In the intricate world of professional musicianship, where every note counts and every performance is a high-stakes composition, maintaining composure is an art.
This article delves into the essential elements of mental training, offering insights and strategies for musicians to calm their minds and conquer the challenges that come with the territory.
Creating a daily schedule and a consistent routine is a surefire way to go from unmotivated to motivated and aimless to amazing. It holds you accountable to yourself. It keeps your day from being upended by passing feelings, cravings and wants.
"10 Rules for Resilience"
by Joe De Sena
Organization Skills
Mastery in organization is the foundation of a musician's success plan. From complex musical scores to intricate rehearsal schedules, being well-organized is of paramount importance. Developing organizational skills involves structuring practice sessions, setting priorities, and charting a course to success. An artist armed with organizational mastery navigates the dynamic and demanding landscape of a musical career more effectively.
Organizational mastery encompasses managing intricate schedules and demanding task boxes. It's a skill that helps avoid chaos in a world where every moment counts. Planning ahead, musicians become architects of their success.
In the realm of professional music, where precision and artistry must seamlessly converge, the ability to maintain composure becomes paramount. This is where the mastery of organizational skills not only acts as a preliminary structure but serves as a guiding light during the performance. A well-defined and systematic plan allows musicians to concentrate on their objective, opening up a space, particularly during on-stage presentations. This space becomes the arena where they can assert control over the stress and physiological responses triggered by performance anxiety—ranging from accelerated heartbeats and sweaty palms to lapses in concentration, wandering thoughts, and the activation of the internal commentator.
If you believe that you are having a hard time reaching your goal because you lack the necessary ability, and that you can’t do much to change that ... well, there’s no way to put this nicely: you are wrong. Effort, planning, persistence, and good strategies are what it really takes to succeed.
"Succeed: How We Can Reach Our Goals"
by Heidi Grant Halvorson
Execute It
Having a plan is merely the overture; execution is where the symphony truly begins. Discipline and consistency in following through with your plan are key. Musicians must not only conceive grand visions but also meticulously transform them into tangible actions. Every practice session, each rehearsal, and every performance contributes to the grand opus of their career.
Execution is the process where artists turn their dreams into reality. It's a complex dance between aspirations and daily challenges. A fully realized plan is not just a roadmap but also a tool for shaping reality.
The method of consistently following the planned schedule influences not only productivity during practice hours but also proves to be invaluable in the context of live performances. Implementing this method allows for a heightened focus on the process that was previously laid out for execution. By concentrating on goal achievement, both the body and the musician's mind channel their energy toward the task at hand, rather than being distracted by potential stressful situations.
In an executive context, this method acts as a lighthouse at sea, guiding musicians through the flow of stage events. It serves as a shield against the chaos of stress, enabling artists to concentrate on what matters most: presenting their musical masterpiece. In this way, during moments of peak pressure, the consistent execution of a pre-established plan becomes a crucial tool, facilitating the flawless presentation of artistic skills during a performance.
So the bad news is that you cannot have it all. The good news is that you don’t really want it all. The even better news is that you can experience incredible levels of satisfaction both personally and professionally if you take the time to work out what matters most to you.
"Off Balance"
by Matthew Kelly
Protect Yourself
In the pursuit of musical excellence, it's crucial to safeguard one's well-being. This involves setting boundaries, recognizing signs of burnout, and incorporating self-care routines. Protecting oneself is not a sign of weakness; rather, it ensures that the artist remains resilient and inspired throughout their musical journey.
Self-protection is not only a necessity but also an investment in a long-lasting musical career. An artist who takes care of their mental and physical well-being is better equipped to deal with the pressures and challenges that come with professional musical life.
Just like goals, not all plans are created equal. An effective plan is one that spells out exactly what will be done, and where, and how.
"Succeed: How We Can Reach Our Goals"
by Heidi Grant Halvorson
Routine
In the ever-changing tempo of a musician's life, a routine serves as the steady beat. Establishing a daily routine provides stability amidst the flux of rehearsals, performances, and other commitments. Whether it's a pre-concert ritual, a warm-up routine, or a daily practice schedule, routines create a comforting rhythm that allows musicians to focus on their craft without the dissonance of constant decision-making.
Routine is not just a mechanism for maintaining order in life. It's also a conscious choice that helps maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. It restores equilibrium in a world where every minute is planned.
Incorporating the method of a well-established routine into our daily lives has a tangible impact on our level of execution and practice each day. By solidifying a routine, serving as an entry point into what is often referred to as the "zone," our physical and mental systems can swiftly and easily attune themselves to optimal working conditions. This proves beneficial not only in the daily rehearsal of repertoire—ensuring that better or worse days don't hinder the practice process—but also becomes a pivotal element in stage performance.
Routine works as a stabilizer, calming both the body and mind, assuring them that the situation unfolding is no different from the hours spent in dedicated practice. Consequently, there's no need for the body to engage in a defensive posture, and the stress levels remain minimal. The method of an established routine allows us to exercise our peak performance every day, so when a crucial moment arises, demanding the presentation of our finest skills on stage, our organism collaborates and supports us, resulting in the best possible outcome.
Conclusion
As a professional musician, the ability to stay calm is a superpower, and a well-thought-out plan is the conductor's wand. By honing organizational skills, executing musical visions with precision, protecting one's well-being, and incorporating the rhythmic stability of routine, musicians can compose a harmonious melody that resonates with both artistic brilliance and personal fulfillment. So, in moments of frenzy, remember to breathe, trust your plan, and let the music play on.
In conclusion, the method of devising a plan is a crucial first step in preparing for a performance. A detailed plan for rehearsals, exercises, and mastering the repertoire lays the groundwork. However, professionals go a step further by crafting a step-by-step plan for stage presentation. The ability to focus attention and the consistent execution of this plan are paramount to achieving the set goals.
Furthermore, introducing a routine into both daily life and as an introductory element into the realm of our body and mind's highest quality work enables us to showcase the highest musical and technical levels. This opens the door to unlocking the full potential within us, which, in combination with a heightened stress situation, allows for the emergence of the so-called peak performance.