Getting the right mindset for music performance

January 31, 2005 9:40 AM

Music Practice: I recall someone describing to me a book that describes how to get into the proper mindset for practicing your instrument, and discusses the psychology of performing, stage fright, and how to achieve the right mindset before a performance. The person who described it said it had helped them greatly in practice and performance. This may not be enough to nail down the specific book, but does anyone have a book or method that has helped them with these things?

I'm learning the piano (two years of lessons so far) and a lot of the time I feel like my practice is sub-optimal. I don't get too nervous when I perform, but I do enter an odd mental state -- I think the fact that I'm performing is distracting.

For these reasons, the book I heard about one day long ago is now sounding like something that could be helpful to me. Hopefully someone knows it, or something similar. Thanks!

posted by agropyron to media & arts (7 comments total)

The book might be The Inner Game of Music.
posted by ivorytower at 9:45 AM on January 31, 2005

That looks right, or at least very similar. Thanks!
posted by agropyron at 10:05 AM on January 31, 2005

I am reliably informed by my fianceé that it could be The Art of Practicing: A guide to Making Music from the Heart.
posted by danhon at 11:21 AM on January 31, 2005

The Inner Game is probably the one you're looking for, but A Soprano On Her Head is also excellent.
posted by Tholian at 12:02 PM on January 31, 2005

Effortless Mastery by Kenny Werner.
posted by cribcage at 2:23 PM on January 31, 2005

Audition Success by Don Greene.
posted by Pallas Athena at 4:40 PM on January 31, 2005

Barry Green also wrote another book called "Mastery of Music: Ten Pathways to True Artistry" which I believe is a series of interviews with master musicians about the topics you mentioned.
posted by lpqboy at 5:20 PM on January 31, 2005