The Bulletproof Musician How to Use Focus Cues to Play More Freely on Stage
Sep 28, 2025
A pianist's teacher once advised them to forget everything learned, encouraging a trust in instincts over overthinking. The discussion contrasts internal focus during practice with external focus when performing, highlighting how pre-performance body awareness might lead to choking. A fascinating study reveals that switching from internal to external focus can boost performance, offering musicians practical cues for better execution. This mental shift aims to enhance confidence and freedom on stage.
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Teacher's Parting Wisdom
- A pianist recalled their teacher's final advice: "Now forget everything I ever told you."
- The teacher meant to encourage trusting oneself and playing without overthinking.
External Focus Boosts Performance
- An external focus (goal of movement) improves complex skill performance under pressure.
- Focusing on sound and outcome beats monitoring precise body mechanics while playing.
Release Tension Then Refocus
- Avoid dwelling on internal technical details right before or during performance to reduce choking risk.
- Release tension briefly but then shift attention to musical goals instead of body mechanics.