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Barbara Bogatin
Barbara Bogatin
Cellist, Mindfulness Educator
Cellist, Mindfulness Educator
"The embodied wisdom we cultivate during meditation practice can become meaningful skills that help us in our music-making---mindful practice, quieting the critical mind, and maintaining a calm presence in stressful situations.
For me, meditation and music practice are like two sides of the same coin."
Barbara Bogatin is a cellist with the San Francisco Symphony, chamber music player, and educator in the field of mindfulness training for musicians. In 35 years of practicing insight meditation, she has integrated the embodied knowledge this contemplative work nurtures into effective methods for improving instrumental practice and performance. Barbara has presented "Mindfulness for Musicians" seminars at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, the Juilliard School, the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, the University of Nevada, Reno, Louisville Academy of Music, San Domenico School, and the One Heart Institute Summer Program.
Along with her husband, neuroscientist Clifford Saron, she has led workshops on meditation and music practice called “The Buddha, the Brain, and Bach,” at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, the Esalen Institute, Stanford Symposium for Music and the Brain, Telluride Compassion Festival, USC Center for Mindfulness Science, South Africa Conference on Mindfulness, the Ecology of Mind and Matter Symposium in Todi, Italy, and the Nirakara Institute in Madrid, Spain.
Barbara is a certified graduate of Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach's Mindfulness Mentor Training Program.
Speaking about Equanimity and Performing at the Book Launch of "Quiet Strength" by Margaret Cullen
Speaking about Equanimity and Performing at the Book Launch of "Quiet Strength" by Margaret Cullen
March 21, 2026
Book Passage of Corte Madera.
Mindfulness for Musicians Seminar at San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Mindfulness for Musicians Seminar at San Francisco Conservatory of Music
March 31, 2026
A physical Wellness for Musicians course: https://sfcm.edu/.
April 13, 2026
Master Class on Mindfulness Meditation Skills for Cello Practice and Performance, through Audition Confidential Series, "360 Method for Audition Preparation".
April 25, 2026, 2-3PM
A chamber concert featuring San Francisco Symphony musicians Barbara Bogatin and Raushan Akhmedyarova performing classical pieces from a range of composers and sharing their experiences as members of the San Francisco Symphony. This event is open to all library patrons and is brought to you by the San Francisco Symphony’s Community Chamber Concert program.
Davies Symphony Hall
May 3, 2026
String Quartet by African American composer Harry T. Burleigh; "Negro Lullaby" and "An Ante-Bellum Sermon".
Red Feather Lakes, CO
with Clifford Saron and Erika Rosenberg
May 22-26, 2026
Through interactive inquiries and guided meditations, Nikki Mirghafori will lead a journey into mindfulness and compassion cultivation. Neuroscientist Clifford Saron will take us on a voyage of discovery into the mysteries of the brain and neuroplasticity. San Francisco Symphony cellist Barbara Bogatin will inspire us with Bach and provide a rare glimpse from inside the process of musical creativity.
Ukiah, CA
June 21-29, 2026.
In our nurturing environment we look at the whole musician, combining ancient wisdom and movement traditions with current understanding of brain science to help you practice with more efficiency. Guided meditations lead us on an inward journey to deepen our musical expression.
Masterclasses
Experiential workshops
Mock auditions
Private coaching
Big Sur, CA
September 14-18, 2026
You are what you practice! The Buddha’s teachings meet modern brain science in this interactive workshop exploring meditation, musical performances, and neuroplasticity. Join us to discover how these practices can harmonize with one another to offer paths for inner peace and more joyful engagement with the world.
Leading deep inquiry and guided meditations, senior teacher Nikki Mirghafori mentors us on a journey into mindfulness and the cultivation of compassion. Neuroscientist Clifford Saron delves into the mysteries of the brain and shares the latest research from his field. San Francisco Symphony cellist Barbara Bogatin inspires us with the music of J.S.Bach and offers a rare glimpse into the process of musical creativity from the inside. Each day unfolds with a thematic focus, allowing us to dive deep into these three intertwined perspectives.
I'd love to hear from you -- with inquiries about workshops, seminars, or private coaching please email me at
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