The Musician's Way Blog

“A musician’s reputation is shaped as much by consistent professionalism
(or the lack thereof) as it is by artistry.”
–The Musician’s Way, p. 115

Although we musicians spend vast amounts of time practicing alone, professional music making is largely a collaborative art form: for the most part, we rehearse, perform, record, and tour collectively.

Not surprisingly, then, cultural norms have arisen among professional musicians.

Performers who abide by those norms thrive; ones who don’t wind up unemployed. So it’s vital that aspiring artists understand and live by professional standards of conduct. Continue Reading

“Practicing well is virtually an art in itself –
the art of achieving economy of time and means.”
–David Soyer, cellist (The Musician’s Way, p. 20)

When we practice well, we don’t just get great results; we also reach our goals with optimal efficiency.

We work with clear intentions and smart strategies to quickly bring music to concert-ready condition.

Although many professionals practice economically, I’ve found that few students do, so here are 4 tips to help rising performers get the most out of their practice time. Continue Reading

Louis Armstrong

“What we play is life.”
–Louis Armstrong, trumpeter and composer

Would many musicians dispute Louis Armstrong’s words? I doubt it.

With each turn of a phrase, we performers spin out some of the essence of being alive, and we relish every moment.

But we don’t create music for ourselves alone. Music is a social art that peaks in the interaction between performers and listeners.

And through our relationship with the public, we achieve both artistic and financial success. Continue Reading

“Of all my skills, none is more important
than the ability to organize my time.”
–Twyla Tharp, choreographer (The Creative Habit, p. 178)

Whether you’re a mature musician or a rising one, your creative output will hinge on your knack for carving out practice time and using it productively.

Here are 7 strategies that will help you make the most of your practice. Continue Reading

“In order to be creative
you have to know how to prepare to be creative.”
-Twyla Tharp, choreographer (The Creative Habit, p. 9)

Even though musical expertise results from persistent practice, it can be tough for us musicians to stick to our practice schedules over the span of months and years.

What’s more, when we arrive at the practice studio, it isn’t always easy for us to make inspired music.

Nonetheless, I believe that all of us can be consistently and deeply creative. But the key to our doing so lies in our ability to plan and otherwise prepare our practice sessions. Continue Reading

Paul Simon

“If you start with something that’s fake,
you’re always covering your tracks.”
–Paul Simon, singer-songwriter

Is there really a fast track to mastering an unfamiliar composition?

I’m convinced that there is. And its use can not only speed up the learning process but also unleash boundless possibilities for artistic growth.

Ready? The ultimate practice shortcut is: Continue Reading

It’s 10:00 a.m., and I’ve already practiced for a couple of hours. I practiced yesterday, too, and I’ll practice tomorrow.

Like musicians everywhere, practice is central to the rhythm of my life.

What keeps us musicians practicing? Self-motivation is a big part of it. But underlying our devotion to daily work is our intention to achieve specific goals.

And the more precise our objectives, the more energy and accomplishment we generate.

Continue Reading