MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING
“MI is a collaborative, goal-oriented style of communication with particular attention to the language of change. It is designed to strengthen personal motivation for and commitment to a specific goal by eliciting and exploring the person’s own reasons for change within an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion.” (Miller & Rollnick, 2013, p. 29)
Have you ever experienced these scenarios?
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an approach that believes each person is capable of positive change, and that deep down, they have their own good reasons for making change. What if we could draw out those reasons, and guide those in our care toward setting great goals and sticking to them? This is what MI does.
MI is not a catch-all miracle cure. It needs to be used in combination with other leadership tools, such as clear communication, consistency, and boundary setting. But, when used well, it supports people in growing and changing in ways that feel authentic, supportive, and sustainable. It is a transformative way of partnering with others, greeting them with the sincere belief that change is possible, and that you're ready to walk the journey with them.
To learn more about MI, visit this link.
Context: Supervision
"I've told my supervisee over and over how to improve on that task, but they keep making the same mistakes."
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"I am quick to give feedback, but my teammate isn't very receptive. I'm not sure how else to frame things."
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"I'd like my team to take more initiative, and am wondering how to build that muscle."
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"I want my team to develop, and wish I had a better understanding of what to focus on."
Context: Music Leadership and Teaching
"I love my choir, but I repeatedly have to tell them to mark their scores, and they still don't do it consistently!"
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"The ensemble messed up in the 'problem spot' again. I did what my former conductor did - I lectured them, because I know they can be better."
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"My music student isn't showing interest in the music we're studying right now, even though I've explained the importance of it. Are they cut out for this?"
Context: Parenting
"My child didn't practice their instrument again. I sat them down, discussed why practicing needs to happen, and how expensive lessons are. What can I say to make them practice?"
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"I gave my child an ultimatum - either they practice the assigned material, or they quit lessons. Neither of us left the conversation happy."
A DYNAMIC LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Christopher Wemp, MA, provides training in Motivational Interviewing (MI) for people in various supervisory roles, music leaders, and educators. He believes that cultivating strengths-based approaches for performance management, rehearsal management, and teaching students are critical to help those in our care to reach their fullest potential.
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Using adult learning theory, he guides learners through engaging activities and practice scenarios meant to equip participants with new tools they can start using immediately. Workshops are customizable, and can range from one hour to multi-day experiences.
About Chris
Christopher Wemp, MA, earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music (piano, composition, choral conducting) and his Master’s Degree in Education Leadership at Santa Clara University. He is the Director of Training and Quality Improvement for Abode, the largest organization of its kind in the Bay Area with the mission of ending homelessness.
As a member of the international Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers since October 2025 (MINT), he teaches the application of motivational interviewing, with particular interest in organizational leaders, music leaders, educators, and parents.
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Chris directs the intergenerational English choir at St. Clare Parish, Santa Clara, and is Assistant Conductor for the San Francisco Bach Choir. He has researched choral music activities in El Salvador, Peru, India, and Kenya, and serves as a choral practitioner for Bay Area middle school and high schools.
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Testimonials
"Christopher made a point of telling us
what he was going to cover, asking us
what questions we had in advance, and
circling back at the end to make sure
all points were addressed. He is organized, thorough, engaging and really
encouraged participation and
discussion."
"I would recommend Chris for
future classes since he covered many
points...while making it joyful and interesting! "
"Chris was very engaging, knowledgable, connected with the learners, and was able to 'edit on the fly' and focus on areas where the class had the most concerns."