaviour in high-pressure environments and offering practical frameworks for change.

What is trauma?

Trauma is what happens when something overwhelming or harmful happens to a person, and it affects how they feel, think, or behave — especially in situations that feel unsafe or uncertain.

It’s not just the event itself, but how the person experiences it. Two people can go through the same thing and be affected very differently.

In a workplace, trauma can show up as:

• Anxiety or withdrawal in high-pressure settings

• Difficulty trusting others

• Overreacting or shutting down in response to feedback

• Avoiding certain people, places, or tasks

Trauma isn’t always dramatic or visible — it can come from long-term stress, bullying, exclusion, or uncertainty.

What is a trauma-informed approach?

A trauma-informed approach means working in ways that recognise people may be carrying difficult experiences — and designing your systems, rehearsals, feedback, and leadership with that in mind.

It’s about:

• Safety – making sure people feel physically, emotionally, and culturally safe

• Choice – giving people a sense of control wherever possible

• Trustworthiness – being clear, reliable, and consistent

• Collaboration – working with people, not doing things to them

• Empowerment – recognising strengths, not just problems

• Awareness – understanding that trauma affects people’s behaviour and relationships

You don’t need to know someone’s full story. Trauma-informed practice is about creating an environment where people can do their best work without fear or shame.

How I’m doing the research

This research is based in the School of Social Work at the University of Western Australia and takes a practice-led, collaborative approach. That means I’m not just researching orchestras—I’m working alongside them.

Through interviews, case studies and action research, I’m collecting lived experiences from musicians, managers, and leaders. I’m applying a trauma-informed lens to understand workplace dynamics and using that insight to inform training, coaching, and organisational change.

It’s also grounded in my lived/living experience of abuse by a music educator, living with PTSD and professional experience across performance, leadership and facilitation. I’m not coming in cold—I’ve been in the rehearsal room, the boardroom, and the middle of the storm.

When and what’s next

I’m currently in the early stages of the research, I’ll be sharing insights, tools and opportunities for orchestras to get involved.

But if this has struck a chord with you and you’d like to talk now, or you’d like me to deliver presentations introducing the basics of trauma and trauma informed practice - I’d love to talk.

Recommended Resources

Book “The Body Keeps the Score” by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk

• Why it’s useful: A foundational text that explains how trauma affects the brain and body, with practical insights for supporting healing.

• Best for: Ideal for musicians and leaders looking to understand why certain behaviours show up in high-pressure environments.

• Heads-up: It includes some confronting content, but it’s widely respected for good reason.

Book “What Happened to You?” by Dr. Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey

• Why it’s useful: Uses story-based dialogue to explore how trauma shapes behaviour and relationships.

• Best for: Managers and teams who want to approach trauma-informed practice with compassion and curiosity.