The Bulletproof Musician

Have you ever practiced or studied in secret, afraid to let on how long it takes for you to learn something? Good news - other people are probably working harder than you think. Do Other People Really Learn As Quickly As It Seems Like They Do? More from The Bulletproof Musician Get the free weekly newsletter , for more nerdy details and bonus subscriber-only content. Pressure Proof : A free 7-day...

Ever get frustrated by how difficult it can be to follow through on big plans? Here are two strategies that research suggests can help you get over the hump. 2 Ways to Shrink the “Intention-Behavior Gap,” Improve Your Follow-through, and Get Things Done More from The Bulletproof Musician Get the free weekly newsletter , for more nerdy details and bonus subscriber-only content. Pressure Proof : A f...

In this week's conversation, Boston Celtics assistant coach Jay Larranaga shares some of the key habits and characteristics that seem to be essential in becoming a top performer. Jay Larranaga: On Becoming the Best Version of Yourself That You Can Be More from The Bulletproof Musician Get the free weekly newsletter , for more nerdy details and bonus subscriber-only content. Pressure Proof : A...

It wouldn't seem that improvisation would have a place in classical music performance - but could this be one of the keys to a better performance experience - for both performer and audience? Comparison videos and links at:  Why an “Improvisational Mindset” Could Be Vital to Reducing Performance Anxiety and Increasing Audience Engagement More from The Bulletproof Musician Get the free weekly...

Research suggests that exercising after learning a new skill can help enhance the learning of that skill. So maybe the best time for musicians to work out is after a practice session? How a Post-Practice Workout Could Help Boost Learning and Retention More from The Bulletproof Musician Get the free weekly newsletter , for more nerdy details and bonus subscriber-only content. Pressure Proof : A fre...

Is there something inherently different about classical music that makes classical musicians more anxious on stage? And if so, what could that possibly be? Do Classical Musicians Get More Nervous Than Non-Classical Musicians? (And If so, Why?) More from The Bulletproof Musician Get the free weekly newsletter , for more nerdy details and bonus subscriber-only content. Pressure Proof : A free 7-day...

Ever wonder what exact strategies experienced musicians use to come up with their own unique interpretation of a piece? Research suggests that these 8 strategies might be a good place to start. For links to the guitarists' recordings, go to 8 Strategies Musicians Use to Create Their Own Unique Interpretation of a Piece More from The Bulletproof Musician Get the free weekly newsletter , for mo...

Ever have one of those days where you question if it's possible to balance practicing, performing, and having a life? In this week's chat, LA Phil violinists (and husband/wife) Nathan Cole and Akiko Tarumoto share their thoughts on practicing and auditioning after kids, what they've learned from each other, and more. For full transcript and links, go to:  Nathan Cole & Akiko Tar...

Research suggests that a different way of doing mental practice - "dynamic imagery" - could actually lead to better performance results than the regular 'ol way. Have Difficulty Staying Awake During Mental Practice? Try "Dynamic" Mental Imagery Instead! More from The Bulletproof Musician Get the free weekly newsletter , for more nerdy details and bonus subscriber-only cont...

Apparently we've all been sitting incorrectly our whole lives - and paying a price for it not just in terms of comfort, but cognitive performance too. The Correct Way to Sit in a Chair (and How This Could Help Your Performance in More Ways Than You’d Think) More from The Bulletproof Musician Get the free weekly newsletter , for more nerdy details and bonus subscriber-only content. Pressure Pr...

Having difficulty concentrating in the practice room? Sounds simple, but research suggests that taking a drink of water could help increase concentration and help you problem-solve more effectively. An Easy-to-Overlook “Hack” for Enhancing Concentration in the Practice Room More from The Bulletproof Musician Get the free weekly newsletter , for more nerdy details and bonus subscriber-only content....

Playing a musical instrument can be physically awkward at times - but it shouldn't feel quite as uncomfortable as it often does. In this week's conversation, violist Carol Rodland (Juilliard, Perlman Music Program) shares her thoughts on how we can all learn to play with more ease and effortlessness. Carol Rodland: On Learning to Work with Your Body, Not Against It More from The Bulletpr...

Some things are urgent (a gig today), while other things are important (a big audition in 2 months). How can we make the best use of our practice time so that we are at our best for the truly important moments? The “Urgency Effect” and How to Prioritize More Effectively in the Practice Room More from The Bulletproof Musician Get the free weekly newsletter , for more nerdy details and bonus subscri...

We've all heard of "home-court advantage." But research suggests that there are times when performing in front of a supportive audience can put us at a disadvantage too. Does It Help (or Hurt) to Have Friends and Family in the Audience? More from The Bulletproof Musician Get the free weekly newsletter , for more nerdy details and bonus subscriber-only content. Pressure Proof : A fre...

It's normal to feel pressure in high-stakes auditions and performances, but too much can lead to a meltdown. Is there any way to relieve some of that pressure while still caring deeply about doing our best? Perform Better Under Pressure with This Subtle Adjustment to Your Self-Talk More from The Bulletproof Musician Get the free weekly newsletter , for more nerdy details and bonus subscriber-...

What do great performers think about while performing? Technique? Sound? Images? In this week's conversation, former Met principal horn player Julie Landsman shares insights on what she did to stay focused on stage, and how she was able to develop trust in her abilities under pressure. For links and additional resources, go to:  Julie Landsman: On Getting into the Zone and Developing Trust in...

You probably already know about the benefits of mental practice. And you may also have heard of "observational practice." But recent research suggests that combining the two can help us learn even more effectively than doing either one on its own. Research Suggests That While Mental Practice Is Good, This Hybrid Approach Is Even Better More from The Bulletproof Musician Get the free week...

What's the right thing to say to someone before a high-pressure event? Good luck? You'll do great? Just breathe? Research suggests that a text message from a significant other can attenuate their stress response - but not any old message will do. What's the Most (and Least) Helpful Thing to Text a Friend Before Their Audition? More from The Bulletproof Musician Get the free weekly n...

How do "overuse" injuries occur? Is it simply a matter of playing too much? Or are there other factors involved that are often overlooked? In this week's conversation, former MN Orchestra associate principal cellist Janet Horvath shares insights on how to play pain-free and avoid injuries. Janet Horvath: On Preventing Overuse Injuries and Playing Pain-Free More from The Bulletproof...

It's easy for lessons to become completely focused on all the things we are doing wrong. And while glossing over mistakes is not the answer, is this the most effective way to learn? Or might animal trainers know something that could actually come in handy, whether it's playing the piano or learning surgical skills? A Better Way to Teach Complex Skills, Borrowed From…Doggy Training? More...

We've all done it. And some swear that it helps them to focus and concentrate. But what does the research say? Do we actually study better if there's music playing in the background? Listening to Music While Studying: Ok or Not Ok? More from The Bulletproof Musician Get the free weekly newsletter , for more nerdy details and bonus subscriber-only content. Pressure Proof : A free 7-day pe...

Why you may want to give yourself a little bit of quiet time after practicing (or studying), instead of jumping immediately into another activity. Memorize More Music by Remembering to Press "Pause"? More from The Bulletproof Musician Get the free weekly newsletter , for more nerdy details and bonus subscriber-only content. Pressure Proof : A free 7-day performance practice crash course...

I used to dread recording myself. And listening back was even worse. So why do some musicians swear by it? How exactly does it help us in the practice room and on stage? And how can we get ourselves to not only embrace recording...but maybe even come to enjoy the process? Rob Knopper: On Overcoming the Fear of Recording Yourself (and Making It Your New Favorite Practice Tool) More from The Bulletp...

There are two kinds of mistakes we make on stage. The kind that we see coming (ack! difficult passage ahead!). And the kind we never could have imagined (what the...?!). Either way, we need a way to move past them quickly, so they don't snowball out of control. Here's where a mistake ritual can come in handy. “Mistake Rituals” and Why it's Important to Prepare for On-Stage Surprises...

Stress is never any fun - but does stress also contribute to injury? Research suggests that it can...giving us another reason to make sure we are taking breaks and recharging our batteries during stressful times. Does Stress Make Us More Susceptible to Injury? More from The Bulletproof Musician Get the free weekly newsletter , for more nerdy details and bonus subscriber-only content. Pressure Proo...