Vice President, American Express

I loved Astrid’s great balance of positivity and structure. Astrid helped me gain confidence and perspective. As a result of her coaching, I gained valuable self-awareness that allowed me to make effective changes easily. I got a promotion recently and I credit Astrid with helping me get an exciting new position. I really appreciated her professional knowledge, but her humanity …

Quadrant II Time Management for Musicians: Achieve Your Goals by Focusing on What’s Important

The life of professional musicians is complicated! Professionally, musicians engage in a wide variety of activities both for creative stimulation and financial stability: Rehearsals Performances Tours Running concert series and festivals Teaching Collaborations Creating new ensembles and ventures Tending to the business side of being a successful musicians That’s just on the professional side.  They also have families and friends, …

Conflict Management for Musicians and Arts Leaders: 4 Tools to Diffuse Conflict and Build Stronger Relationships

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This week, I had the pleasure and privilege of working with the Fellows of Ensemble ACJW/The Academy, the preeminent teaching artist program and ensemble collective of young top-level musicians, on the fascinating topic of conflict management.   Conflict is inherent in the work of musicians and arts leaders who are passionate and have strong ideas about and high standards of excellence …

Relationship Management for Musicians and Arts Leaders : 3 Strategies for Making an Effective Connection with Others

My last post on developing your emotional intelligence focused on how to build successful relationships by mastering 3 communication skills. Relationship management also means that you know what to say in order to make others feel understood and be seen as a trustworthy person. You can start by mastering 3 strategies for making an effective connection with others: Compliments Showing …

Pianist and Yale School of Music Graduate

“Astrid’s approach to personal development and self-discovery was stellar. She was able to consolidate my hunches on what had made me successful and happy in the past, and to refine them in a positive, value-oriented way. The workshop was succinct and compelling, addressing both the practical and psychological concerns of professional musicians. Astrid is an inspiring and engaging speaker, and …

Music Publicist

“I chose to work with Astrid because of her background in both the arts and business worlds.  After our consultation meeting, it became clear to me that she works with her clients to help them achieve success that rings true for each individual, and doesn’t just follow the same formula with everyone.  She is also a terrific listener and very …

Attorney at AMLaw 100 Law Firm

“When I attended the “Take Charge: Keys to a Successful Legal Career” my office hosted, I went in with an open mind but no expectations about how useful the workshop would be for me. I was surprised by the thought provoking content which, coupled with Astrid’s creative energy, led me to think in new ways about managing my daily tasks, …

Pianist & Yale School of Music Graduate

“It was instrumental in this time of my career to work with Ms. Astrid Baumgardner. She was an empowering source of inspiration, energy, and hope. Her workshop should be required at every musical institution.” — Amy Y., Philadelphia, PA

Pianist & Juilliard Graduate

“The [Energy Leadership] assessment broke down my life clearly into seven energy levels, and it was shocking to see how much negative energy level was present.  Being an extremely visual person, it was the reality check that I needed. The assessment gave me a foundation on which to base my future action plan in terms of solving issues.  While everyone …