Suppression of Expression
Motivational mindset can determine whether musicians’ performances are marked by moving expressivity or debilitating stage fright.
View ArticleVirtuosity: Virtue or Vice?
A virtuoso performance is a sure-fire way to bring applauding audiences to their feet. It’s thrilling, awe-inspiring, even otherworldly.
View ArticleFlip the Script on Performance Anxiety
Musicians should consider practicing “radical realism.” A big dose of realistic thinking may be the best medicine to cure the adrenaline-fueled symptoms of stage fright.
View ArticleDepth or Breadth?
Many assume early specialization is part of the best path to music performance expertise, but there are reasons to question this prevailing wisdom.
View ArticleExactly What Is a Real Musician?
With the right kind of support from music teachers and parents, a musical childhood can be a gift that lasts a lifetime.
View ArticleWhat to Do When You’re Cut Off From Your Musical People
Whether musicians’ seclusion is self-imposed or advised by health officials, it can provide occasion to do some individual work on their musicianship.
View ArticleTo Wage War Against Performance Anxiety
Doing the unexpected can give performers an advantage in their battle against stage fright.
View ArticleGo for Flow
By seeking optimal flow experiences, performers can stop stage fright before it starts and rediscover why they got into music in the first place.
View ArticlePsyching Up Musicians
Music is made by humans for humans. For musicians, knowledge and technique are essential, but an understanding of human beings is also crucial.
View ArticleWhat It Really Takes to Become a Musician
Developmental psychology tells us that exceptional music performance skill results from a combination of physiological traits and environmental catalysts.
View ArticleHow Creativity Is Developed Through Expressive Performance
For those not inclined toward improvisation or songwriting, expressive performance of a composer's work can be a great creative medium.
View ArticleMusical Gleanings From the Pandemic
It's not exactly "news," but recent research has further established music as a preferred coping strategy for dealing with the challenges of life.
View ArticleThe Two Sides of Musical Creativity
Being creative is not a single personality trait or mindset. Musicians wanting to boost their creativity must involve multiple ideas.
View Article“Think Global, Act Local” Musicianship
"Think globally, act locally" is good advice beyond the social-political arena. Global and local thinking are both part of an adaptable, multi-level musical mind.
View ArticleProducing a Proper Musical Prodigy
What are we to think of children who display amazing musical skills that are so far beyond what others can do?
View ArticleAre Musicians Special? Should They Want to Be?
Although being designated as "special" may seem like a compliment, often it is not at all empowering to musicians.
View ArticleIs Reading Fundamental for Performing Musicians?
Should all musicians learn to read music notation? Or is it a specialized skill that is useful to only some?
View ArticleEnculturation vs. Acculturation in Musicianship
Though studying music in college is the right path for many musicians, it can also have a dark side. But any group can have a positive dynamic if the people want it to.
View ArticleA Single Path to Well-Being and Peak Musicianship
Considering positive psychology can help musicians take advantage of the known benefits that musical engagement offers to human well-being.
View ArticleNote to Self: Compassion, Not Criticism
Some musicians practically brag about being their "own worst critic." But such an approach is usually very counterproductive to performance growth.
View Article
