If you struggle with nerves and inconsistent performances, know that you’re not alone! Join 45,000+ musicians and get weekly research-based performance psychology tips that will help you become more effective in the practice room and on stage.
Menahem Pressler: On Following Your Heart
Have you ever watched your favorite musician perform, and wondered what goes through their head on stage?
Like, what are they thinking about? Do they ever worry? What do they worry about? Is playing as easy as it looks? Or do they have bad days too? Does it ever get easier? How do they deal with criticism or bad reviews or even the critic in their own head? How similar is their experience in performance to ours?
As you've probably already heard, renowned pianist Menahem Pressler passed away last weekend at the age of 99. A founding member of the Beaux Arts Trio, his performing career spanned seven-plus decades, and he also taught generations of pianists who have gone on to hold teaching positions around the world and win prizes in all of the major competitions.
I got to know Mr. Pressler a tiny bit during my time at Indiana University, as he was my wife's teacher, and kindly included me in studio parties and events. He was also curious and encouraging of my interests in psychology at a time when I had no idea how things would pan out, which I always appreciated.
So in the summer of 2012, I reached out to see if I might ask him some questions about practicing and performing. He was very open about his mental experience on stage, his own doubts and fears at various points in his life, and what success and failure meant to him, as well as the more practical aspects of how he prepares for performance.
I hope you find it as insightful and inspiring a conversation as I did.
Menahem Pressler: On Following Your Heart
-Noa
A couple things from the archives
- Do you enjoy watching videos of your favorite performers? Turns out "observational practice" is actually a thing, and can enhance learning - if you do it right. More details on how to make the most of this here.
- If you've ever found yourself spiraling mentally backstage before an audition or performance, you know the mind can be our worst enemy at times. What do the most effective performers do backstage to stay in a good headspace? Four things in particular, according to this study.
Deep thought o' the week
"Nothing in the world is permanent, and we're foolish when we ask anything to last, but surely we're still more foolish not to take delight in it while we have it. If change is of the essence of existence one would have thought it only sensible to make it the premise of our philosophy."
-W. Somerset Maugham, writer
The Bulletproof Musician
If you struggle with nerves and inconsistent performances, know that you’re not alone! Join 45,000+ musicians and get weekly research-based performance psychology tips that will help you become more effective in the practice room and on stage.
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