The Bulletproof Musician

Apparently we've all been sitting incorrectly our whole lives - and paying a price for it not just in terms of comfort, but cognitive performance too.

Having difficulty concentrating in the practice room? Sounds simple, but research suggests that taking a drink of water could help increase concentration and help you problem-solve more effectively.

Playing a musical instrument can be physically awkward at times - but it shouldn't feel quite as uncomfortable as it often does. In this week's conversation, violist Carol Rodland (Juilliard, Perlman Music Program) shares her thoughts on how we can all learn to play with more ease and effortlessness.

Some things are urgent (a gig today), while other things are important (a big audition in 2 months). How can we make the best use of our practice time so that we are at our best for the truly important moments?

We've all heard of "home-court advantage." But research suggests that there are times when performing in front of a supportive audience can put us at a disadvantage too.

It's normal to feel pressure in high-stakes auditions and performances, but too much can lead to a meltdown. Is there any way to relieve some of that pressure while still caring deeply about doing our best?

What do great performers think about while performing? Technique? Sound? Images? In this week's conversation, former Met principal horn player Julie Landsman shares insights on what she did to stay focused on stage, and how she was able to develop trust in her abilities under pressure.

You probably already know about the benefits of mental practice. And you may also have heard of "observational practice." But recent research suggests that combining the two can help us learn even more effectively than doing either one on its own.

What's the right thing to say to someone before a high-pressure event? Good luck? You'll do great? Just breathe? Research suggests that a text message from a significant other can attenuate their stress response - but not any old message will do.

How do "overuse" injuries occur? Is it simply a matter of playing too much? Or are there other factors involved that are often overlooked? In this week's conversation, former MN Orchestra associate principal cellist Janet Horvath shares insights on how to play pain-free and avoid injuries.

It's easy for lessons to become completely focused on all the things we are doing wrong. And while glossing over mistakes is not the answer, is this the most effective way to learn? Or might animal trainers know something that could actually come in handy, whether it's playing the piano or learning surgical skills?

We've all done it. And some swear that it helps them to focus and concentrate. But what does the research say? Do we actually study better if there's music playing in the background?

Why you may want to give yourself a little bit of quiet time after practicing (or studying), instead of jumping immediately into another activity.

I used to dread recording myself. And listening back was even worse. So why do some musicians swear by it? How exactly does it help us in the practice room and on stage? And how can we get ourselves to not only embrace recording...but maybe even come to enjoy the process?

There are two kinds of mistakes we make on stage. The kind that we see coming (ack! difficult passage ahead!). And the kind we never could have imagined (what the...?!). Either way, we need a way to move past them quickly, so they don't snowball out of control. Here's where a mistake ritual can come in handy.