“Errors are inevitable, but suffering as a result of them is optional.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 193 Of all the skills I teach to performers, one of the most challenging ones for them to master involves the handling of on-stage mistakes. All too often, errors churn up...
“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...
“Research has shown that people who adopt mastery goals experience the lowest levels of performance anxiety.” –Music Educators Journal, Dec. 2010.* When we step on stage, nothing affects our state of mind more than our goals. Mastery goals inspire us to be artistic...
“Before you play, you must prepare your way.” Stéphane Grappelli, violinist The Musician’s Way, p. 157 In my previous post, “The Preparation Timeline,” I contended that when we book a performance, an audition, or a recording session, a written timeline...
“The mind always has to anticipate the physical action that is to be taken and then to send the command for its execution.” –Ivan Galamian, violin teacher The Musician’s Way, p. 48 Of all the skills required to perform music, one of the most vital ones is also the...