The Musician's Way Blog

“It’s your internal motivation that opens the creative spigot.”
-The Musician’s Way, p. 105

Those of us who create day after day know that things don’t always go smoothly. Sometimes our work flows; other times difficulties slow us down.

But whether we’re dealing with good days or not, one simple practice helps keep our creativity rolling. Continue Reading

Mindfulness Gives Performers an Edge

Those of us who watched the 2012 Olympics witnessed some athletes who triumphed and others who choked under the stress of performing.

What differentiates those two groups? Continue Reading

“We first make our habits and then our habits make us.”
–John Dryden, poet (The Musician’s Way, p. 20)

When you practice, are you consistently focused and productive? If not, the reason may lie in chronic habits that undermine your attention and creativity.

Here are 7 ways to replace unwanted practice habits with those that foster deeper learning and higher creativity. Continue Reading

“Practice holds a place of honor in the life of a musician.”
–The Musician’s Way, p. 4

All of us veteran musicians share the same twin aims when we practice: we intend to polish our skills and prepare music for performances.

We also know how to accomplish our goals efficiently. Continue Reading

“One should hunger after the whole concept, the whole mood,
what the music stands for.”
–William Pleeth, cellist (The Musician’s Way, p. 71)

When we approach an unfamiliar composition, I recommend that we map out a preliminary interpretation before we deal with technical issues.

But once we have basic musical and technical issues in hand, how do we elevate our interpretation to concert level? Here are 6 ways.

Continue Reading

“The beauty in playing the instrument is not to be better than the next person
but to stay true to oneself, to set one’s own standards and keep to them.”
–Andrés Cárdenes, violinist (The Musician’s Way, p. 305)

In many ways, we succeed or flounder as artists based on the standards we uphold.

Here are three reasons why.

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

“Whenever you practice or perform a composition, celebrate its unique message.
Feel the excitement of listening to the music for the first time.”
–The Musician’s Way, p. 74

All of us musicians learn and then set aside countless pieces over the years.

Sometimes, we excitedly return to old favorites but then feel glum when we realize that music we once performed with ease is now surprisingly difficult. Continue Reading

Pablo Casals

“Don’t give notes. Give the meaning of the notes.”
–Pablo Casals, cellist (The Musician’s Way, p. 34)

What does it take to give meaningful performances?

To begin with, we have to awaken our imaginations so that every pitch we play or sing vibrates with life.

Then, we have to respond deeply to the emotional fabric of a composition, which is the subject of this post. Continue Reading

“Wherever you hope to travel on your musical journey,
practice is the only route to getting there.”
–The Musician’s Way, p. 3

Although deep practice is essential to musical excellence, in my experience, only a minority of rising musicians practice optimally.

Fortunately, though, practice skills can be learned, but musicians first need benchmarks against which to gauge their habits. Continue Reading