“Positive emotions open our hearts and minds, making us more receptive and more creative.” –Barbara Fredrickson, Ph.D. Positivity, p. 21 We musicians intuitively understand the power of positive emotions. Whether we’re practicing or performing, we know that feelings...
“Our object is to minimize the contrast between studio practice and public performance.” –Philip Farkas, hornist The Art of Musicianship, p. 48 When you start practicing an unfamiliar piece, does your learning process go smoothly and then culminate in secure,...
“Your most fertile source of creative energy is a compelling artistic vision.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 310 Among the many factors that lead to artistic achievement, the most decisive one may be the least visible. Yet it’s the reason we veteran musicians practice,...
“You are the one who will shape yourself into the artist that you aspire to be.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 296 Multitudes of music students take regular lessons. Are young musicians prepared to make the most of their lessons? Some are, but many are not, because, through...
“When you project a centered presence from the stage, your audience becomes attentive and relaxed.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 180 To make our best music, we performers need to be mentally, physically, and emotionally in sync. In a word: centered. Then, assuming...
