Are you a dedicated musician, but find it hard to focus and concentrate without interruption while practicing and performing? Then you may find these tips about training your brain and preventing distractions very useful. What is focus? We often use … Continue reading →
The paradox of control in peak performance Is this all?… This is too easy, it can’t be it. And yet… think of the last time you played and everything seemed to go by itself. You feel totally merged in your … Continue reading →
How to bring down practicing time by using a different mind set. You need to prepare a new piece. Fun, you think. You start practicing, the way you always do: take one chunk and practice it slowly. With the metronome, … Continue reading →
(and how to avoid that) Continue reading →
How to make your results in the practice room stick The famous ‘at home I could play this!’ might sound like a lazy student excuse, but in reality it might just be the truth. #teachers: Whenever your student tells you … Continue reading →
How to beat procrastination You are preparing for an audition. This time you are going to do it right. Only… you find yourself keeping busy with a million things except the very one you are supposed to be occupied with: … Continue reading →
And why you need to let go of perfectionism During my studies at the G. Verdi Conservatory, in Milan, I heard Yehudi Menuhin live in ‘La Scala’. He played the Beethoven concerto and well… it wasn’t perfect. Actually not even … Continue reading →
How to become a more courageous performer My first experience with improvisation was… terrifying. I was a teenager when I took part in a jazz workshop, given by a wonderful sax player (regrettably I have forgotten his name) in my … Continue reading →
How your self-talk might be holding you back and how to change that Oh yes! Finally you’ve been asked to play with that prestigious orchestra. You cannot believe it, and filled with anticipation, start practicing your part. There is a … Continue reading →
1. Stop fighting the stress Allow yourself to feel what you are feeling. Choose to experience it as ‘excitement’. It really is just a question of perception. (Read here more about that.) 2. Compliment your mind The extra adrenaline … Continue reading →
