“I will cast this spell: I know I can open this door and show you something unforgettable and transforming, and I’m determined to take myself there and to take you with me.” –Jeffrey Kahane, pianist The Musician’s Way, p. 177 When was the last time that you cast a...
“The key to harnessing on-stage energy is to use it for music-making purposes” –The Musician’s Way, p. 186 Let’s say that you’re walking on stage to begin a performance. Your heart’s beating somewhat fast and your hands feel cool; maybe your mouth turns dry. Are you...
“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...
“Masterful performers exhibit ease in all that they do on stage.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 21 There’s no better way for us musicians to make our audiences receptive than to project ease and enjoyment from the stage. What’s more, by embodying ease, we facilitate...
“The better you use yourself, the better you will play.” –Pedro de Alcantara The Musician’s Way, p. 257 Music making may be the most integrated of all human activities. It’s no exaggeration to say that either playing instruments or singing requires us to coordinate...