Today I want to share with you what is, in my opinion, the Number One reason why we suffer from performance nerves.

Many musicians think, it's because they're technically not skilled enough, or not concentrated enough, or that the pressure is unbearable. But I think it's about something else.

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This is the second part of my series about the nervous system. To read the first part, go back here: "The nervous system and its significance for practice, learning from memory, and stage fright"

Neurologist Hughlings Jackson made a discovery in the 19th century, which still serves as the basis f...

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With examples for clarinet, piano and viola

How do I practice for joy in music? How can I ensure that I can play the piece by heart? How do I manage not to tense up when I practice? What should I practice first, the notes or the sound or the music, or something else entirely?

These are some frequently asked questions in my seminars and individual sessions.

In this article I describe my approach, how I practice musical pieces that they get into my system "by themselves" and I stay relaxed and fresh. It consists of four simple steps, simple yet powerful, that can make a big difference in your practice. I apply them also with my piano students, and the best of it: they are really, really fun.

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Filling a piggy bank takes time, patience, perseverance. In the end, however, we know how much we've saved. It's easy to find motivation and patience for saving.

A new way to practicing your instrument is less clear. We can't put numbers to our process. Step by step, day by day, we build it up. Ho...

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The most emotive moment in the film "Ratatouille" (Pixar, 2007) is the final scene, in which the antagonist, a restaurant critic, who on top of all things is called "Ego", visits our hero's restaurant to write a review. Of his opinion depends the future of the venue, for through his experience and r...

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The nervous system is a universe. It regulates everything in us: from body movements, bodily functions and body sensations to feelings, thoughts, thought processes. For a year, I’ve been learning about it, and I’ve been finding new and exciting connections.

The most important connection for us mus...

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Only very few would say that they have a spiritual practice. And yet, anything we deepen over a certain period of time can become a spiritual path. For example, calligraphy, archery, tea ceremony... and also writing, coding, researching, running, making violins, sewing, dancing tango, playing the pi...

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What happens when your performance nerves get the better of you, when you can't play how you know yourself? In a music university audition, this can decide whether you're offered a place to study, or not.

My colleague Cecilia, flute teacher, approached me to ask if I would work with her student An...

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