What actually makes us sound better, First name / friend?
Maybe because of the way we’ve been trained, when things aren’t going well, we tend to default into thinking we just need to build more skill. The instinct is to practice more scales or do a few metronome drills on repeat. THEN it will sound better - because practice makes us sound better.
And yes, of course technique building is part of sounding better.
But what we’ve noticed with so many students - and ourselves - is that playing with a mindset of confidence, commitment and focus is as much a part of the equation of sounding good as your skill or technique. Especially when you're trying to go from 80 or 90% to 95%. Tuning into your mindset - and paying attention to each sound and feeling - makes all the difference.
This week, we have a little task for you: can you incorporate focusing on a particular mindset into your practice?
Is it a mindset of confidence? Is it being unapologetic? Is it staying in the moment? Is it playing everything with commitment? Is it believing what you have to say is important?
Pick one.
Write it on a post it, put it on your stand, on your fridge, whatever you need to do! Feel free to even make
this image your phone lock screen!
// 3 MORE THINGS! //
1. Workshop on Negative Though Patterns/Self-Criticism
- We are so excited about this workshop and you're invited! Myra McPherson, a trauma therapist and extraordinary human, is going to give us the lowdown on so many important things in her workshop, Releasing Negative Thought Patterns and Self-Judgement in Practice & Performance with Myra McPherson, PhD. Wednesday, Aug 10 | 7:30pm ET. REGISTER!
2. 5 Areas of Your Musical Life to work on NOW!
- 🎁 Present for ya! Have you downloaded this PDF?! If not, it may be a good time to explore the 5 areas of your musical life we think you aught to think about!
3. “Begin at once to live, and count each separate day as a separate life.” - Seneca
- It's August 1! We love a good restart, whether it's a new month, a new week or even a new moment. What do you want this month? How are you showing up?
Happy August, Happy Monday and Happy