This website broadcasts streaming video on demand of classical music concerts, with great sound and close up footage of the performers!

What an amazing resource!

Anyone, anywhere in the world (providing they have a computer and high-speed internet) can enjoy these *free* performances!

It doesn’t get much better than this!

Check it out!!!

www.medici.tv

http://www.bass-musician-magazine.com/General/bass-musician-magazine-detail.asp?year=2009&month=10&article-id=923423043

Review by Raul Amador

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

http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jon_Gorrie

Definitely worth a read!

The Unbearable Lightness of Being

The inner voice – friend or foe?

While practicing music, I mentally take note of areas that sound good, passages that sound OK, and passages that need more work.

I try my best to be non-judgmental in this process as I am aware that excessive negativity can destroy; negative labels can impede my progress with mental blocks and psychological hang-ups. Studies show that there is a direct mind/body connection between what a person thinks and feels with how a person performs. The field of sports psychology, in fact, is entirely devoted to exploring and capitalizing on this connection to maximize an athlete’s performance.

Mental blocks of one variety or another can appear when least expected. Besides the occasional paranoia about my chops, the second biggest mental hurdle for me is remaining non-judgmental of musical passages or techniques that are “in the works.” This holds especially true when I am working out a passage for an event where I will be judged: a recital, a jury exam or an orchestral audition. Staying positive and constructive in this scenario can sometimes be a challenge for me – especially if the outside world creeps in.

Body Language and the Inner Voice

As a teacher, it is possible to almost read a student’s mind through observing their body movements while playing – their body language. A teacher may catch subtle, quirky movements that might indicate something is going on inside the student’s head. For example, I had one student that whenever she felt uncomfortable about something she was playing, she would twist her foot sideways. Another student would furrow his brow. Another would fall back in his seat after missing a note or two in succession.

When I ask them, “what was going on in your mind while you were playing that passage?” many respond that an inner conversation of some kind was going on in their heads. Something like:

“Here comes that hard part that I always mess up.”

“I hope I play this well.”

“Oh my – crash and burn – that was terrible! I better play the next part even better to make up for that.”

“!@$$# – I missed that too! That was awful. I really suck.”

“I’ll never get this right. I might as well give up.”

“If this keeps up, I will never succeed in music.”

For this reason, I like to practice in front of a mirror on a regular basis. Besides looking for a correct embouchure and good posture, I am also looking for subtle body language clues that might indicate an over-active mind.

Above and beyond this, when looking into the mirror I try to reflect an image of a musician who is poised, relaxed, strong and confident. In time, this reflection translates into reality.

I also like to use a recording device and record myself often. I recommend listening to the recordings a later time, as recording and immediate listening can encourage and feed the inner critic. By listening to recordings at a later time, I am able to separate myself from the horn and more objectively assume the role as a self-teacher, finding little things here and there that need extra attention.

“Brain Roof Chatter”

When asked to verbalize their inner critics out loud, most students do not even realize how harsh they are on themselves. So, this seems to be the first step in becoming more mentally self-aware while practicing or performing – realize, hear and listen to your inner voice. What is it saying to you? Why is it saying these things to you? Are these comments based in reality or are they hyper-exaggerated?

In the book, “Brass Wind Artistry: Master Your Mind, Master Your Instrument,” Paul Severson uses the term “brain roof chatter” for this phenomena. An overactive brain that “chatters” with extra conversations can not only impair the “ideal performance state” but it can also (over time) affect a player’s attitude towards music and other musicians.

Severson suggests a simple technique that I have adapted and modified. I call it the “stop” technique.

The Stop Technique

In performance, the mind should be “nowhere in particular,” as an ancient Takuan proverb advises. The trick is to catch that inner critic whenever it starts chattering and to “let go” of any anger, doubt, fear or frustration. Sometimes, this in itself can be a challenge: external circumstances might blind or delude a player as to what is really going on.

For this reason, I insist on a quiet practice space without distraction or interruption. I view my practice room as a sacred, revered space, similar to a dojo in martial arts training.

Years ago however, I had developed a bad habit of practicing my daily routine while watching television or reading online news. This method, I finally realized, diluted the efficiency of my practicing and blinded me to what was going on inside my head. When I stopped practicing in this manner, I noticed a substantial difference in my overall playing and attitude.

Other distractions might include: a loud, ticking clock, a buzzing light, a friend who steps into your practice room to socialize, bad room acoustics, or even traffic noise.

Less obvious are mental distractions – they can be difficult to catch. Preoccupations – worrying about bills, a girlfriend or boyfriend, or other life challenges – can be hard to shake off sometimes.

Whenever I catch myself mentally drifting or over-criticizing myself, I immediately stop playing, put the horn down and say the word “STOP” out loud. Sometimes I even visualize a large, red stop sign in my mind. This exclamation is made without judgment or emotion; it is merely a verbal tool to get my mind back on track. If in a practice session, I catch myself drifting more than 4 or 5 times in a row, I put the horn down for about 20 minutes and do something else for a while.

Why? Every human has a daily cycle of circadian rhythms (biological highs and lows that rise and fall throughout the day) and if I am in a moment of low mental energy, my time might be better suited doing something else other than music. Circadian rhythms tend to cycle every 20 minutes, so after that amount of time has passed, I pick up the horn and try again. Usually, the next practice session goes much better.

Focus on what you do well

The legendary martial artist and movie star Bruce Lee is a perfect example of how a mental giant can overcome physical shortcomings. I was a small kid and because Bruce Lee was a small guy that kicked butt (and we shared the same first name), he was my absolute hero. In one of my favorite books, “Zen in the Martial Arts,” the author relates a conversation with Bruce Lee on the topic of limitations. The author laments that he can’t kick over his head and how he was not as flexible at age 45 as he was at age 21. Lee responds:

“You will never learn anything new unless you are ready to accept yourself with your limitations. …You must accept the fact that you are capable in some directions and limited in others, and you must develop your capabilities. …I became a martial artist in spite of my limitations.”

To me this quote was a little surprising as Bruce Lee revolutionized martial arts with his stunning technique and artistry. Lee continues to relate that his right leg is actually one inch shorter than his left leg. He found that because of this he had a certain advantage with certain types of kicks, since the uneven stance gave him greater impetus. Lee was also limited in his height, he wore contact lenses, and had difficulty with the English language.

“I accepted my limitations for what they were and capitalized on them…Instead of trying to do everything well, do those things perfectly of which you are capable…The past is an illusion. You must learn to live in the present and accept yourself for what you are now. What you lack in flexibility you must make up with knowledge and constant practice.”

Focus on what you do well  – this will help to keep your mind in the present and will keep the negative chatter under control. As Lee points out, the past is an illusion and thinking about past mistakes or triumphs pulls your mind out of the present and invites the judgmental critic into your thoughts.

This does not mean that you do not need to practice your weak areas. It means that as our strengths are discovered and improved, they come to outweigh our weaknesses.

Focus on what you do well and in time and with practice, your capabilities will exceed your limitations.

http://www.thezonebook.com

Bibliography and Suggested Further Reading

Books and articles:

Aaron, Stephen
Stage fright
Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1986.

Alcantara, Pedro de.
Indirect Procedures –
A Musicians Guide to the Alexander Technique
Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1997.

Alexander, F.M.
Bedre Brug af Sig Selv
(The Use of the Self)
Aarhus: Novis Publications, 1995.
(London: Victor Gollancz, 1985)

Angelöw, B.                           
Meditera för ett Bättre Liv –
Om Transcendental Meditation
Stockholm: Graphic Systems, 1993.

Armstrong, J.                          
Never Ask Why –
The Life Experience of Kitty Wielopolska
Aarhus: Novis Publications, 2001.

Bragg, Paul C, and  Bragg, Patricia
Bragg Healthy Lifestyle –
Vital Living to 120
Santa Barbara: Health Science, 2004.

Bragg, Paul C, and  Bragg, Patricia
The Miracle of Fasting
Santa Barbara: Health Science, 2004.

Carlson, Neil R., William Buskist and Neil G. Martin.
Psychology – The Science of Behaviour
Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd., 2000.

Carlson, Richard
Stop Thinking and Start Living
London: HarperCollins Publishers, 2003

Carron, Albert V.
Social Psychology of Sport
New York: Mouvement Publications, 1980.

Chadwick, Felicia.
Beyond Belief – Talent Development in Music
Newcastle: University of Newcastle, 2001.

Dahl, Ole Vadum
Grund Bog i NLP
I. Kommunikation og Terapi
Køpenhamn: Paludan, 1993

Davis, Richard
Becoming an Orchestral Musician
London: Giles de la Mare Publishers Ltd, 2004.

Deutsch, Diana, ed.
The Psychology of Music
New York: Academic Press Ltd., 1982.

Diamant, Louis, ed.
Psychology of Sports, Exercise, and Fitness –
Social and Personal Issues
New York: Hemisphere Publishing Corporation, 1991.

Ding, Master John.
15-Minute Tai Chi: Strong Body, Still Mind
London: Thorsons, 2003.

Dunkel, Stuart E.
The Audition Process –
Anxiety Management and coping strategies
New York: Pendragon Press, 1989.

Einstein, Albert
Ideas and Opinions
New York: The Three Rivers Press, 1995.

Einstein, Albert
The World as I see it
Minneapolis: Filiquarian Publishing, LLC., 2007.

Enhager, K.
Kvantgolf – Nytändning för Frustrerade Golfare
Helsingborg: Schmidts Boktrykeri, 1992.

Fiske, Harold E.
Music Cognition and Aesthetic Attitudes
Dyfed: The Edwin Mellen Press, 1993.

Floyd, Angeleita S.
“Finding Balance: Position, Posture, and Presentation”,
The Flutist’s Handbook: A Pedagogy Anthology.
Article excerpted from Chapter 3,
“Principles of Fundamental Technique,”
of The Gilbert Legacy by Angeleita S. Floyd.
Winzer Press, 1994.

Freeman, Eric and Freeman, Elisabeth
Head First Design Patterns
A Brain-Friendly Guide
Sebastopol: O’Reilly Media, Inc., 2004

Freymuth, M.
Mental Practice and Imagery for Musicians
Boulder: Integrated Musician’s Press, 1999.

Gallwey, T.
The Inner Game of Tennis
New York: Random House, 1974.

Gerzabek, Ute.
The Power of Breathing
London: Marshall Publishing, 1999.

Gill, Diane L.
Psychological Dynamics of Sport
Illinois: Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc., 1986.

Godøy, Rolf Inge and Harald Jørgenson, eds.
Musical Imagery
Lisse: Swets & Zeitlinger Publishers, 2001.

Gordon, C.
Systematic Approach to Daily Practice for Trumpet
New York: Carl Fischer, 1968.

Gorrie, J.
An Explanation of Performance Arousal for Musicians and
An Introduction to Suggested Techniques for
Control of Performance Arousal
Gothenburg: Gothenburg University, 2005.

Gorrie, J.
Just another day at the office…
Gothenburg: Gothenburg University, 2005.

Gorrie, J.
Mind and Body:
A Theory for Understanding Levels of Musical Performance
Wellington: Victoria University of Wellington, 2002.

Green, Barry and T. Gallwey
The Inner Game of Music
New York: Doubleday & Co., Inc., 1986.

Greene, D.
Audition Success –
An Olympic Sports Psychologist
Teaches Performing Artists How to Win
New York: Routledge, 2001.

Grindea, C. ed.
Tensions in the Performance of Music
London: Kahn and Averill, 1978.

Hewstone, M., W. Stroebe, and G.M. Stephenson, eds.
Introduction to Social Psychology
Oxford: Blackwell Publishers Ltd., 1996.

Hickman, D.                           
Trumpet Lessons with David Hickman
Volume V – Psychology of Performance
Denver: Tromba, 1989.

Hollingworth, H.L.
The Psychology of the Audience
New York: American Book Company, 1935.

Jones, C.
What Makes Winners Win
New York: Broadway Books, 1997.

Kremner, J and D. Scully.
Psychology in Sport
London: Taylor and Francis Ltd., 1994.

Kryter, K.D.
Handbook of Hearing and the Effects of Noise
New York: Academic Press, 1996.

Lieberman, J.L.
You Are Your Instrument
New York: Huiksi Music, 1997

Marks, Isaac M.
Living with Fear –
Understanding and Coping with Anxiety
London: McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, 1978.

Masterson, J.F.
Det Truede Selv (The Search for the Real Self)
Borderline og narcissisme –
Personlighedsforstyrrelser i det moderne samfund
Gylling: Narayana Press, 1990.

Mayland, E.L.
Rosen Method:
An Approach to Wholeness and Well-Being Through the Body
Santa Cruz: 52 Stone Press, 2005.

Orlick, T.
In Pursuit of Excellence –
How to Win in Sport and Life through Mental Training
Champaign IL: Human Kinetics, 2000.

Railo, W.
Nya Bäst När Det Gäller – Idrottspsykologi
Sverige: Skogs Grafiska AB, 1992.

Reid, D.
A Complete Guide to Chi-Gung
Boston: Shambala Publications Inc. 1998.

Reid, D.
The Tao of Health, Sex and Longevity
New York: Fireside – Simon and Schuster, 1989.

Reid, D., Chou, D., and Huang, J.
The Complete Book of Chinese Health and Healing:
Guarding the Three Treasures
Boston: Shambala Publications Inc. 1994.

Reid, D.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Boston: Shambala Publications Inc. 1996.

Seashore, Carl E.
Psychology of Music
New York: Dover Publications Inc., 1967.

Seashore, Carl E.
Psychology of Musical Talent
Boston: Silver, Burdett and Co., 1919.

Shaffer, David, R.
Developmental Psychology –
Studenthood and Adolescence
New York : Brooks/Cole Publishing Company, 1999.

Snell, H.
The Trumpet – Its Practice and Performance
Brighouse: Kirklees Music, 1997.

Spilling, M. ed.
Handbook of the Human Body
London: Amber Books Ltd., 2006.

Toff, Nancy.
The Flute Book –
A Complete Guide for Students and Performers
London: Oxford University Press, 1996.

Tolle, Eckhart.
The Power of Now
A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment
London: Hodder and Stoughton. 1999.

Tze, Lao. Trans. Wu, J. C. H.
Tao Teh Ching
Boston: Shambala Publications Inc., 2005.

Tzu, Sun
The Art of War
Boston: Shambala Publications Inc., 1991.

Ungerleider, S.
Mental Training for Peak Performance
Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rosedale Press, Inc. 1996.

Vaughn, M and Hogg, Michael A.
Introduction to Social Psychology – 2nd Edition
Victoria: McPhersons Printing Group, 1998.

Werner, K.
Effortless Mastery
Liberating the Master Musician Within
New Albany: Jamey Aebersold Jazz, Inc., 1996.

Wilson, Paul.
The Quiet:
Four Simple Steps to Peace and Contentment –
Without Spending Your Life on a Mountaintop
London: MacMillan, 1997.

Zi, Nancy.
The Art of Breathing
New York: Bantam Books, Inc., 1986.

Online and electronic resources:

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Noise

http://asha.org

ARA Content.
The Mind-Body Benefits of Physical Fitness

http://www.mamashealth.com/exercise/mindbody.asp

Arnold, Joan.
Poise in Performance: Alexander Technique for Musicians

http://www.alexandertechnique.com/articles/musicians

Berk, Dr. Lee and Tan, Dr. Stanley. 
The Benefits of Laughter

http://www.holisticonline.com/Humor_Therapy/

humor_therapy_benefits.htm

Clarke, Eric F. 
Psychology of music – Performance

http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com

Cross, Ian. 
Psychology of music – History – The late 20th Century

http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com

Geary, Amanda.
The Mind guide to food and mood

http://www.mind.org.uk

Gordon, Claude.
The Seven Natural Elements of Brass Playing

http://www.claudegordonmusic.com

Hargreaves, David, Anthony Kemp and Adrian North.
Psychology of music – Social Psychology

http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com

Kataria, Dr. Madan.
Laughter Clubs

http://www.laughteryoga.org

LaLanne, Jack.
The Jack LaLanne Show and other DVDs

http://www.jacklalanne.com

Lewcock, Ronald, Rijn Pirn, and Jürgen Meyer.
Acoustics – Room Acoustics
http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com

Lewis, Dennis.
Breathing Tips and Research for Health,
Well Being and Inner Growth

http://www.breathing.com

Lundeberg, Åke.
The Art of Performing Under Pressure
http://user.tninet.se/pdi969s/york.htm

National Geographic.
My Brilliant Brain

http://www1.natgeochannel.co.uk/explore/MyBrilliantBrain

Nausbaum, Nora.
What is the Difference between the
Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais Method?

http://www.ati-net.com/

Neimark, N.
The Fight or Flight Response

http://www.thebodysoulconnection.com/

EducationCenter/fight.html

O’Neill, Susan.
Psychology of music – Musical Ability

http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com

Robbins, Anthony.
Get the Edge

http://www.tonyrobbins.com

Robbins, Anthony.
Personal Power 2

http://www.tonyrobbins.com

Schacherer, Nathan.
Voice projection and tone

http://www.socialsupermen.com

Shakya, Grandmaster Jy Din.
Empty Cloud – The Teachings of Xu Yun

http://www.jcrows.com/XuYunTeachings.html

Spurlock, Morgan.
Super Size Me

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0390521/

Szabo, Billet, and Turner.
Phenylethylamine: A Possible Link to the
Antidepressant Effects of Exercise?

http://www.bjsm.bmj.com

Tolle, Eckhart.
Practising the Power of Now

http://www.eckharttolle.com

Tolle, Eckhart.
The Power of Not Knowing

http://www.eckharttolle.com

Toms, Justine Willis.
The Art of Breathing

http://www.justinewillistoms.com

Wikipedia.
Body Mass Index

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_mass_index

Wikipedia.
Haile Gebrselassie

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haile_Gebrselassie

Wikipedia.
Hypothalamus

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothalamus

Wikipedia.
Neuro-linguistic Programming

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuro-linguistic_programming

Wikipedia.
Qigong

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qigong

The recommended retail price of “Performing in The Zone” is US$23.95

But with the 20% release discount, you can pick up a copy for US$19.17
(Note: This discount applies only until the end of July!)

Order your copy on amazon.com using this link:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1442110996

I’d love to hear your feedback!

Jon Gorrie
- author, Performing in The Zone

This new blog is going to contain a LOT of interesting articles and extra information about controlling performance arousal, inspirational stories and videos, links to alternative sources of information, and regular updates about “Performing in The Zone”.

More soon!