Client Feedback

Since 1995, thousands of corporate executives, organizational leaders, and their employees throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Latin America, have been inspired and motivated by The Music Paradigm experience. From financial services, manufacturing, and professional associations to retail sales, pharmaceuticals, and not-for-profits, The Music Paradigm has helped executives from dozens of organizations deal with issues in their markets and within their companies. From mergers to teamwork to restructurings and new leadership, a learning experience has been provided that helped align organizational groups around a common purpose.

In this section of our site, you can read the words that a number of our clients have used to describe the results achieved with a session of The Music Paradigm. For a more complete list of our distinguished clients, please click here.




Participant Comments

"The session with the orchestra was unbelievable. It really demonstrated our CIO's commitment to this leadership team. It was creative, 'out-of-the-box,' and very risky" 

"The exercise with the orchestra was excellent and really an eye-opener to me."

"Symphony Orchestra presentation was as outstanding as it was unique."
Arthur J. Mirante, President and CEO


From a letter sent to Roger Nierenberg:

"Bravo! Your presentation at our Achievement Conference was received with an unprecedented positive response."

"I was anticipating an enjoyable experience, but you far exceeded my expectations as well. The music, the orchestra and your use of this medium to promote the importance of leadership, responsibility and teamwork were extraordinary."

"On behalf of all of our Cushman & Wakefield professionals, thank you for performing at such a high level for us. Thank you for your efforts and preparation, which made the experience so relevant and so valuable to our people. I look forward to our next meeting and wish you continued success."

Clint McDonnough, Managing Partner, Real Estate Advisory Services


From a letter sent to Roger Nierenberg:

"BRAVO, BRAVO, BRAVO."

"On behalf of the Real Estate Advisory Services practice of Ernst & Young LLP, I just wanted to thank you again for one of the most interesting and meaningful events that we have experienced."

"The performance was absolutely fabulous. You were able to meet our objectives through a tangible example of what happens when an organization does and does not work together. Using an orchestra to demonstrate organizational dynamics is nothing short of brilliant. Even the most cynical members of our organization were captivated and engaged in the discussion."

"As you know, this was the fourth time Ernst & Young LLP has used The Music Paradigm and the first time the group has included non-partners. Another testament to the power of The Music Paradigm is the universal impact it has on our leaders - from new managers with just about 8 years of work experience through partners and directors with over 30 years of work experience. Our two-day meeting has been hailed as one of the best programs that our participants have experienced. Much of that success goes to you and the musicians from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. You were able to set the stage for the meeting and help bring the expectations to a new level. The energy that was created by The Music Paradigm continued throughout the two days, it enhanced our theme of "integration and innovation" and is still being discussed by the participants."

"Thanks again for a wonderful presentation and interactive event."


Arthur C. Martinez, Former Chairman and CEO


From a letter sent to Roger Nierenberg:

"One of the most exciting and moving management development experiences in which I have ever participated. The Music Paradigm made a fantastic contribution to the success of the 1997 Sears Chairman's Conference."

"One problem that often occurs with even the best presentations or education programs is that they are quickly forgotten once you are back in the day-to-day workplace. I can tell you that is distinctly not the case with this learning. The entire Music Paradigm experience, plus your insights and those of the orchestra and participants, are regularly recalled in our conversations and meetings."


Participant Comments

"The best entertainment educational experience I have ever had—unbelievably powerful."

"Wow! Never looked at an orchestra as an organization, but it was clearly proven last night that it is. Definitely gave me some clarity."

"Excellent idea. Very unusual way of getting us to think about how we do what we do, particularly with respect to working in sync with our peers."

"Very powerful, gained a lot of learning around leadership."

"Excellent way to demonstrate the need for communication, professionalism and knowing and proving the basics."

"Loved the idea of the baton and the tape being distributed as a constant reminder of the leadership lessons."

"Awe inspiring. Very powerful lesson. Wonderful evening, Extremely positive experience."

"Wonderful! Really enjoyed the music. I learned a lot about the different roles needed & how they work together to make an excellent."

"Different, fun, not mind-draining or energy-zapping."


Karen L. Pletz, J.D., President and CEO


From a letter to Roger Nierenberg:

"I have thought of you often during the past month since faculty and staff had the opportunity to participate with you and with each other in The Music Paradigm. I enclose the front page Business Section coverage in The Kansas City Star in the event you have not seen it. It was a leadership event in Kansas City and one which will remain forever in our memory."

"Many people have asked what made the program unique and valuable. I will share with you what I shared with them."

"The program, first and foremost, is a unique and customized experience. Listening is the first and greatest attribute in learning and, to insure the optimal application to our organization, you spent the afternoon hours of the day preceding listening to what our organization is about -- really hearing our concerns and priorities, so that when you gathered us together, you knew us already. That quality of attention was a lesson in and of itself, and when I experienced that, I knew the program itself would be extraordinary."

"Enhanced organizational effectiveness is often a matter of understanding the components of optimal performance. Reading them or speaking of them is common. But, being able to experience them through a medium that demonstrates not only the concepts, but the beauty of their orchestration is a revelation which is lasting and meaningful. Being able to hear and see immediately the difference between effective behaviors and ineffective behaviors on the outcomes, becomes a significant determinant of future behaviors in ourselves. Every time I think about effective communication now, I remember the differing perspective of the player in the back row. Because it was one of numerous visual and auditory lessons, it will remain a positive influence upon future behavior."

"Every person in our organization felt likewise, even those who were doubters at first. We are a wiser and better organization for the experience, and I thank you. I have participated in a vast number of effectiveness forums in my career, many of significant reputation and quality. I can say to you without hesitation that The Music Paradigm is the best. Your unique ability to immerse each participant in the music and its lessons taught in a way no other medium could."

"Thank you for leaving us a changed organization."


Earl A. Goode, Former President


From a letter sent to Roger Nierenberg:

"Before our recent Marketing & Sales Leadership Conference, no one would have been able to convince me and our "street savvy" management team that the most vivid tangible and memorable session on teamwork and leadership we would ever take part in would come from a conductor and a classical orchestra."

"After all, through the years we have all had the opportunity to attend numerous "leadership" sessions. Though good at a particular moment in time, few, if any, have passed the rigid criteria of having a lasting impact on their audience."

"During The Music Paradigm session, we all sat at rapt attention eager to hear every comment or point you were making. And the points you made! It was as if you knew our company and our issues firsthand. You conveyed them to our team in a non-threatening, logical way that captured everyone's imagination and backed them up with the music which touched everyone's emotions."

"After the Music Paradigm session, and I mean days after as well as immediately after, we were still reliving the experience. New insights come to mind during a busy day's agenda and affect how issues are handled, or how our team interacts with each other."

"And that is the Music Paradigm's legacy to us. That you have changed us, and made us better leaders."

"Our corporation made a substantial commitment when we decided to bring our sales and marketing managers from Dallas for a two day leadership conference. I will always feel incredibly fortunate that we shared and participated in the enlightening experience of The Music Paradigm."