Comments on: Getting the right mindset for music performance

Question: Getting the right mindset for music performance

agropyron — Mon, 31 Jan 2005 09:40:21 -0800

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!

By: ivorytower

ivorytower — Mon, 31 Jan 2005 09:45:53 -0800

The book might be The Inner Game of Music.

By: agropyron

agropyron — Mon, 31 Jan 2005 10:05:42 -0800

That looks right, or at least very similar. Thanks!

By: danhon

danhon — Mon, 31 Jan 2005 11:21:07 -0800

I am reliably informed by my fianceé that it could be The Art of Practicing: A guide to Making Music from the Heart.

By: Tholian

Tholian — Mon, 31 Jan 2005 12:02:30 -0800

The Inner Game is probably the one you're looking for, but A Soprano On Her Head is also excellent.

By: cribcage

cribcage — Mon, 31 Jan 2005 14:23:37 -0800

Effortless Mastery by Kenny Werner.

By: Pallas Athena

Pallas Athena — Mon, 31 Jan 2005 16:40:41 -0800

Audition Success by Don Greene.

By: lpqboy

lpqboy — Mon, 31 Jan 2005 17:20:27 -0800

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.