The Musician’s Mind-Palace
Creating performance mind-palaces where you feel most powerful
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This is something I started to do for myself to practice in the performing mind-space when I realized the me in the practice room and the me in a performance feels and is dramatically different. I realized I didn't put very much focus on practicing with confidence, as I did making sure everything was correct. Although I did perform confidently, the performer-me wasn't what I was bringing into lessons...it was the more analytical me.
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Ask yourself these questions:
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🔥What kind of space is my optimal performance space? Is it a large hall? Church? Classroom?
🔥What size is your ideal audience? Are you like me where the more the better or do you find yourself most comfy with a small group of close pals?
🔥What kind of stage space do you have? Is it elevated? Carpet? Wood? Try to feel the ground under your feet.
🔥What are the walls like? Wood? Stone? Plaster and paint?
🔥What is the temperature like?
🔥How live is the sound of the room?
🔥How is it lit? Stage lights? Full house lights on? Bright windows?
🔥Are there any other instruments around you? Piano? What style?
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You get the idea - outline your ideal space by figuring out everything down to the smallest detail. And yes, it's helpful to outline your worst performance space as well! More on that later!
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Set some time to go to that place, and practice being a confident risk taker. Especially if you're like me and are the default-analytical player. If you’re able to, sense or see the space around you, feel the texture of the floor, the temperature of the space, the sounds as you can sense them. The idea is to put yourself in that space with the best of your ability to practice what being there feels like - even if that is just having the list with you and feeling the joy and confidence bubble up inside. Next, try practicing your instrument with that feeling. Get used to it.
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If any of this helped you, let me know , and don't forget to sign up for my mailing list by clicking here!
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If you'd like to work more on your own fearless flute playing, creativity, and courage - regardless of skill level or location, or need guidance in structuring your practice and a plan, click here and get in touch!