Speaking with Music
Openers and keynotes on breath, presence, and connection
Event Openers — Setting the Tone
If an orchestra doesn't tune before playing, no matter how well-prepared, the result is noise.
I tune the room with 15–30 minute music-and-presence openers that bring people together, so the experience you've prepared can fully land. Received, not just attended.
I combine music with a couple minutes of very simple, tangible (and not weird!) explorations that help people settle in, slow down, breathe, and open themselves up to all that the experience has for them. Whether your event is an hour long, a day long, or a week long, they're able to absorb, digest, and receive so much more of what is there for them by opening this way.
Watch: Deepening Our Personal Sense of Support, Safety, and Wellbeing Opener Session
Recorded live at the Wellbeing at Work Summit, Aon Center, Chicago · 12 minutes
"Highly engaging. I would recommend Nathan for future events!" —Chris Cummings, CEO, Wellbeing at Work World Summit
"Nathan was a highlight of the event, a much-needed oasis." —Will Ajayi, Global Head of Wellbeing, NETFLIX
"Nathan's gentle presence and mindful instruction created such a grounding experience. His voice and song washed over us like a meditation." —Karen Munoz, Co-Chair, Chicago Bar Association Well-being & Mindfulness Committee
Keynotes — Coming Back Together
My daughter Olivia was deemed "incompatible with life"... and she taught me how to live.
My full keynotes weave her story and live original music together with breath, for something the whole room can tangibly experience together: letting go of the future and the past, coming back to where we are, and finding — literally — that we are not alone.
Watch: Coming Back Together — On Presence, Grief, and Healing
Full keynote · 60 minutes
"Nathan's calming presence allowed our audience to open fully and deeply receive." —Shari O'Loughlin, CEO, The Compassionate Friends
"Inspiring and heartfelt. His gentle, engaging speaking style and musical gift captivated our diverse audience. Many commented they left with a sense of peace and calmness." —Sheila A. Reed, MDiv, BCC, OSF Healthcare
I work with leadership, communities, and entire organizations — opening their events and delivering keynotes that create a foundation for deeply engaged, effective gatherings.
Currently booking 2026–2027 · Sessions from 15 to 60 minutes · Based in Chicago, traveling nationwide · booking@nathanpeterson.net