Beats and Balance: Music Workshop Supports Student Mental Health

Aspiring DJs and producers are popping up like mushrooms. At Tilburg University, a wave of students is being prepared for a possible music career. But it’s not just about the music – their mental health is also front and center.

DJ Production Workshop

How do you spark student interest in mental well-being? That’s what students Oliwia Wintoniak and Iris Kieboom from student association Vidar asked themselves while planning for Mental Wellbeing Week. After a productive brainstorming session, they came up with DJ production. ‘It’s trendy and relevant, which really attracts students,’ they say enthusiastically.

And successfully so: the workshop is packed with budding producers. And the mental health angle? The girls certainly didn’t forget that. ‘Music can impact your emotions,’ they explain. That’s why they invited not only a producer but also a music therapist.

Music and Emotion

The workshop begins with a brief introduction by music therapist Hetty van Ooijen. She plays several songs, and students are invited to describe the feelings each piece evokes.

First up is Always Remember Us This Way by Lady Gaga. The students listen closely and say it gives them a sad and melancholic feeling. Soon after, cautious smiles and dance moves emerge when the student classic Dakterras by Swifty Official blasts from the speakers.

Van Ooijen explains how rhythm and beats influence the emotions music can evoke. She also offers a tip for those seeking calm through music: ‘If you know your heart rate – your BPM (Beats Per Minute) – you can choose a song with a slightly lower BPM than your heart rate. That helps people feel more relaxed.’

Producing in Practice

After the introduction, participants get to work. Headphones go around necks, and students eye the mixing boards somewhat nervously. The dozens of buttons with blinking lights seem overwhelming, but Jip van Krieken from Djproducer.school walks them through everything step by step.

They start by exploring the sample pad, which holds a collection of short sound clips. By placing samples at the right moments in a 4/4 time signature, they slowly but surely build their own beat.

Simply placing samples randomly isn’t enough, though. So Van Krieken demonstrates how to arrange them to create a simple house beat. A basic house beat typically consists only of a kick, a clap, and a hi-hat.

The students are clearly enjoying themselves, even if repeatedly listening to the same sample gets a bit grating. ‘This sound is actually really sharp – can we choose a different one?’ one of them asks.

Let’s Hear It

The workshop wraps up with a listening session. Each student plays their own beat. ‘Participants always find this nerve-wracking,’ says Van Krieken.

Since today is not just about music but also mental well-being, the students explain which emotion they aimed to express with their beat. One goes for a cheerful festival vibe, another opts for a calm, study-friendly track. Everything is welcome, and everything is valid.