Entries Tagged 'REVIEW' ↓
March 31st, 2010 — REVIEW
http://jimfordmusic.wordpress.com/2009/11/22/book-performing-in-the-zone-by-jon-gorrie/
Performing in The Zone
This is an awesome book that really helps with performance anxiety and a host of other issues that hold me back from performing at my full potential. I wish I had this book, when I had my “big” audition for bass player in the National Symphony in Washington, DC back in the late 70s. At that time I was studying (post-college) with Steve Brewster the Principal Bassist at that time. By the way Steve was an incredible human being and musician and will be the subject of a future article. I had prepared well for this audition and had mastered the list of orchestra bass parts indicated. I also had prepared a solo piece that I could play beautifully at my lessons. Steve proclaimed that I was well prepared for the audition and wished me well at my lesson prior to the audition.
I got to the audition with my bass and music. I was escorted to the waiting rooms below the stage. I encountered a large number of bassists all working away and practicing their parts and sounding very proficient and capable of passing the audition. Some had the parts all memorized and could wiz through them at fast tempos. I was completely blown away by this and started feeling woefully inadequate. I got quite nervous and began feeling high anxiety about my own audition when the time was to come. I was completely intimidated at this point.
Finally, I was called to go up on stage. I took my bass up a set or two of stairs fairly petrified. When I got on the stage, as expected, there was a screen between myself and the audience where I knew that members of the bass section and other symphony people, including possibly Rostropovich himself. Although later I found out that he only comes to the finals.
On stage with me was a member of the orchestra, who directed me to play each of several orchestra parts including Mozart 40th, Beethoven’s 5th, Prokofiev 9th. I was able to play and get through them, but I was so nervous that I am sure that I was rushing the tempos, smearing though some of the 16th note runs to say the least. When I was done, I went back down the stairs feeling about as badly as I have every felt. The auditions were in rounds of 10 bass players where at the end of the round, they indicated who in the group made it to the finals. It was some small comfort that no one in our group of 10 was selected for the finals. It didn’t really make me much feel better. I left the hall feeling a huge disappointment in how I had completely blown the audition by being so ultra-nervous that I couldn’t play up to the level I was prepared for. Even at my best, I might not have been selected, but I was decimated by my poorer than normal performance. This was so far away from “Performing in the Zone”.
A few weeks later, I had an audition to be the paid principal bass player for a local symphony, and I was much improved at that audition and even got the gig. For years afterward, I passed many auditions for groups, and had a wonderful experience playing. However, to this day I am still uncomfortable with auditions. The techniques in Jon’s book, Performing in the Zone have already helped me and have motivated my to use this technique in my work environment when preparing for meetings. in addition to performing music. Thanks, Jon.
You can find and buy the book here, I highly recommend it.
March 24th, 2010 — REVIEW
Performing in the Zone by Jon Gorrie sets out to define the obstacles to mastery of optimal musical performances with reference to managing performance nerves. This is a how-to book, which offers a number of solutions such as mantras and rituals, visualization, yoga, mock performances and physical exercise designed to aid the performer in managing “arousal anxiety” and understanding how it is used to attain self insight and control.
Gorrie has been a classically-trained trumpet player and a music educator for the past 15 years. Performance nerves and their management are of great interest to him particularly because they are, at one time or another, the nemesis of performers of all kinds. His priority is to aid performers to enhance their self-awareness through learning tools and anxiety concepts.
Gorrie writes with passion and conviction about the research that has consumed him for his entire career. The book is faultlessly organized and approachable. His sense of humor pervades throughout. It is clear that he has written from personal experience and with thoughtful insights.
– Louise Lepley, American Music Teacher Magazine
January 19th, 2010 — REVIEW
From the November 2009 issue of The Strad magazine:
I’m not a big fan of self-help books – although does anybody ever admit to being a fan of them? – but the more I read of this one, the more I liked it. It’s aimed not just at musicians, but also actors, public speakers and sports people, to name but a few, and is trying to help you to get into the ‘Zone’ – a place where optimal performance is possible.
Inevitably, browsing the contents page would be enough to put off the fainthearted: references to ‘laughing yoga’ and ‘visualisations’ made my heart sink a little, and it was impossible not to give in to a smutty snigger at the constant references to ‘performance arousal’.
But suspend your disbelief for a while and press on – it’s worth it. The book is written by New Zealand-born trumpeter and fellow at London’s Trinity College Jon Gorrie, and cherry-picks from different schools of thought as diverse as neurolinguistic programming and sports psychology to compile a raft of different techniques for performers to try in order to get into a positive frame of mind, in a way that is sure to have an impact not just on performing but on life generally.
It opens with a chapter on the theory behind the techniques, but suggests that if you’re not too bothered about the research you could dive straight into the second chapter, which focuses on the techniques themselves.
Gorrie explains that ‘performance arousal’ is a phenomenon that can have positive effects by improving our level of performance or combatting negative effects that can prevent us from performing to our full potential. The book offers practical exercises to learn how to control these effects. There’s a lot of repetition in the theory chapter, but the techniques portion has some very useful suggestions, for example on breaking the cycle of anxiety about performing; the importance of feigning confidence in speech and body language; ways of practising performance; and meditation to help you into a relaxed frame of mind.
Then there’s the twelve-week programme, which is a bit like a be-yourown-life-coach method. It builds from initially spending 30 to 60 minutes a day making sure your diet is right and working 30 minutes of moving and stretching into your daily routine, to week twelve, in which you should be spending two to three hours a day on exercises that include doing qigong or t’ai chi and ‘free writing’ to help free you from emotional barriers. This might sound tough to fit into your day, but Gorrie emphasises the importance of intelligent time management: locking the TV in the loft is one of his suggestions. Tough talk! But the techniques section in particular is great to dip into and covers so many different approaches that you’re bound to find a few that work for you. There’s also a reference section at the back listing a bibliography and online resources to follow up. If you ignore the occasional bit of psychobabble then this highly readable book could be of real value.
– Catherine Nelson, The Strad Magazine, Nov. 2009
January 14th, 2010 — REVIEW
From Vocals Magazine:
Has the mathematics and sciences taken center stage in your fundamental learning? Wondered if your anxieties ever affected your ability to perform in front of a crowd, or even one person? When performing, do you feel something is just not quite right? Does it rack your nerves wondering if you were a any good at all in your delivery?
Then get your copy of Jon Gorrie’s book, Performing in the Zone. This Performance ‘Wake-up call” can unlock your anxieties, grease the skids, and help you land the performance consistently. But really, what is the zone? How do I know if I’ve really entered the zone? Have I really mastered and have full control of when I want, more importantly, when I need to get and stay in the zone?
Jon’s extensive background in international study of music, theatrics, and performance, takes the guesswork out and delivers what every performer should have in their toolbox. This is a book that explains the physiological, psychological, and mathematical understanding of a ‘nailed’ performance.
Get your copy now, learn the techniques that have driven the success of performers around the world. From tinkering karaokes to 10,000 seat audiences, this book will answer all the ‘What If’s?’
Inside this book is a 12 week Performance Success Program. Success strategies are laid out in a chaptered ladder to your success. Overcome your fears, diminish your self-criticism, and accentuate your bravado in this pearl of the seven seas. Are you ready to get your dreams underway and live the life you know you have within you? Then what are you waiting for? The written invitation?
Well, you’re reading it here. Find it on amazon.com
– Vocals Magazine December 2009
October 27th, 2009 — REVIEW
Performing in The Zone by Jon Gorrie is a book to help ease and manipulate performance anxiety. It follows the lineage of Mental Toughness, The Inner Game of Music, and other books in the genre. I was impressed how he incorporated information from this rich history but still wrote a unique and very practical book. He refers and quotes such texts but doesn’t just reiterate their contents.
The book is divided into four sections:
The Theory – background information on performance anxiety
The Techniques – 20 tools to assist you
The Program – a 12 week mental ‘weight-training’ course
Digging Deeper – further sources and information
This is not just a book but a workbook, a true workbook. It has questions to answer, goals to set, journals to write and more with clear and easy directions for everything. The book really involves the reader which is an absolute necessity for authentic and lasting change.
The 20 techniques represented are quite diverse and although they may not all appeal to everyone there is bound to be many useful ideas for each person.
One of my favorite things about this book is how skills are presented with simple ‘baby steps’. He walks you through the actions with a simple and natural progression. He doesn’t make it feel like a dreaded task or assignment but rather something to look forward to in order to improve your performances and performance abilities. For example, rather than just telling the reader to visualize, he takes you step by step through the process. This adds concrete meaning and makes this important technique more user friendly and applicable.
Performing in the Zone is sectioned nicely with each page divided into easily understood and straightforward chunks or sections. This makes dense topics very palatable. He uses analogies which are always unique and appropriate yet meaningful for the reader.
Gorrie incorporates original algebraic formulas, extending and evolving those from other books. These are not just a re-iteration but a re-thinking and advancement of the material.
For example, The Inner Game of Music presents this:
P = p – i
or
Performance equals Potential minus Interference.
Gorrie posits:
RLP = (c + p – e) + a
or
Resulting Level of Performance equals Cognitive Attributes plus Physical Attributes minus External Interference plus Performance Arousal.
The techniques given are explained well and steps are given to build up to the ideal goals. Rather than just being a ‘do this’ step, he explains how to get there in simple and short explanations. This makes his concepts easier to understand and implement. Quizzes are given at the end of sections to reinforce the information.
Even his more existential, philosophical and eastern texts are well grounded, explained, and related to our western thought patterns. When Gorrie presents familiar concepts, he does so in a refreshing, simple, and useful manner. He understands that not all techniques work for everyone and presents many options for the reader.
He relates The Zone techniques to real life experiences and how to practice and use them in everyday life situations.
Gorrie includes a wonderful and extensive bibliography, references, and resources for future study.
The 12 week program is a well designed mental weight training regiment. It does require the reader / participant to set aside 30-180 minutes a day. However, if you are serious about making change then making the time is not an option. You can’t improve at something without putting forth the effort and these mental workouts are no exception. Fortunately, Gorrie has laid out the plan very systematically with clear directions.
What if the program doesn’t work or isn’t as effective as one hopes? Welcome to Part 4 of Performing in the Zone.
This is a great section with information on physical and mental well-being. He takes a very holistic approach to assist the reader in their wellness and success in achieving ‘the zone’.
Topics include diet and exercise as well as the Alexander technique of body mechanics.
This is one of those book I feel everyone should read. Books like Getting Things Done by David Allen and Alexander Techniques are manuals for living and this book is another one to help people live and prosper.
I look forward to reading and using this book over and over again as its pages and information has staying power as well as new meaning with each read.
Although Gorrie recommends this book for performers and those in the spotlight I feel it can benefit anyone looking to make a positive change in their life.
Highly recommended.
October 15th, 2009 — REVIEW
Folks, trumpeter, Jon Gorrie has written a wonderful little book called “Performance in the Zone.” This is a book that deals with getting one’s mental house in order for performance.
There are many books that performers have used as a guide to get ready for a concert, recital or gig. Books that come to mind are Zen and the Art of Archery, and the Mental Game of Tennis. Gorrie’s book is specifically geared towards performers in the arts, though it could apply even to sports.
In reading this book, ideas that resonated with me are the following: 1.) You are what you think. 2.) Your performance should add value to your own life and the life of others. 3.) Avoid excessive talk about yourself. 4.) Keep a performance journal. These are only a few of the many salient points Gorrie addresses.
The book also has a work-book component. Gorrie wants you to develop a solid repeatable method for getting yourself into the zone.
This book is very well thought out. Like similar books (Effortless Mastery by Kenny Werner comes to mind), there is reference to Eastern philosophies, though it is not a book on religion by any means. There is also considerable reference to the psychological underpinnings of Gorrie’s ideas. There are many fine references at the end of the book.
This is a very thorough treatise on performance preparation. I would recommend it to anyone working along these lines.
Respectfully,
Nick Drozdoff
(Internationally renowned trumpet performing artist, former trumpet player with the Maynard Ferguson Orchestra. More info at http://www.nickdrozdoff.com )
October 2nd, 2009 — REVIEW
Review excerpted from:
http://www.bass-musician-magazine.com/General/bass-musician-magazine-detail.asp?year=2009&month=10&article-id=923423043
Review by Raul Amador
Interested in Bass Books, CD’s and DVD’s? If so, Join the discussion in the Bass Musician Magazine Community!
Have you ever gone to a concert, a play, a sports event or even your favorite restaurant and just been blown away by how amazing it was? Superior performance in all aspects of life is much more that a mere coincidence! Performing in the Zone by Jon Gorrie was written to help you take a thorough look at yourself and take your performing (and anything in your life) to the next level.
First we are presented with the ‘Theory behind this Process where we get acquainted with the parameters of performance. Next we are given the many techniques we can use to get situated where we need to be for optimal performance. Next, we formalize the process by establishing a program to accomplish our goals. Lastly, we are given the keys to dig even deeper in the pursuit of that “Zone”
All in all, the clear and concise text and numerous exercises make this an excellent “workbook for success”. Anyone can apply the many lessons here to achieving a superior result in anything they choose.
Want to maximize your potential? Read this book!
Visit online at Thezonebook.com
