The Musician's Way Blog

“A concert may end when the applause fades, but your artistic work and your responsibilities as a performer are far from complete.”
–The Musician’s Way, p. 196

As you exit the stage at the end of a performance, how do you typically feel?

Then, when you interact with listeners and coperformers, how do things go?

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“You must start well, and you must end well. What is in the middle is not so important because no one is listening then.”
–Maurice Chevalier, singer & actor (The Musician’s Way, p. 180)

I chuckle every time I read Chevalier’s words, but they aren’t intended solely in jest.

The start and finish of performances truly are vital moments in which music blossoms into and then fades out of existence. Continue Reading

“To be on stage is to be in charge.”
–The Musician’s Way, p. 179

Take a moment to recall the stage presence of some memorable soloists: Don’t they convey a sense of authenticity and enjoyment?

It may seem that stage presence would be akin to personality – largely inborn. In fact, projecting a commanding presence involves skills that any musician can learn. Continue Reading

“Display confident body language, come what may.”
–The Musician’s Way, p. 194

Are you confident in your ability to deal with on-stage mistakes?

I’ve found that rising musicians seldom practice handling errors, so they typically don’t manage them as gracefully as they could. Continue Reading

“If things get rocky, stay positive and engaged,
and give your audience the best possible experience.”
–The Musician’s Way, p. 189

Recall the last time that you were distracted during a performance: How did you cope? Continue Reading

“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 spell from the stage?

If it’s been a while, take heart: I’ve found that nearly all musicians can learn to deliver spellbinding performances, but they first need to build up their stage power.

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“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 eager to launch into your program or worried that things could go awry? Continue Reading

“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 that we’ve learned our material deeply, we can trust in our preparation and connect with our audiences.

In fact, centered musicians often captivate their listeners from the moment they step on stage because their powerful demeanor generates an expectant energy. Continue Reading

“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 help dispel any nerves.

To transmit ease, though, we have to not only master our material and be fluent with stage deportment but also draw on the following 6 inner skills.

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“We should welcome applause whenever it comes.”
– Emanuel Ax, pianist (The Musician’s Way, p. 183)

Should audiences at classical concerts only applaud according to strict rules of etiquette?

I’d say no. Listeners should applaud when they feel like it.

Nonetheless, countless people are baffled by the applause practices at classical performances to the point where they find concertgoing to be an awkward experience.

Here’s what President Obama had to say about this topic at a 2009 concert at the White House: Continue Reading