The Bulletproof Musician

Effective practicers tend to be more motivated, empowered, and persistent, whereas less effective practicers tend to feel more helpless and lower self-efficacy.But what do they actually do differently?One of the big differences between better and worse practicers in a 2021 study was the time spent in "non-playing" practice activities. Like, those periods between the playing and repetitions where our fingers aren't moving and making sounds come out of our instruments. And what exactly is happening in those quiet moments? Get all the nerdy details  in this week's episode, with links to additional resources here if you'd like to explore this further:How Do Effective Practicers Make the Most of Their Practice Time?More from The Bulletproof Musician Get the free weekly newsletter, for more nerdy details and bonus subscriber-only content. Pressure Proof: A free 7-day performance practice crash course that will help you shrink the gap between the practice room and the stage. Learning Lab: A continuing education community where musicians and learners are putting research into practice. Live and self-paced courses

You're probably heard the quote "Genius is 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration."But what do you think? Both play some role of course, but which do you think is more important for achieving success - innate ability or effortful training?What would you say if I said that you might be fooling yourself? Where even if you think that you believe effort and training to be more important, deep down, you might actually favor natural ability over hard work?Are we all biased against effort without realizing it?Get all the nerdy details here:Do We Unconsciously Favor Talent Over Effort?More from The Bulletproof Musician Get the free weekly newsletter, for more nerdy details and bonus subscriber-only content. Pressure Proof: A free 7-day performance practice crash course that will help you shrink the gap between the practice room and the stage. Learning Lab: A continuing education community where musicians and learners are putting research into practice. Live and self-paced courses

Yumi Kendall, the assistant principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra and a faculty member at the Curtis Institute, shares her journey of turning challenges into growth. She discusses effective practice techniques, the balance between personal responsibilities and musical goals, and the transformative power of positivity in overcoming performance anxiety. Yumi emphasizes self-compassion, identifies the impact of negative self-talk, and advocates for change in the music industry towards greater diversity and inclusion.

We all have a voice in our head, that can sometimes get pretty loud and awfully critical.Ever wonder where this voice and all that negativity comes from? And why it can suddenly become more critical at certain times more than others?A 1990 study provides some intriguing clues!Get all the nerdy details right here:How to Keep Your Inner Critic From Getting the Better of YouMore from The Bulletproof Musician Get the free weekly newsletter, for more nerdy details and bonus subscriber-only content. Pressure Proof: A free 7-day performance practice crash course that will help you shrink the gap between the practice room and the stage. Learning Lab: A continuing education community where musicians and learners are putting research into practice. Live and self-paced courses

Musicians often feel overwhelmed by the pressure to practice relentlessly. A famous quote suggests that skipping practice impacts performance, but taking breaks might be key to overcoming burnout. The discussion dives into how mental fatigue affects creativity and performance, urging artists to prioritize their mental health. Strategies for joy in practice and effective preparation for performances are also explored, making a compelling case for a balanced approach to honing one’s craft.

Have you ever struggled to replicate the same musical note? It turns out our brains aren't made for that kind of consistency! Instead, they thrive on movement variability, which is crucial for musicians and athletes alike. A Stanford study reveals how embracing these natural inconsistencies can actually enhance performance. From tennis serves to violin crescendos, this discussion encourages a healthier approach to practicing and performing, promising more joy and confidence when you finally step on stage.

In this insightful discussion, Mitch Abrams, a forensic and sport psychologist specializing in trauma and high-level performance, delves into the often-overlooked topic of trauma in the music community. He explains how individual perceptions of trauma can shape experiences and processing. Mitch highlights the significance of a supportive environment for performers and the complex effects of trauma on memory and emotional expression. He also emphasizes the vital role of educators in fostering a growth mindset while navigating the intricate teacher-student dynamics.

The podcast dives into whether rewarding efforts or pointing out mistakes is more effective for learning. Surprising insights reveal that while punishment can speed up skill acquisition, it may hinder long-term retention. Coupled with discussions on transitioning from practice to performance, the conversation emphasizes the need for constructive feedback and effective coaching techniques. The host also teases an upcoming online class aimed at helping musicians overcome anxiety and enhance their practice routines.

It's hard to be a parent and not worry about one's kids. Especially when it comes to public performances, competitions, or auditions, whether big or small.But doesn't it feel like sometimes a parents' worry is contagious? Where their stress or worry rubs off on their child, and the kid starts worrying or feeling more pressure as the performance approaches too?The answer is not to tell your students' parents to chill out and stop worrying, of course. Because that's not likely to happen no matter what you say! 😅But the research suggests that there are better or more productive ways to worry. So if a parent is going to worry, they might as well worry the right way.Wait...what? There are better and worse ways to worry?Get all the nerdy details in today's episode. References available here:One Way Parents Can Help Their Kids Be Less AnxiousMore from The Bulletproof Musician Get the free weekly newsletter, for more nerdy details and bonus subscriber-only content. Pressure Proof: A free 7-day performance practice crash course that will help you shrink the gap between the practice room and the stage. Learning Lab: A continuing education community where musicians and learners are putting research into practice. Live and self-paced courses

This discussion dives into the fascinating impact of self-talk on achieving goals. It reveals how replacing 'can't' with 'don't' can significantly boost motivation and success rates. The conversation also explores the gap between practice and performance, addressing issues that artists face beyond just stage fright. With insights from a study showcasing the power of language, listeners are encouraged to shift their mindset and enhance their practice experience.