“Music is a performing art. . . . It isn’t there in the score.” -Michael Tippett, composer The Musician’s Way, p. 152 When you think about all that goes into preparing for a concert, music performance can seem like a delicate skill, something akin to tightrope...
“The fight-or-flight response works wonders when you’re standing on a sidewalk and a piano is falling from a building above.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 135 Shaky hands, racing heartbeat, queasy stomach – all manifestations of a nervousness that...
“With a commitment on your calendar, your practice becomes targeted toward an exhilarating purpose.” -The Musician’s Way, p. 108 Some musicians relish daily practice; others struggle to work consistently. Whatever our relationship with practice might be,...
“Every performance is different. That’s the beauty of it.” -Van Morrison The Musician’s Way, p. 153 To reach the heart of performance, let’s start by deciphering what a performance is. Consider this: When we play or sing for someone else, we’re performing; and...
“The performers who connect from the stage establish emotional relationships with their audiences.” -The Musician’s Way, p. 188 What endows a performance with the power to stir listeners’ hearts? At a minimum, a spellbinding concert melds first-rate...
“When I play, I make love – it is the same thing.” -Arthur Rubinstein, pianist The Musician’s Way, p. 207 If you’ve read much about performing, then you’ve probably run into the terms “peak performance,” “flow,” and “being in the zone.” Those synonymous...
“When we generate positive emotions, we ignite creativity.” The February 2014 issue of The Musician’s Way Newsletter coalesces more than 20 resources for performers, educators, and arts administrators. You’ll find articles about boosting creativity, enhancing...
“All musicians should be able to address audiences confidently.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 176 Speaking from the stage can powerfully enhance audience-performer rapport, provided that we musicians polish our public speaking skills. Here are six public...
“Memorable concerts have three indispensable ingredients: prepared performers, suitable settings, and terrific music.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 208 The newest issue of The Musician’s Way Newsletter presents more than 20 articles covering topics ranging from music...
